Professional Alpaca Shearing Occasionally I’m asked about the cost of shearing alpacas. This was a recent dialogue from a shearer’s group discussion to which I belong. Q - What expenses are involved in offering a shearing service? A -  Shears or hand pieces                                                                    $37        2nd set of shears in case the first dies in the middle of a job             $375       Annual service of at least one of the hand pieces                              $50-100       Combs&cutters                                                                              $28 each set!          More combs & cutters to use while the others          are out being sharpened 30-40 for a season       Oil & can, Tool boxes to keep the stuff       Pro-Tie and mat                                                                               $299 & $329       Hand shears                                                                                     $42       Teeth grinder (Tooth-A-Matic)                                                         $199       Dremel                                                                                             $75       Diamond wheels for Dremel                                                              $12 ea x 2       Toe nail clippers                                                                               $14 x 2       Man hours to clean cutters and combs prior to sharpening       Sharpening services                                                                          $5/set       Sutures (just in case)                                                                        $5       OB Wire and handles       File and handle       New Carhartt pants each season                                                       $30 each       Presents for wife and kids for being away                                          ??       More presents for wife                                                                      ??        Gas        Vehicle maintenance        Vehicle insurance        Living away from home expenses        Wear and tear on the knees and back                                              priceless!