"Somebody wants me to paint on commission!" Topic

And I'm quite flattered. This will be a Macedonian phalanx. How much should I ask per figure? There will be 40 of them. I paint to a standard that is higher than typical battlefield standard (if that's a thing), but not high enough to enter beauty contests at cons.

$1.00 USD

What scale? I suspect you'll want more for a 28mm than a 10mm, for example.

If you were asked by somebody to paint the Phalanx, you might want to ask him how much he is willing to part with.

Before doing that, youŽll have to make up your mind about the cost of painting figures for someone, namely:

How long does it take you to paint the formation and how much do you value your time? -> If you can paint all 40 in 1 hour and only want 20 bucks per hour, you could offer them at 0,50 a piece to fulfil your expectations. If youŽre slow and just get 5 per hour done, youŽll need to ask 4 bucks per figure to get to 20 bucks hourly compensation.
Add a little on top for consumables as colors are spent and brushes wear out. Also think about what youŽll need to buy just for the project (if thereŽs any such thing)

Another part is quality and time. You say your figures are above tabletop standard, however subjective that is, it should command a premium on your prices.
Also, how quickly does it have to be done? Urgent painting requests should also command a premium as youŽll probably be forced to paint the minis just at the time you do not want to paint them, whereas you can paint when youŽre motivated if youŽve got enough time.

Given these factors, the price is yours to ask and must be negotiated with your customer, that youŽll have to do on your own ;)

Cheers
BG

You would compare to what can be paid and to what can be found elsewhere. You that free market stuff.
If done well you can have 2+$ for it as most " far away" cheaper painters would cost , overall ( incl post) more.

For well painted 28mm you should charge £6.50 GBP – £10.00 GBP a basic infantry figure, depending on complexity. If you can paint reasonably quickly, say 20 – 30 figures a day, you'll be making 'artisan rates'.

I'm charging £7.00 GBP a figure for this quality / complexity:

Client provides figures. Basing is an extra £1.50 GBP per figure.

20-30 minis a day is a cracking rate, James. I would starve! ;-)

Above average quality $14 USD each. No less than $10 USD for sure.

Charge a fee that makes it worth your while. If you were the customer what would you pay for your standard of painting? I'd be very careful about taking it on though as it come a burden you'd rather do without, especially if you underprice your time.

Don't forget to add in preparing the figures, varnishing and basing.

5 to $10 USD US for foot, depending upon the complexity, number of layers, facial details etc

Well, it is a market, so quality and competition.