newbie carpenter here, got a client demanding custom cabinets for $800 using Festool tools

i'm just starting out in carpentry and this client wants me to build custom inset cabinets with dovetail joints for only $800. they think since i'm using my Festool domino it's all good but that setup costs me a fortune in materials alone. anyone else dealt with cheapskates like this? feels like they're lowballing me big time.

set a minimum price for custom work like that, $1500 is more realistic for the time and Festool precision.

quote them the full breakdown, materials, labor, and markup. if they balk, walk away.

festool is premium, don't undervalue your skills.

$800? laughable, even basic frameless boxes run me $1200.

screw 'em, plenty of clients out there who respect quality work.

same here man, first year i took every job, learned the hard way.

how'd you even land this client? referrals or cold call?

educate them on why it costs more, show material samples.

god i hate bargain hunters, they always complain about the finish too.

feels that, lost a whole weekend on a similar gig last month.

just starting out sucks, but stand your ground.

i got burned on a $600 deck job early on, never again.

these clients ruin it for everyone, undercutting the market.

document everything in writing, protect yourself legally.

yeah, the cheap ones call back in 6 months for fixes, no charge.

PSA, walk away from red flags like low budgets upfront.

i feel your pain, bro. hang in there.

ditto, my first custom shelving was a nightmare for peanuts.

man, clients think carpentry is hobby level pricing.

frustrated as hell with these types, eat into my profit.

these lowballers make the whole trade look bad.

yeah, i turned down a $900 cabinet redo last week.

don't do it, you'll regret the time sink.

same boat when i started, wish i had better advice then.

the struggle is real for new guys.

sharkbite of carpentry clients, fine for hacks but not pros.

PE firms buying up shops and squeezing margins worse now.