how much $

[Buzzy]

have had a few people lately wanting me to smoke meat for them. I will gladly do it but don't feel I should do it for free. I don't want to over charge them & not have them return. Any guidance on price for such a service??

[Richtee]

Well, no simple answer here really. I mean...for friends and such? Well, meat cost, your fuel and spices, gas to get said supplies... and the cost of a 12 pack minimum.... brisket and butts...a case!

[SMOKE FREAK]

have had a few people lately wanting me to smoke meat for them. I will gladly do it but don't feel I should do it for free. I don't want to over charge them & not have them return. Any guidance on price for such a service??

Ill do it for anyone if they buy the beer...
Yeah that gets expensive sometimes...

[SmokinOutBack]

Ill do it for anyone if they buy the beer...
Yeah that gets expensive sometimes...

[blues_n_cues]

have had a few people lately wanting me to smoke meat for them. I will gladly do it but don't feel I should do it for free. I don't want to over charge them & not have them return. Any guidance on price for such a service??

depends on what they want- brisket,pulled pork,ribs..etc....

cost+beverage+ $30 for 6 racks ribs
+ $50 for brisket & pork butt.

and I'm cheap.

[Fire it up]

One thing about people is that they are more than willing and happy to pay decent money for some good smoked meat.
Next time you're at the grocery store notice the outrageous prices on some of that processed and frozen BBQ they sell there, and people still buy that crap
And like Rich said, besides the meat you've got fuel and seasonings, not to mention your time which is valuable.
A few logs in the fire might not seem like much but does add up so don't feel bad about charging them a fair price to where you make your money back and a few bucks on top of that.

[rbranstner]

Two years ago I did a bunch of turkey's for people before Thanksgiving and only charged them $5 a bird but when I did them the next year I charged at least $10 a bird and will probably go higher next year. By the time you figure your seasonings, time, foil/glad wrap, fuel, etc. it add's up pretty fast. After I got them hooked the first year they had no issue what so ever paying more the next year. I have a bunch of people that I smoke salmon for and by the time I put my rub on them and wrap them all up in glad wrap 2-3 hours have gone by and that's not even including smoking time. I think I'm going to start having them doing all the rubbing and wrapping at their place so I don't have to take the time and use all of my materials. But then again if they screw it up then it might not turn out so well. Either way make sure you make money out of it because it can be a lot of time and work and once they try your awesome food they are going to want more and they usually put in bigger requests and some how they bring their friends as well. hehe

[Richtee]

Either way make sure you make money out of it because it can be a lot of time and work and once they try your awesome food they are going to want more and they usually put in bigger requests and some how they bring their friends as well. hehe

Bingo.

I did 3 picnic (front shoulder) hams for folks for Christmas. Charged $50 each ham. No questions. Had about 15 in each ham, then cure, seasoning, smoke and TIME... of course.

[Ryan]

I'm gonna start doing this for friends and I was curious about this to. What I came up with is they bring me the meat and rub(I'll supply at cost if they want). Buy me a big bag of charcoal(I've been using half a bag lately). I was thinking of charging $5-10 depending what I smoke and then a six pack of Busch light. It's not much but I figure I'll be able to smoke my own food at the same time, get some extra charcoal for my own use, money for the wood fund. If not friends I was thinking of the same but charging more.

[L20A]

I usually get a 12 pack of IPA and I keep some of the meat. I ask them to bring enough so I can keep some, about 1/4 of it. I am not looking to make $$ but I feel like I am doing it for myself if I keep some. For ribs I ask 'em to bring an extra rack for me. I have never had anyone complain or balk at it. Plus I almost always have room to throw on a butt for myself.

[ExhaustedSpark]

Buisness/not a buisness that is the question

There is a big difference with doing it for friends and then doing it as a business. Be careful Big brother will eventually gitcha.
Doing for a friend of a Friend of your brother is a business. I have a friend that was raising Chickens. Sold the chickens alive and then would butcher for whomever bought and the state nailed him with all kinds of threats of fines and even jail time. Needless to say he said &@%@ it and is now only raising for his self.
Good luck. I like the idea of keeping it as a hobby and not doing it for every one that asks. Case of favorite and expenses plus no complaints period.
Karl

[Jimh]

I was told once add up your cost an double it