Why does stain cost more than other finishing options?

In order to do a stain finishing we first have to find the colour that the customer would like and this quite often means trying to specifically colour match an existing sample. Then we have to mix a sample and test (usually more than once) to make sure we have the colour right. Then we apply the stain and then we apply the top coats of varnish or lacquer.

This means there is more than double the work and double the materials used to stain a piece of furniture. As such we have no choice but to charge extra for a stain finishing.