Setting Your Taxidermy Prices

Pricing is one of the most important decisions for your shop. Here is a framework for setting competitive, profitable prices.

Cost-Plus Pricing Method:

Calculate your material costs (form, eyes, habitat, chemicals, paint)

Estimate your labor hours and multiply by your target hourly rate

Add overhead allocation (rent, utilities, insurance per mount)

Add your profit margin (typically 15-30%)

Market-Based Adjustments:

Research what other shops in your region charge

Competition-quality work commands a 30-50% premium

Specialty species or unusual poses warrant custom pricing

Rush fees typically add 25-50% to the base price

Common Pricing Ranges (2024-2025):

Deer shoulder mount: $500-$800

Elk shoulder mount: $1,200-$1,800

Full body deer: $2,000-$3,500

European mount: $100-$300

Bear rug: $800-$1,500

Fish replica: $12-$20 per inch

Deposit Strategy:

Require 50% at intake for standard mounts

Consider tiered deposits for large projects (50/25/25)

Collect full payment before release - never release a mount with a balance due