Guys, thanks for taking the time to read and answer my post - really appreciate your comments and thoughts.
As mentioned I already have a company interested in my holds (or, more specifically my hold carving skills), so the self-marketing bit is done for me. I guess half the problem is that there are, compared with other industries, so few holds manufacturers and even fewer professional carvers, so there're hardly any benchmark facts and figures to go on. Still, at least I now know it's not just me struggling to get to grips with the necessary but super boring business of pricing!
Just to pick up on a few points raised:
Louis, I’m with you on getting a set of the holds I design (if they make it to production) – actually, reckon I’d do it for free simply so I could say “I designed that” to my mates at the wall! Yes, I do indeed have a sculpting background; I’m a stone sculptor by trade. (If you’re interested you can see of my stuff here: http://www.nicknorris.com/stone_sculpture_uk.html). I’ve been climbing and route setting for years, but now that I’ve got the change to mix my two loves: sculpture and climbing, I can’t wait to get stuck in. Yes, will post some pics when I can. Also, last week I found the excellent E-Grips website (never heard of them here in the UK) and realised that you designed loads of their holds – really great, inspiring work!
Vincent, like the idea of royalties. Dunno what the company will say, but might give it a shot.
Donovan, “No one would buy anything of mine cause the price is far too high.” - I know what you mean, when you work it all out then cost it all up accurately, it’s got to be a labour of love – I’m mean, how do you charge for spending 100s of hrs a week just thinking about different hold shapes, angles, surfaces etc. and then spending even more hrs questioning everyone/anyone that’ll answer at the wall about what a good hold means to them...? I also know that if I tried to charge my usual sculpting rates I’d definitely get no where simply ‘cos the industry’s not big/wealthy enough to afford them, yet.
Cheers
Also, if anyone else is reading this and cares to shed some more light on my second question about the kind of money I should be looking to quote for per hold or set please post a line or two.
Happy carving!