Price per cord...3/3 cord vs. 4/4 cord

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Dozer Man

Dozer Man

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Hey all, I've been asked in the past for firewood to be cut into 12" pieces. Knowing that a CORD is 4'x4'x8', the guy thought he should get my normal full cord price. I had to explain that I normally cut fw into 16" pieces which then creates 3 ricks (1/3cord) into a cord. By cutting into 12" pieces (1/4cord) I would have substantially more time (30%) into processing a cord and that I would have to charge more. He basically called me a crook and we went our seperate ways. I think I was right, and I was trying to be nice...but I don't want to cheat anyone...and I don't want to cheat myself either.

I don't sell a lot of wood per year, but I've always offered "custom cut" to a customers desired length. Most take the standard 16" but some want longer and some want shorter.

I'm curious if any of you have had a similar situation. Or just to know what you would do if presented with this situation.

Thanks AS members!!
 
I also agree with you. If it takes more time and effort to cut to a specific length than you normally would then you have the right to charge more accordingly. If he doesn't like the price, he can go somewhere else.
 
i wouldn't do it unless it was a good previous customer making the request. even then i would charge more for the extra work involved. you were in the right.
 
Dozer Man said:
Hey all, I've been asked in the past for firewood to be cut into 12" pieces. Knowing that a CORD is 4'x4'x8', the guy thought he should get my normal full cord price. I had to explain that I normally cut fw into 16" pieces which then creates 3 ricks (1/3cord) into a cord. By cutting into 12" pieces (1/4cord) I would have substantially more time (30%) into processing a cord and that I would have to charge more. He basically called me a crook and we went our seperate ways. I think I was right, and I was trying to be nice...but I don't want to cheat anyone...and I don't want to cheat myself either.

I don't sell a lot of wood per year, but I've always offered "custom cut" to a customers desired length. Most take the standard 16" but some want longer and some want shorter.

I'm curious if any of you have had a similar situation. Or just to know what you would do if presented with this situation.

Thanks AS members!!
Click to expand...
It should not be called a cord if the pieces are 16 inches long and stacked 16 feet long and 4 feet high it should be called a face cord.A full cord is what you stated 4x4x8 which most firewood guys stack 16 feet long and 4 feet high x 24 inches thats a true cord.Problem is not many want 24 inch long logs they wont fit into their stoves.Also not many want to make it a full cord because the would need to charge more see the problem?
 
spot on ! more cuts equal more of everything it takes to produce the wood. dont cheat your self or others!! theres more wood just down the page, street or where ever they want to look for it cheaper..
 
If he doesn't want to pay extra let him walk. That is 2 extra cuts per 8' log and 2 more pieces to split out of each log. In a full cord that is a lot of extra work time and gas.
 
Assuming you're selling dry wood, wouldn't you have to take their custom order WAY before the delivery date? Unless it was with a customer that I had a long relationship with, I don't know if I'd make oddball wood (that may be a tough sale to the general wood burning public), in hopes that the person who ordered it followed through. Most people these days think nothing of wasting some one's time, then buying from another vendor who's "5 bucks cheaper".
 
True Cord

lone wolf said:
It should not be called a cord if the pieces are 16 inches long and stacked 16 feet long and 4 feet high it should be called a face cord.A full cord is what you stated 4x4x8 which most firewood guys stack 16 feet long and 4 feet high x 24 inches thats a true cord.Problem is not many want 24 inch long logs they wont fit into their stoves.Also not many want to make it a full cord because the would need to charge more see the problem?
Click to expand...


Thanks to all for there input, it is greatly appreciated.

I know all areas have different terms. A true cord to me, and most others, is 128 cubic feet. How it is shaped is usually based on what part of the world you are from(at) and the terminology used there. I've always used 16" cuts as a good general length. Three 4'x8'x16" (ricks,1/3cords) is a cord. That's where I get 4x4x8. It differs somewhat everywhere...but in most places a cord is 128 cu.ft. of tightly stacked wood. Nobody is wrong...different is not right or wrong...imho.
Check out the thread on "How to measure wood" its got some good info and discuss in it.
 
custom order=more work=more time=more $ Nuff said. I wonder how the guy would feel if his boss asked him to stay an extra half hour each day for the same salary?
 
Anyone who cuts and sells 12" wood around here charges more per cord. More cutting + more splitting = more money to produce.
 
Dozer Man said:
Thanks to all for there input, it is greatly appreciated.

I know all areas have different terms. A true cord to me, and most others, is 128 cubic feet. How it is shaped is usually based on what part of the world you are from(at) and the terminology used there. I've always used 16" cuts as a good general length. Three 4'x8'x16" (ricks,1/3cords) is a cord. That's where I get 4x4x8. It differs somewhat everywhere...but in most places a cord is 128 cu.ft. of tightly stacked wood. Nobody is wrong...different is not right or wrong...imho.
Check out the thread on "How to measure wood" its got some good info and discuss in it.
Click to expand...

A quibble. There is no such thing in the definitions as "true cord". There is "cord" and that is it. It does not change from one place to another, it is always 128 cu ft no matter how it is stacked or what length the pieces are cut.

Yes there are regional and local _unofficial_ terms but those shouild be restricted to the areas where they are used. Even better would be if those local terms would just disappear.

Harry K
 
?? cords ?? are like gallons of milk! theres a full gallon, a full half gallon and then theres a full quarter of a gallon, it dont matter how you measuer it its all the same when sold as a gallon or cord.....=== cord, half, third of a cord(rick) or a (1/4) quarter cord??? whats the diff????????????
 
les-or-more said:
C'mon a cord is always a cord remember? Your just cheating the guy if you charge more for the same cord!:msp_ohmy:
Click to expand...

not when it breaks you away from your daily norm of say 16" wood to have to change your rhythm to 24" .. also have to readjust to lifting bigger an heavier pieces out of your daily routine! if i have to change, there will be more change$ for the buyer!!
 
I have sold hundreds of cords of wood in the last few years and can't recall even 1 customer who has asked for wood over 20" and very few who
have asked for wood over 16"
 

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