Here at the case shop, we've got more orders coming in than we can handle. I had to turn down two huge orders (Coldplay and I think John Mayer) because the schedule was so full. That truly sucks.
I had cut the crew from 14 to 8 builders at the top of the pandemic, and there were times when even the reduced staff didn't have enough to do. I knew things would change after Labor Day, but I wasn't sure in what direction. Turned out to be increased sales. I had a guy quit because he wasn't happy with the pay (he just left one day without talking to me). I then gave everyone a 10% raise. I managed to hire two more guys who are only able to work 6 hours a day. I now have a big project for the NBA, which we're not "allowed" to say no to (big client with the owner's audio company), so I brought in two apprentice carpenters to pick up the pace. Crazy.
As far as materials - wood has doubled, and we currently can't get our usual Baltic birch. Foam has doubled, aluminum is up, and all the hardware (latches, handles, casters, etc.) is up. This has raised our prices by about 18% when combined with increased labor costs.
PS - please don't share this info outside the forum.
