Needing Honest Suggestions

[stitchntheattic]

I make customized items with limited space.  The more letters, the more time it takes me to clip between the letters.  The size that I make can only have a limited amount of writing.  What's the best way to come up with the price, lines, (limit is three),or design (I have some designs that have writing on the back).  I've just been back and forth on what to do and I don't want to over price my items.  I realize this is a complicated question to ask, but if someone could just offer some tips or ideas I would very much appreciate it.  Some of my listings have a price with a + beside it, for if example they want the front and back embroidered, I have a higher price for the second choice, so I'm good with those. Again, thank you for taking the time away from your shop to help me out.

[PaperArboretum]

I have learned that is difficult for people of envision how much time it takes for an artist to do a task so having simple pricing is easier. The easier you make it, the better! I had a similar problem when it came to making custom items when it came time to charge. My suggestion is a flat rate that includes the maximum number of characters and lines perhaps in 3 or 4 groupings for example: The first price includes the maximum number of characters that fit on one line and each additional line has the appropriate price increase. The fourth grouping would simply be the maximum overall price for writing on the back and front. Another way to go is simply price for writing on the front indicating the maximum number of characters and lines that will fit and a second price for writing on the back.  You may be worried about overpricing, but the reality most of the time is that artists undervalue their efforts and may forget to include other costs such as customer revisions, mistakes, set up time and clean up time which a flat rate may cover. You may also be worried that it will scare away customers, however, I've found that people get used to your pricing and if they message you regarding your pricing you can always explain your process so they have a better understanding of the skill and thought you bring to the product you make. These were just some my ideas. I wish you all the best! – Jerolyn

[stitchntheattic]

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.  You make some interesting points.  I really do want to make it easy for customers to purchase a pouch without it being confusing.  I'll certainly will think about your points when I reevaluate my shop prices. 

Have a blessed day.

[Tainaso]

As a seller I am still learning the waters, but as a customer...

When I am about to purchase something I really like, I don't like to go through the trouble of counting how many words or letters I need and how much per letter or words it would be. This will make me go with someone else no matter how much I like the item. The only reason I would go through the trouble is if one of my family members want the item only from that specific artist.

I would suggest having two prices:

1. A price for the non-customized sewing item. For example: $12
2. A price for the customized sewing item. For example: $25 but this one will be that price no matter how many letters or words. I would indicate in the description the limit of letters or words that can be fit. I don't know anything about embroidery or the cost of it - the prices I mentioned are just an example - but I do know and I understand that if I want something customized I will have to pay for it specially if my artist is stitching or embroidering by hand. As a customer I have to appreciate and value that.

I took a look to your shop and I would also suggest to have a 3rd price for people that would like to purchase your items with the inclusion of a rosary. I know people like my grandma - back in the day when she used go to church - would of love to purchase your customized items with the rosary included to give to her friends at church as a Birthday gift, Christmas gift and specially during the Holy week. She used to gift customized handkerchief with their friends' name initials.

This is my favorite: https://www.etsy.com/listing/771062588/rosary-pouch-mother-mary-embroidered?click_key=8aeb7239f12718...

I would of had loved to have something like this done with my grandma's name and have given them to her friends on her funeral. I know it would be pricy because she a lot of friends at church but it would of made me happier than the traditional paper bookmarks. I think in a situation like this if you wish to give a discount because the customer is buying a lot of pieces you probably would be able to do so without risking the profits because you have everything inclusive and probably they won't need the 3 lines or space or both sides embroidered.

[stitchntheattic]

You bring up some really good points.  I have not even though about just charging two prices.  My family thinks that I sell my customized pouches to low, but I don't want to make them to expensive.  I really appreciate your thoughts on this.  I know that it took some time to write me and I really thank you for that.  I am going to look into using your suggestions.  Oh, I looked at your shop and it is very nice.  I especially like your photographs.  Have a blessed day.

[Tainaso]

It is my pleasure. Thank you for the kind words and you have a bless day as well.