{"id":1112,"date":"2025-02-08T08:43:06","date_gmt":"2025-02-08T08:43:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/?p=1112"},"modified":"2025-04-01T21:34:05","modified_gmt":"2025-04-01T21:34:05","slug":"precision-pricing-for-precision-parts-how-time-based-pricing-helps-you-quote-smarter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/precision-pricing-for-precision-parts-how-time-based-pricing-helps-you-quote-smarter\/","title":{"rendered":"Precision Pricing for Precision Parts: How Time-Based Pricing Helps You Quote Smarter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>When you\u2019re running a custom machine shop, fabrication company, or on-demand manufacturing service, one thing\u2019s certain: <strong>flat-rate pricing just doesn\u2019t cut it anymore.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some jobs are quick and straightforward. Others? Not so much. If your quoting process doesn\u2019t reflect the actual time and effort spent on a part \u2014 from setup to operator input to programming \u2014 you&#8217;re either undercharging, overcharging, or losing valuable time manually adjusting numbers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>That\u2019s where <strong>Time-Based Pricing<\/strong> in Digifabster comes in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd27 What Is Time-Based Pricing?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Time-Based Pricing<\/strong> is a quoting model that calculates cost based on:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Machine runtime<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Operator time<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Programming hours<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This approach is perfect for job shops working with CNC machining, multi-axis milling, laser cutting, plasma cutting, waterjet, and metal bending \u2014 where every part is different, and time is money (literally).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of relying on generalized templates or formulas that don\u2019t reflect real-world production, <strong>Digifabster uses CAD file analysis, geometry detection, and feature recognition to generate a precise estimate \u2014 automatically.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udde9 When Should You Use It?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Time-Based Pricing is ideal when:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Your machine shop or metal fabrication service deals with complex parts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You need to capture differences in setup and runtime for each order<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You\u2019re quoting low-volume, high-variation parts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>You want accurate job costing and clean margin control<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For example, if you&#8217;re quoting 5-axis CNC work or a custom sheet metal bracket with multiple bends and holes, this model ensures you&#8217;re billing appropriately for the time and complexity involved \u2014 rather than using a one-size-fits-all formula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udca1 Why It Matters<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Let\u2019s say you&#8217;re currently using a flat-rate pricing model or a basic spreadsheet with time estimates. That might work \u2014 until a customer sends a part that takes 3x longer to program and requires constant operator supervision. Suddenly your margins vanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By switching to <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/features\/time-based-and-cost-based-pricing-support\/\">Time-Based Pricing<\/a><\/strong>, you get:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transparent, defensible quotes<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Better alignment with real production time<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improved accuracy in job costing and profitability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A system that scales with you \u2014 whether you&#8217;re running 3-axis milling, custom sheet metal work, or multi-process workflows<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>And if you&#8217;re working with repeat clients or high-volume orders, you can still blend in Cost-Based Pricing where it makes sense \u2014 for example, with standardized parts or bulk pricing logic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\u2699\ufe0f How It Works in Digifabster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can activate Time-Based Pricing in two ways:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Machines &amp; Materials Settings<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Assign machine time, operator time, and programming time directly to each machine\/material combo. Perfect for setting default values across CNC, laser, metal shops, or 3D printing stations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Quoting Copilot<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Use Digifabster\u2019s <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/features\/quoting-copilot\/\">Quoting Copilot<\/a><\/strong> to interactively set or adjust values and instantly see how they affect final pricing. It gives you full control \u2014 with zero guesswork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And thanks to our <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/features\/feature-recognition\/\">feature recognition engine<\/a><\/strong>, the system can detect things like holes, pockets, threads, or complex geometries \u2014 automatically adjusting the estimated time and cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83e\udde0 Bonus: Combine Time-Based and Cost-Based Pricing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Some jobs require nuance. With Digifabster, you don\u2019t have to choose between models \u2014 you can <strong>combine Time-Based and Cost-Based Pricing<\/strong> for ultimate flexibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For instance:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Use <strong>Time-Based Pricing<\/strong> for <strong>machining<\/strong> operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use <strong>Cost-Based Pricing<\/strong> for <strong>material, finishing, and setup costs<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer <strong>exclusive pricing strategies<\/strong> via <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/features\/internal-machines\/\">Internal Machines<\/a><\/strong> assigned to specific clients<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>This blended approach is a game-changer for modern manufacturing shops, contract manufacturers, and anyone offering custom metal parts, prototype manufacturing, or precision machining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">\ud83d\udd1a Final Thoughts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you&#8217;re still quoting based on flat rates, averages, or instinct \u2014 it&#8217;s time for a smarter approach.<br>Time-Based Pricing turns quoting from an educated guess into a strategic advantage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Digifabster, you can price accurately, quote faster, and win jobs with confidence \u2014 whether you&#8217;re working with sheet metal, cnc, or 3D printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Ready for the switch?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">Learn more about Digifabster\u2019s instant quoting, order management, invoicing, and payment solution <a href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/products\/features\/\">here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-media-text has-media-on-the-right is-stacked-on-mobile is-vertically-aligned-top has-palette-color-6-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-63335f5678cce125388665274b782e67\" style=\"border-radius:24px;color:#0c2953;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--60);grid-template-columns:auto 60%\"><div class=\"wp-block-media-text__content\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">YOUR PATH FORWARD STARTS TODAY<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Start your free trial now. No sales call required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-width wp-block-button__width-50\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/getstarted\/?utm_source=blog_posts&amp;utm_medium=blog\">Start Trial<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><figure class=\"wp-block-media-text__media\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"680\" src=\"http:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/widget-customize.webp\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-720 size-full\" srcset=\"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/widget-customize.webp 1024w, https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/widget-customize-300x199.webp 300w, https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/widget-customize-768x510.webp 768w, https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/widget-customize-600x398.webp 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>When you\u2019re running a custom machine shop, fabrication company, or on-demand manufacturing service, one thing\u2019s certain: flat-rate pricing just doesn\u2019t cut it anymore. Some jobs are quick and straightforward. Others? Not so much. If your quoting process doesn\u2019t reflect the actual time and effort spent on a part \u2014 from setup to operator input to [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1113,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1112","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-product-features-how-tos"],"blocksy_meta":{"styles_descriptor":{"styles":{"desktop":"","tablet":"","mobile":""},"google_fonts":[],"version":6}},"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1112"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1114,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1112\/revisions\/1114"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1113"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1112"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/digifabster.com\/product\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}