Universal Quoting Formula: Total Job Price = (Raw Material COGS + Machine Depreciation & Energy + Finishing Labor) / (1 - Target Margin %).
All variables calculate locally in real time. Standard commercial margins are 50%–65% for B2B contracts and 65%–80% for custom retail orders.
Engineering Best Practices & Pricing Breakdown
Precision job quoting in custom fabrication requires factoring in real consumable depletion, energy tariffs, operator touch time, and machine wear. Relying on simple '3x material cost' rules frequently causes custom makers to operate at a hidden net loss on complex jobs.
By capturing true volumetric yields, machine depreciation schedules, and hourly technician burden rates, this tool ensures sustainable profit margins for commercial workshops and micro-manufacturers.
Proofgrade vs Non-Proofgrade Material COGS
| Material (12"x20") | Proofgrade Retail | Third-Party Sourced | Savings per Sheet |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8" Medium Draftboard (MDF) | $8.50 | $1.85 | 78% Savings ($6.65) |
| 1/8" Birch Plywood | $14.00 | $3.20 | 77% Savings ($10.80) |
| 1/8" Clear Cast Acrylic | $16.50 | $4.80 | 71% Savings ($11.70) |
| 1/8" Walnut Hardwood Ply | $21.00 | $6.50 | 69% Savings ($14.50) |