Crushed but I shouldn't be.

[#1]

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.

[ShopMissElla]

I can't believe it was even repeated to you which seems a bit mean and unnecessary.

I think you're prices are spot on particularly for such beautiful hand made clothing. Makes me broody for nippers to buy your clothes for looking in your shop, if I had a wee one I would buy from you without thinking anything of your prices. My son is 13 now so probably wouldn't take kindly to a pixie hat sadly!

You're not making them in a sweat shop in China, some people have a really weird view of worth and I wouldn't take it to heart at all. I wish more sellers would charge their worth and stop underselling themselves!

[StuckOnSilver]

Nicole, forgive the critics and understand that lots of people don't buy anything outside of discount shops and thrift shops! I LOVE your little jackets. And I the photos of them on hangers...

[TheSalvagedEdge]

Nicole, I have been in the exact same situation and you know what? People at local craft shows still buy my products and people on Etsy buy too. Some scoff at the price because they are used to the everything's $1 mentality but enough customers respect my quality that I usually make well above what the $1 crafters make at a show. That can make people uneasy.
She'll eventually realize that she needs to let you run a business while she does her hobby or maybe she might decide to price a little more fairly and make some money.

[StuckOnSilver]

I meant to say I love the photos of the jackets on hangers. Egad.

[WintergreenDesign]

Awww Nicole I'm sorry to hear about your less than supportive family member. I think you are right when you speak of her jealousy and the differences between Etsy and fairs. Your prices are obviously find because you seem to be doing well with sales... next time you are with that particular family member you may wish to brag a bit about your sales and how this has been your best month ever : )

Keep focusing on the postive : )

[Former_Member]

Nicole, the best revenge is to order your labels, it will make you feel great and shush some people up. I highly recommend World Sale Label here on Etsy.

[Former_Member]

Thanks everyone! So this person just started a Facebook page for their hobby and invited me to like it... hmmm! :) Maybe I'm onto something?!? lol

Ella- you mean he wouldn't want one of those pointy little hats to wear to school?!?! lol! Thank you for the compliments :)

Sprywhimsy & Bev- yeah the jackets are tough to photograph without models. I originally had the third photo up that spywhimsy suggested but I got mixed reviews. I like that picture but it's not very cohesive with the rest of my shop and the egg/basket obscure the jacket so I switched it back. I need to have clothes modeled in a studio. I think that's how they look the best.

Marie- Local craft shows (cringe). I did one in November and, if it hadn't been for these two people... I would have cried. But this couple and another girl bought from me. The couple was from California and just moved back here. They commented that it's so hard to find things "like this" here, and he gestured to all of my wares. The girl owns her own photography business so she knows about fair pricing. However, with those few customers I had, I made more than the booth next to me who sold everything at less than $5...

Christa- Well my mother-in-law stuck up for me and said, "Well! She's making sales!" lol! Which is probably what I would have said.

Janet- Thanks for pointing me to that shop! I have some samples here from another shop and I found one that I really like but I'm still looking.

[RainnRoseArt]

Hey Nicole,

I dont think your prices are unreasonable at all. when people buy hand made they tend to expect to pay more due to the fact that you have to buy your own supplies and the time to make them and make profit. I personally would buy hand made items more than buying from chain stores because hand made are always better quality and the costumer serves is always 200% better than ones you find in chain stores
I wouldn't worry to much about your prices hun, You are doing just fine.

[AuraRosesTreasures]

Pricing is one the crucial items on all of our lists.
I echo the well-written positive thoughts everyone expressed so well to you.
The only suggestion I have for greater success would be to give yourself at least a LITTLE wiggle room for a sale - Have a sale or give a discount code to whomever you desire. Perhaps a first time purchase. Once a buyer experiences your work, she may be hooked. It may be that first purchase that's crucial. What do you think?

[Former_Member]

Thanks, Devon! Customer service is a big thing for me too. I dread going to department stores because the experience I have when i have to return something will depend largely on the individual at the counter that I happen to get.

Aura- Thanks for the suggestion! I actually do price items so that I can offer coupon codes for % off and/or free shipping. Anytime someone buys from me, they get a coupon code for free shipping. I have some repeat business now and that's the biggest compliment ever! Research shows that it's always easier to keep a customer than to earn a new one!

[RainnRoseArt]

You're welcome
when someone buys something for me I always include a coupon code for 15% off their next order.
My friend had some issues around the holidays with customer serves. She went into a Pandora(that fancy jewelry store)to get her mom a bracelet and the person who helped her was very rude to her because my friend was dressed in really bright clothing and had bright pink hair.
I have had some really nasty customer serve too, people who just don't care enough about customers to be kind. It is really sad, im glad I did 90% all my holiday shopping though etsy and I plan to do the same thing this year too.

[Former_Member]

Hi Nicole,

I totally can relate. When I was first opening up shop all my mom friends basically said they would not pay what I initially proposed for a shirt unless it was a special occasion. So I listened and priced lower. Since the new year I realized I was barely paying for my labor so I increased prices (for some items more than I initially told my friends I would charged). And to my great pleasure I've had way more views and tons of sakes this month. I can barely keep up. So clearly the price being raised did not put strangers off. And ironically most of those same friends have bought one or more shirts from me. So yeah ignore the critics. Best thing I learn from these teams the last few months is of many shops under price and how much you should really charge o make. Profit after all the fees, COGS, and time put into making the item. Keep it up! And by the way thank yo for your tax advice. It definitely put my mind at ease. I just didn't get a chance to respond to your email.

Adele

[PamGeorgeArt]

I am so in agreement! Your sales prove it. I had the same thing just happen to me from one of my closest friends. She is not into any of the Etsy world and thinks I should be giving it away for volume. I let it get me down, and then I realized she truly doesn't understand and I have to let it go in one ear and out the other. I haven't made as many sales as you, and still struggle with what to charge, but carry on girl. You are selling and isn't that what its about?!

[Shannybeebo]

I think your prices are fine too. Your photographs are great and your shop shows that you take pride in what you do. Just hold your head high and continue to make sales...you have a great shop!

[Former_Member]

Hi Adele (waves feverishly)! I'm so glad you're feeling better about Mr. Tax Man :)

Pam- MANY people don't understand that hand made is (and should be!) more expensive. There's a "DIY" mentality that, while fine and great in it's own right, tends to bleed into the hand made community. Most of the time, I CAN make the things I buy. I have to ask myself if it's worth the time I'm going to put into it when I can just have someone else who's probably better at the craft do it for me with excellent results? meh

Thanks, Shannon! Shannybeebo has got to be one of the best shop names ever!

[denisemcguire]

Oh my - your shop is just so stinkin' adorable! LOVE it!

I have had similar reactions from friends and family. My prices remain fairly low - but, I've gradually become more able to accurately estimate how much time something takes, and paying myself a certain hourly rate.

Bottom line is, you are having success! Focus on the things you want to grow. So, if you want to grow the positive - focus on that!

[Former_Member]

Don't fret it, I just had a gaggle of women walk into my B&M shop. They were all abuz about my stuff. Then one picked up one of my more Artsy hats, the ones that take the longest to make and gasped out loud "$100"

They were quiet from that point on and quiely looked about and politly left. Yet I had another woman puck up a shawl that cost only $20 less but took me about 1/4 the time and sweat to make as the hat.
Somewhere the right customer is out there

[Former_Member]

I've been in business a long time -- I used to have a brick and mortar store, too, and when I first started business, those kind of comments would always hurt me, but one thing about being in business is that you have to develop a thick skin and not let things like that bother you. I think your prices look reasonable, and I love the name of your shop.

[Former_Member]

Denise- Thank you to my new friend in western NY! Or is that still "central"? lol I should probably know the regions of my own state ;)

Sprywhimsy- yeah, finding the target market can be difficult :/

Lesley- Developing a tough skin has always been difficult for me. I take everything to heart. I'm still growing though! I get better with every accomplishment that I make. Thank you!

[Former_Member]

YAY!

So this month keeps getting better and those hurtful words keep fading with every new milestone/accomplishment and supportive chime in from all of you! I'm featured on Babble.com's Top 50 Etsy Baby Shops of 2013 and ranked #7 in the Top Seller's category! (I don't know what it means to be a "top seller" but who cares?!? It's a feature outside of Etsy!)

[Former_Member]

Wait, I had not looked at your sales so far.
As to your origial point, you have proven you can get those prices.

Sure you might be able to sell them for less, but why do twice the work for half the money you are already making

[Former_Member]

I understand fully how you feel. My husband just chuckles. Easy for him!
I haven't dont all that well in sales but I keep plugging along. One of these days it's going to pop!

[JSWMetalWorks]

What a lovely shop! Your prices are not at all unreasonable. I'm sure your advice to others will be well received. It's hard to hear those sorts of comments, particularly from family, but eventually that thick skin will develop. Keep doing what you are doing. Your sales show that you do have a market out there. Wishing you continued success!

[Former_Member]

Nicole, please don't let others get you down.

I used to get asked when I was going to get a 'real job' again since all I was doing was playing on the computer during the day.

When I pointed out to them that my 'playing on the computer' put the food on the table, the roof over our heads and the brand new mini van (paid with cash) in the driveway, they changed their tune very quickly.

[MangoTreeCreations]

Remember your Economics course? Law of supply and demand. If people will pay for it, it's priced ok. If they won't pay that much, then it's too high.

Also, Etsy is a world wide market and an item that our neighbors wouldn't buy for any amount might be something that someone in Turkey or Taiwan might think is exotic and be willing to spend a day's pay on.

When I lived in interior China a merchant left batik wall tapestries like I list in my shop piled outside all night. I asked why nobody stole them and the answer was" they have no value". It's all relative! In California I've sold them in stores for up to $100 each.