Etsy Floundering

[snugglemint]

I need thoughts. There are only two things keeping me from opening an Etsy for my trees; firstly, I need to figure out shipping, but secondly (and most importantly,) I've got no clue what to charge.

Originally, I had decided on $35, but the boything, much to my general blah, pointed out that if I did that, I would be shortchanging myself. I would

Comments

[birdsofshore]

I would have said 35 was too cheap as well, and your research seems to back that up. I know it is hard to be confident about pricing when selling something - I suffer from the same problem - but you really need to try being bold and value your time and skill. If it doesn't work out, you could always lower prices.

A friend of a friend's business was not doing so well, and she hired a business consultant to give her advice. They told her to double her prices. She did. Business is booming :-o The explanation is that people do not value things that come with a cheap price tag.

[snugglemint]

I can understand that, I guess it's just hard for me to look at my trees and see that. I mean... I love my trees, I would make them even if I didn't plan to sell them. They give me joy, they keep my hands busy, but I guess it's hard for me to value my time as... serious when I'm doing something so fun.

I just have to break that stigma that work should be work. I've heard someone else say to double it and add shipping into it, market it as free shipping as the hook.

Doubling would bring it to 70 and with shipping it'd be around 85-90.

[vaysh]

Seconding what Bird says. These trees are incredibly beautiful. Make sure you get at least 15$/hour of work, plus the cost of material and then add 20%.

[snugglemint]

Thank you!

I did the math out by your suggestions and it came out to 158 doing it that way. I can't even imagine! It would definitely help tremendously and would be amazing if I could sell them for that, but I had a problem trying to wrap my head around 35!

My brain keeps telling me that's way too much, but it's definitely something to consider and I know I should keep in mind that I can always lower prices if I price too high.

[yanagi_wa]

For what you make, I'd charge at least $50. Maybe more.

I knit, so here's how I do it. Materials+10%. Then, keep track of the time it takes to make one. (Don't be anal about it just keep a scrap of paper by your work. Every time you sit down, write down the time, when you get up, write time again. Only do this once, not for every tree. Unless you like nit-picky book work, then; knock yourself out. *G*) Charge at least $2 per hour for your time. More if you don't feel that will knock your price 'out of the park'. Good luck.

Also, if someone asks you to do something you don't want to do, add $100 irritation factor to the job. Most people will crawl away.

[snugglemint]

Thank you! The most popular consensus has been to double what I was thinking previously and to include shipping in the price to offer "free" shipping.

Ha! Irritation factor price! I love it!

[yanagi_wa]

I think you knit? If not just google cable sweater. I was asked to knit one by someone I don't really like. But I produced a pattern. (Designed by me. I can always use a pattern) Figured out how much to charge added $100 and came up with a completed price, including materials, of $700. Needless to say, she wasn't as interested as she'd thought. (I charge per cable, priced by difficulty of cable, and size.)

[snugglemint]

I don't knit, no. Maggie knits! And I believe Trys knits. :) Knitters.

I won't do custom work. I make what I think looks good. I can take requests of inspiration, like Hogwarts houses, but I don't think I'll ever let someone be all, "THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT I WANT!"