Gravitymaster 0 #1 April 2, 2004 The post about how many pack their own main got me wondering how much Skydivers would be willing to pay for a pack job. One of the reason I don't pack for others is I think $5.00 to pack a main is too little. The price of packing hasn't changed in many years so I'm wondering how high it would have to go. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skyyhi 0 #2 April 2, 2004 I prefer to pack for myself and I already think the price is too high (but if I was a packer I would feel the price is too low). By too high, I mean it takes away money for jumps. However, that being said, I usually use a packer when I am at a 2-way camp or other such training because the loads turn fast and I can't pack that fast. . . Edited to add: And the packers have ALL been well worth the money. I pay extra because my set up is not easy to cram in the bag. I appreciate the packing instructions they have given me too. . .________________________________________ Take risks not to escape life… but to prevent life from escaping. ~ A bumper sticker at the DZ FGF #6 Darcy Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
skybytch 259 #3 April 2, 2004 Packers at Perris are charging $6 - and IIRC it's $7 for canopies over a certain square footage. I'd pay $7 no problem - actually when you figure in the tip I usually ended up paying $7 when I was jumping at Perris anyway. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #4 April 2, 2004 I pay $6 at perris, and usually will tip a buck a pack job. since I usually do five jumps, the pack jobs are $30, and the tip is $5. I wouldn't pay more than that, though. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rjf98 0 #5 April 2, 2004 As it stands now I usually only use a packer when I'm working. I actually lose money if I have to pack for myself. That being said. At 5 dollars the math is easy, and it's one bill. After that it actually feels like more money because it's a 5 plus something else (kinda like the only $.99 thing). Also, if the price jumps then I will make more money per jump on a tandem then I would on an AFF (instead of the same when I use a packer). AFF would be less apealing. 5 is what I'll pay. Anything more and I don't think so. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stateofnature 0 #6 April 2, 2004 Unless you have too pay for a packer (i.e. worker bee's that must be on the next load), your just a slacker. Slackers should be charged double. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WrongWay 0 #7 April 2, 2004 Anything bigger than 6 bucks is too much for me. And for what it's worth, I tip. Wrong Way D #27371 Mal Manera Rodriguez Cajun Chicken Ø Hellfish #451 The wiser wolf prevails. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #8 April 2, 2004 QuotePackers at Perris are charging $6 - and IIRC it's $7 for canopies over a certain square footage. I'd pay $7 no problem - actually when you figure in the tip I usually ended up paying $7 when I was jumping at Perris anyway. I haven't been to the left coast for a few years. Interesting that jump prices out there seem to be overall lower than the right coast but the cost of packing seems to be a bit higher overall. At $7.00 per pack job plus a tip, I'd probably consider it. Especially if "SHE" was cute. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GeeeeeeFly 0 #9 April 2, 2004 I think $5 is too much to pack a main... Those that have the cash to pay for packing, use it as a luxury. I have a good friend of mine that uses packers for his gear but personally, I enjoy hanging out after the jump and checking out my gear and packing it. G "The edge ... there is no honest way to explain it because the only people who know where it is are those that have gone over" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
FrogNog 1 #10 April 2, 2004 I pack my own. A hidden cost of using a packer is you get their openings, not your openings. I like my openings better. I do not work at the DZ, so not making every load is no big deal to me. -=-=-=-=- Pull. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #11 April 2, 2004 QuoteI think $5 is too much to pack a main... Those that have the cash to pay for packing, use it as a luxury. I have a good friend of mine that uses packers for his gear but personally, I enjoy hanging out after the jump and checking out my gear and packing it. G Do you think $5.00 is too much for a packer to charge, or is it too much for you to spend? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gravitymaster 0 #12 April 2, 2004 QuoteI pack my own. A hidden cost of using a packer is you get their openings, not your openings. I like my openings better. I do not work at the DZ, so not making every load is no big deal to me. My experience is the better packers will ask how you like your openings and how you normally pack it (if you do). I realize it's difficult for a packer to remember every person at a busy boogie, but on an average day at the weekend, it's usually not a problem. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lummy 4 #13 April 2, 2004 Can't really say cause I pack for myself. I'll use a packer once in a blue moon if I REALLY want to get on sunset or something. With that in mind, I really don't see a difference in $5 or $15 because it's not about the moneyI promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. I promise not to TP Davis under canopy.. eat sushi, get smoochieTTK#1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #14 April 2, 2004 The cost is too high when I start to loose money. I tend to only use packers when I'm working. And that's so I can make more loads. If I were getting paid $15 a jump and I can make 10 jumps packing myself, or 15 with a packer @ $6 per pack job here's how it would work out. 10 x $15 = $150 (15 x $15) - (6 x $15) = $135 So a packer is not worth it at that point. However if I'm making $20 or more a jump it's now worth it: 10 x $20 = $200 (15 x $15) - (6 x $15) = $210 I make 5 more jumps, and $10 more which I will probably pass on to the packers as a tip. Other than the occasional "I'm really lazy and I want to make sunset" I pack myself most of the time. All of that said, I'd love to see the entire industry move to $6 or so. It's about time, packers have one of the most demanding and least apreciated services to offer on the DZ. Sure you can make more per hour on the DZ as a packer than anyone else, but it wrecks your body!---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
rehmwa 2 #15 April 2, 2004 Can't answer this poll, I pack my own and only use a packer when in a pinch. I prefer to know what's in my rig and packing is actually pleasant for me most of the time. The parachute system is a real work of art. But a good packer can pack anywhere from 4 to 12 packjobs an hour. $20 to $60 an hour is a pretty good wage for a job without union dues, formal education, vo tech training or anything of that sort. But it can be grueling work, so it's earned. However, for those who want the luxury of having their rigs packed, $5 seems fair and tipping is a good practice if you use the same someone all day. However, market forces at work, I'd let supply and demand set the price, since using a packer is so far a voluntary activity. It's interesting that lower prices weren't on the list..... ... Driving is a one dimensional activity - a monkey can do it - being proud of your driving abilities is like being proud of being able to put on pants Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #16 April 2, 2004 QuoteUnless you have too pay for a packer (i.e. worker bee's that must be on the next load), your just a slacker. Slackers should be charged double. hmm... I can pack. I even practice packing at home in my apartment so I can get better at it. It just takes me upwards of two hours to pack my 190. So, I pay a packer so I can get in five or six jumps instead of just two. does that make me a slacker? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Rainbo 0 #17 April 2, 2004 I say with all enthusiasm let the market set the rate. I pay $5. if I found someone doing it for $4.50 and they were competent they would get my business. My packers usually get fed really good at times when I 'm cooking, and drinks when I'm mixing. The reasons I use a packer are irrelevant, some of us kind of need to to make it through the day.Rainbo TheSpeedTriple - Speed is everything "Blessed are those who can give without remembering, and take without forgetting." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #18 April 2, 2004 QuoteIt just takes me upwards of two hours to pack my 190. If you were packing a BASE rig (or a reserve), I might understand. But you're likely being too methodical with your skydiving rig if it takes you two hours to pack. If you are having issues with a new slippery ZP canopy, I understand that it's not easy. But there are tricks on how to control that canopy and getting it into the dbag. If I was with your right now, I could easily show you my trick(s), but I'm sure you have plenty of access to some knowledgeable packers what with you being a southern CA jumper. I'm not advocating that you learn to trash pack. But numerous times I've been able to make a 5 minute call by trash packing and (knock on wood) they are usually good openings. Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gawain 0 #19 April 2, 2004 There's one packer at Elsinore, who is also a rigger (my rigger as it happens), that packs so fast, so well, and has a pure assembly line system that lets him pack well in excess of 10 chutes per hour (in my observation). On really busy days (competitions, etc) I'm guessing he averages 12-15 chutes per hour (@$5/pack, $360-$450 per day). Not bad for "weekend" intensive work. Ralph rocks!So I try and I scream and I beg and I sigh Just to prove I'm alive, and it's alright 'Cause tonight there's a way I'll make light of my treacherous life Make light! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #20 April 2, 2004 its not that I'm being too methodical... I get it folded fairly quick. its the getting the damn thing in the bag that's the hard part. I'll pack my silhouette now. it takes me about an hour, because it still doesn't like the whole going-in-the-bag thing. It was when I was packing Square1's brand new ZP Spectre that I was having major packing issues. I'd almost have it and then *blooff* canopy everywhere. LOL. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jumperconway 0 #21 April 2, 2004 It just takes me upwards of two hours to pack my 190. You just need to jump a smaller canopy like a 97 instead of that boat 190! Packs up in half the time! J/K Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
diablopilot 2 #22 April 2, 2004 Quotedoes that make me a slacker? No but I can show you how to cut that 2 hours down to about 15 minutes.---------------------------------------------- You're not as good as you think you are. Seriously. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
weegegirl 2 #23 April 2, 2004 $6 is steep enough... especially after tip. And I always tip my packers. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CanuckInUSA 0 #24 April 2, 2004 PM has been sent concerning my packing trick(s). But DiabloPilot (who jumps in your area) likely has a good trick to show you in person (and who knows, maybe his trick is the same as mine). Try not to worry about the things you have no control over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
stateofnature 0 #25 April 2, 2004 like anything else in life you just need to work harder. 2 hours to pack is nutzy, but we can all feel for the old 'placing said parachute in said bag' syndrome. find a packer that can give you tips on how to get it in there. it can be done easily with a brand new 0P-PD with the right instruction...you can do it...you can do it allll night long!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
