Is this a good idea or would I shoot myself in the foot.....

[ShopMissElla]

At the moment I sell bags alongside my illustration. They have really unusual wooden handles(https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShopMissElla?section_id=6268739).

I am thinking of also selling the handles and pattern as a DIY kit so people can make them themselves. (saves me a job!) I am trying to focus on the illustration and making up the bags is taking too much time away and I can't raise the price anymore to get someone else in to do it.

However I worry that if they were made badly people would be walking around with my trademark bag looking shoddy.

They would also have to be at least £30 as this is the most pricy part of the bag, so it would be highly priced and if someone bought them they would have to treat them too (seal and varnish or paint depending on how they want them). I suppose at the very least at people would realise why they re quite highly priced!

Do you think it's better to keep as a ready made up bag or if the kits would be worth trying even at a steep price. I also don't want to annoy customers who have bought the bags, I don't want them to feel I have cheapened their purchase.

Any input would be soooo appreciated, been going round in circles about this for ages!

[BrushStrokeOrnaments]

Personally, I think most customers want to purchase a finished product. Is there any way you can mass produce your handles, or do something in a different way, to reduce your time? Can you sell bags that just have a fabric handle and are less time consuming to make?

I think the only way someone would buy a kit would be it they were going to make several bags themselves (to sell or give away). I don't think you should be concerned about your trademark bags with badly made handles. I also don't think you need to concern yourself about previous customers - they are not going to be looking at you and your future sales in relation to themselves. You are overthinking this thing!

If it were me, I would:
raise the price of the bags (to make it worth my while...AND understanding that I would likely sell less). Or, I would find a way to make these bags in a less time consuming way. Or, I would just not offer the bags any more.

[JoArtyJo]

Wow these bags are gorgeous! The kits may sell- I wouldn't worry about people making them badly or anything. Why not give it a try and see how they do.

If you don't want them to take so much of your time then I agree with the above post- raise your prices. You will probably sell less which means less work but you will be paid more for it. I know they are already expensive but think how much some people spend on handbags.... And then they seem cheap! Who knows you may even sell more with a higher price as you may attract designer bag collectors!

But if you really feel that you want to spend more time on your illustrations they maybe deactivate your bags for a bit and see how you feel after a break :-)

[ShopMissElla]

Thank you for the input!

The whole point of the bags is the wooden handles which I already do have mass produced(laser cut), they're high quality materials and large though hence the price. I do already do some wholly fabric bags as well but I like the fact these are so different to the norm. Hmmmm I will ponder a little more, thanks again for the advice.

Jo, thanks! I think maybe I will try a few at some upcoming markets and see how they're received! So much to think about and get ready at this time of the year!

[CopperLeafStudios]

I would sell the kits and let them go mentally/ emotionally. Your illustrations are wonderful, and are a much more powerful part of your identity as an artist, I suspect. The bags are nice, but perhaps for you creatively their time has passed. Sometimes you have to let something go so you can more fully embrace something else. Those transitions are difficult, but once you are past, it usually feels like a breath of fresh air.

Best of luck :)

[StuckOnSilver]

I agree with Kelly... Good luck!

[ShopMissElla]

Thanks Chris. Yes I totally know where you're coming from with regard to letting things go! I need to focus a little more and stop going off on different tangents too!

Thanks Bev!

[Former_Member]

If you do sell the kits, I think you need to think through your instructions carefully and get people to test them out before you go live.
I can imagine people sending you convos asking what type of varnish to buy or whatever... you want to minimise any probability of these, as it'll be a frustrating use of your time.

[Former_Member]

Go with what Kelly said, raise your prices so you can focus on your art as you wish, you'll sell less but possibly make the same amount overall..
I would not sell the kits, personally... It sounds like they are a lot of work and understanding for a customer and if a customer messed them up and was annoyed then you'd be stuck with unhappy customers. As an artist, your art IS closer to your creative identity and spirit. There will be more projects like your bags for your art in the future if you wish, and also if you wish you can always go back to making them.

[Former_Member]

Oh my god... The pink dress is in my size. I love it. I might need to snag it.

[Former_Member]

Have you considered simply selling the bag handles on their own rather than selling a kit? That way people could use them in whatever way they wanted.

[ShopMissElla]

Thanks everyone! Crochetgal that does seem like it might be a safer option if I do go ahead, and much easier to get together too!

[Former_Member]

Super cute handles and bags!

I say list 1 DIY and see how that sells and just selling the handle as a supply would be awesome. You never know.

[cyberwezz]

I wouldn't sell it as kits. You will be getting questions from everywhere, and the products for the handles that the customer has available may not necessarily be the same that you have access to. I'd go with the advice of taking a break for a while and then re-evaluate.

[ShopMissElla]

Thanks so much for all the advice... soooo helpful :)

[JoArtyJo]

Just to add after reading others' suggestions- potential customers sometimes email me to ask what type of paper and pens they need. That's just for a colouring page.... So I can imagine you would get a LOT of questions!!

[ShopMissElla]

Do they! Hmmm yes might be overestimating the skills potential buyers would have... thanks! :)