David;
Someone who is just getting into the stocking business will charge less. Anyone who has developed skill as a part time stocker will charge for their time invested. Average time is relative to the man who does the job. I am not a "celebrity" but have knowledge and ability. My flat rate charge for a boxlock action stocking labor is $2500. By the time I am done there will be about 100 hours time invested. Currently others have filled my schedule until late 2009. I have asked others who are in this profession (Known and lesser known) and they are all really busy at this time of their lives. I have not found anyone that is not busy and looking for more work.
The guys at Wenig's are specialist. Each man/woman does only one aspect of the project and passes it on to another until the project is completed. This is the old "guild" system that worked for a long time. It still works if you have enough time to train others as they come along.
Mr. French may be correct too, one can not know everyone who does stockmaking and there are others who wish to do quality work. If you find them, don't tell anyone or they may not be able to help you next time. Word of mouth is the best advertising. Quality work will always guarantee a greater work load for the craftsman.
