Serious question, has anyone else had a client bring in a photo of a piece from a big box store?

Richard Jones · 2026-04-02T18:25:04.839067+00:00

Last week, a client in Springfield showed me a picture of a $399 dresser from a catalog and asked if I could match it. I explained the difference in materials and joinery, but they just didn't get why my quote was so much higher. How do you guys handle that conversation now?

ryan3695mo ago

Ever read that article about showing the actual cost breakdown? @ivan_mason has the right idea with samples, makes it way more real.

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ivan_mason5mo ago

You mentioned explaining materials and joinery. Do you find it helps more to physically show them a sample of your drawer dovetails next to a picture of those cheap stapled ones?

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piperm385mo ago

Yeah, I keep a drawer from a busted big box piece in my shop now. Letting them feel how wobbly it is usually clicks way faster than just talking about it.

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