Crushed but I shouldn't be.

[Former_Member]

So pricing is something that I've struggled with since opening my shop. My items seem expensive, especially locally, but that's why I have a shop on here. I am not my target market. Also, the local market here cannot support my prices, which have been carefully thought out. I've considered many pricing formulas, Etsy's included, and came up with one that I can feel good about.

The crushing part...

I'm obviously self-conscious about my prices even though I shouldn't be. However, a family member recently commented to another family member (not in front of me) something to the effect of, "She'll NEVER get those prices! I can't believe what she's charging for thisandthat!" This person is a member of the handmade community too. She sells at local craft fairs but her prices are bargain basement. Sometimes I wonder if she even makes a profit. Local craft fairs and Etsy. Apples and oranges.

My first reaction was that sick feeling in my gut. Then, I removed myself from it and realized that she's probably jealous. You know those people that can't just be happy for anyone else? Yeah. I just have to remind myself that people who craft as a hobby can charge less than people starting an actual business. Hobbyists make it difficult for businesses to charge competitive rates.

The rest of my family and friends are unbelievably supportive so I'm very thankful for them. They're always asking about how my shop is doing and they're genuinely happy for me when I have good news to share. I also seem to have the best customers in the world.

I'm also thankful that this hurtful thing has happened to come during my best month yet! I've surpassed both my previous records for # of sales AND revenue in one month. And January's not even over yet!

I just wanted to share this because I'm sure there are a lot of people who may also be struggling with pricing and/or support. The handmade community is generally a very supportive place where we understand the value in hand crafting. I've certainly found nothing to the contrary here on the Etsy Success Team.

[AttentionGetting]

It's not your prices. Your products are unique and seem to be good quality. You need to get the word out. You need to promote. If your target market is parents and grandparents then target the media they read - magazines, blogs, etc. - with product submissions (but pitch a story, not a product). That is truly one of the most effective ways to get real buyers to your shop.

More info about this on my blog. Can't put links in here but you can get my blog url at my shop or profile page.

Good luck.

[Spellbinderie]

Hi Nicole! Been awhile since we talked so had to pop in and just say that I'm so happy your shop continues to be a success and that you do have lots of family support despite the not so nice comment from the one family member. Maybe it's jealousy, maybe something else, who knows? But clearly she is wrong. You not only get those prices, you get them easily. Your sales prove it! You have a gorgeous shop and desirable items that take time to make. . Everyone needs to set the price that works for them in the way they want to sell. Higher prices often mean consistency, availability, selection and customer service. Running a shop full time vs doing it as a hobby or selling just at craft fairs is a different thing, as you mentioned. Never compare yourself to a seller with different goals and means than you.

I suspect that you might find that your family member will be charging a little more for their products after seeing your success. Maybe they are just truly amazed and didn't realize people would be willing to pay more and it came off snarkier than meant.

[Former_Member]

Nicole, your stuff is adorable. As a mom, I would definetly be attracted to your shop - and I don't find the prices unreasonable. When you want handmade original items, then you realize that you must pay a bit more (but honestly your prices are not bad at all)

I wish you continued success!

[ScrapendipityDesigns]

Aww I am so sorry this happened. You know I was just talking about this with my mom yesterday. It's funny how we can get a million compliments on our work, but we get one single negative comment and it shuts us down completely. Funny how that works!! And it's not just you. I have made it my new life's resolution to stop allowing that to happen. You have made 174 sales, so I would say that family member is dead wrong. There are at least 174 people in the world who thought your prices were good enough, and your items were good enough, to buy from you and you alone. That is 174 compliments on your pricing, and only one negative. It's so hard to remember that, but it's true!! You just keep doing you and let people that are jealous (yes she is, because she only wishes her carp was good enough to sell at good prices like yours) eat themselves from the inside out with their hatred. For future reference, if someone tells you that someone said that again, your reaction should be "I know!! Crazy that they do though right?? I am so lucky!!"

Hope your day goes better today!! Shake it off and never allow one negative comment to hurt you again when there are so many many more positive ones to dwell on.

Cheers!
Rachel

[notesfromtheattic]

Some people are just critical, others don't value themselves and their own time. Luckily, you recognize the value of your work and won't compromise your prices in reaction to someone else's opinion. After all, your shop is successful and you take pride in what you are able to create. Best wishes to you.....it takes a long time to shrug off these remarks, which (we all know) are insensitive.

[Former_Member]

you have had lots of good advice here. i struggle with similar issues, so i hear you!!!
your stuff is adorable and tasteful. and worth every penny.
and as rachel says, we often dwell too easily on the negative. don't, it's not worth it. you are obviously doing it right!

[CedarwoodCreations]

Stay positive & move forward, you're "stuff" is really lovely. Not everyone gets what we do.
My best friend's significant other was overheard saying (about my Rock Cairns) something to the effect of "Who would pay for rocks?".
It stung, but the heck with him! After all I've sold 105 so far!

[Former_Member]

Great words from Rachel!

It's sounds like you took the time to make an educated decision about your prices, you are in a global marketplace, and you have beautiful unique items. Apples and oranges, just like you said. I don't have a whole lot of support, but I keep plugging away at it hoping to prove something to myself and others. I'm in jewelry so it's an uphill battle but it's forcing me to come up with new ideas (hopefully listing next week). You're doing great!

[Former_Member]

The same is true in the area I live in, I make jewelry and when I do craft fairs people want to pay $2 for a pair of earrings lol! It's frustrating when people say things like "I could make that for a lot less"...sometimes I want to say well do it then! Some people just don't get it...I love your shop and think your prices are just fine! If I ever have babies I will def be ordering from you! I love your little coats, and those pixie hats are the cutest things EVER! :) Glad you are doing well and have a positive outlook dispite what others have to say!

[ElectronicGirl]

yep. a family friend the other day said " this is it!!" to me when i showed her my spoon figurine. ...yes. that is it. O_o

1 - my prices are not insane. they are very fair...for my skill level.
2 - no one else sells them. so yep, i can charge what i want. so there.
3 - i am not walmart.
4 - if you don't like something just say, "oh that is cute." and hand it back. do you really have to over-react and hurt hard working people's feelings.....no..probably not. O_o
5 - go look at the crap "designers" are pushing out into big box stores...factory made crap at designer prices. O_o

Bazinga!

i feel your pain, op. keep your head up and keep going forward. ;)

[Former_Member]

Nicole, I'm sorry that person hurt you. I'm glad you didn't lower your prices because of something someone said. You keep staying positive and be proud of your work. You work hard and put time and money into making your items.
:)

[RenegadeRevival]

Pffft... do not worry about what people, who obviously do not know of what they speaking, say. I just went to your shop, thinking "oh no, not another kids shop with the same unimaginative stuff." ...

What a pleasant surprise. Wonderfully presented, beautiful, unique items, well described and displayed and really, I think the pricing is reasonable. Etsy after all is NOT a craft show, who gets a hundred people walking through, you are selling your items to a GLOBAL Market, with the potential of millions of upon millions of people seeing your beautiful wares.

Good luck to you!

Don't let small minds get you down!

*~Eli

[GreenOrchidDS]

There is some wonderful advise here! I think we all struggle with the pricing issue. I personally don't want to be the cheapest. I want to make a profit, not just a sale.

[SanaGem]

I am not walmart! Hat off, Electronic Girl! :))))

Does anyone print T-shirts here? Make a batch with this saying and we can wear them for craft fairs, LOL!

Nicole, you don't have to take it personal. Many people have this attitude to any craft : we can make it too. This comment is TOO familiar to any crafter I guess. But customers "vote with their wallets" as we say and they voted for you!

Dog is barking and caravan is going, keep on working and creating great stuff! Wishing you best of luck, inspiration and many more good customers!

[JewelrybyJakemi]

Nicole,
Your shop and items are adorable (great photos too)! Don't let others get you down. I am not part of your target market as my kids are older but I think your prices are spot on! If you are selling you must be doing something right!

I hope you and your shop have an amazing 2013!

[Winterwomandesigns]

Pish-posh! Pay no attention to her. You have a great shop & really good sales.

To state the blindly obvious, people can be very insensitive. My sister would always refer to what I did as "my hobby".

[CreationsByCarrieD]

Nicole, sorry that you were hurt by small mindedness. Your shop is beautiful and vibrant. You can see all the work you have put into your items and shop. Clearly this person doesn't know what they are talking about. Keep doing what you're doing because it's working.

[CreationsByCarrieD]

I thought I 'd share a comment that stung then but now not so much. "I personally wouldn't pay for black and white art." I remember thinking sarcastically what a little ray of sunshine you are. That was equivelant of me sticking my tongue out at her I know but people really can just be insensitive sometimes.

[PiecesOfMePaperCraft]

Nicole Wild from WeThreeBees says
This person is a member of the handmade community too. She sells at local craft fairs but her prices are bargain basement. Sometimes I wonder if she even makes a profit. Local craft fairs and Etsy. Apples and oranges.

That^^^^^^

*************************************************

Nicole Wild from WeThreeBees says
I'm also thankful that this hurtful thing has happened to come during my best month yet! I've surpassed both my previous records for # of sales AND revenue in one month. And January's not even over yet!


^^^^^^And that. :)

You've already proven that you CAN get those prices for your items. I wouldn't give this person's comment a second thought. You didn't say what her product is but just think, she probably has to make 10x more than you do to make the same amount of money.

I'm like you in that I am not my target market. However, it drives me insane when I search similar items on Etsy and see sellers who set their prices so low they won't make a dime after fees. Why bother? I know all about the "love to create" thought process, but isn't the whole point of selling to make enough money to at least support your hobby? Vent over.

[LoveJewelryByJ]

Hi Nicole!

I personally love your bibs! They spruce up a plain white onesie! AND serve a purpose! You are targeting a specific audience - someone who appreciates and can afford handmade!

ignore the haters and do what works for you and makes you feel good!

[Former_Member]

Stick to your guns. However.
I understand your desire to do the white thing with back grounds. But some of your items may not be shown best and you do have better photos.
For example,
http://www.etsy.com/listing/88804641/boys-winter-jacket-kimono-style-fleece
Showing it on the hanger does not do this jacket justice, but the third shot wit the bow holding the Easter Egg does.

[Former_Member]

I think your prices are right on you go to a few of the better stores or boutiques and that is what they charge and they are not that nice or handmade I think the one person who says you need to make the name or brand exclusive people pay for name brand exclusive items and target that market.

Do you label your items with your name and logo for some reason people like that designer wear and pay for the label get out of your comfort zone to get more press on your shop

[Former_Member]

Uh... Okay, I know this team is the best team ever but I honestly didn't expect this many people to read my entire "novel" let alone take the extra time to write such supportive, thoughtful comments! Thank you so much everyone! It really means a lot to me.

To the ones who have shared similar experiences, I am sorry. It stings! But we know we're doing the right things so we have to keep plugging away.

[Former_Member]

Charley, I finally have a tag designed so now I just have to order it! I personally hate tags so mine was designed to be inconspicuous. However, it needs to be there somewhere so people can always find me! Thank you :)