Why is handmade so expensive?

[Former_Member]

A week ago I was wondering about my pricing.
I know: EVERYBODIES all time favourite question.

Today I got sent this link and I though I'd share:
Have a look and rethink what you are worth....

http://whatthecraft.com/overpriced-cant-afford-handmade-pricing/

[TheMillineryShop]

That link is FABULOUS. I know my items seem expensive and yet I too am not making a ton here. My materials are crazy expensive and I work for hours on some hats. And all by hand, Phew, it's good to read that I'm not alone.

[ACleverSpark]

Great post! I worked as a clothing designer and a print designer in NYC for a few years and believe me I was getting more than $20 per hour and that was 15+years ago! You should be getting at least triple your hourly rate or more, for the amount of work you do.
I keep my pricing to a formula and try to stick with it. It is annoying when people complain but just stick to your guns!

[Former_Member]

This is a fabulous article :) Thank you so much for sharing it!

[NameDesignStudio]

The link is great thank you so much totally agree.:)

[Former_Member]

My own boyfriend looked at one of my necklaces and said, "You are going to charge 35 dollars for that!?!" People just don't understand all of the hard work that goes into creating a one of a kind piece. Great article.

[Former_Member]

Great link! plus i now have a fun nickname for rude people :}

[Former_Member]

lol...good one!!! Sad to say that a lot of people on Etsy (err..sellers) think my HANDMADE leather bags are overpriced! I don't think so! I work after 9 pm makinghtose bags...that is considered OVERTIME in "normal world" language...it's a different story that I love my work now..but thats besides the point.

Thank you for this blog:)

YOu go girl!

Rich

[JaneStaufferPaperCo]

Great link. Thank you.
Ever hear....OMG, my kid made one of those in grammer school....
as they pointed to your "hand made" creation that was for sale.

[RobinsArtAndDesign]

Great link! It's so true. I totally agree. I know some people don't understand the time and effort that goes into creating artwork. Even my mother-in-law told me I was charging too much for some of my work. Her words.."I wouldn't pay that..."

[LoomWool]

Hear hear!

It took me a while to realise low prices were making my products look worthless and cheap and to have the courage to price properly. I still don't cover enough overheads or take account for the time it takes me to make something bigger, but I'm getting there. Thanks for sharing the link!

[Former_Member]

I know people who will drop $500 on a Coach purse but then think that $100 is too much to pay on here. LOL Same with getting a nice piece of jewelry.... Items on Etsy shouldn't cost LESS than the nice stores people shop at.
Now, I am sort of on the opposite side of that. My items are aimed at young kids/teens with the hope that they are priced right to get moms to open their wallets. :) At this time I am not doing items that are meant for weddings or other events where the normal amount spent is a higher range. But when/if I do make "higher" end items i hope I end up pricing accordingly ;)

[Former_Member]

Great article! Thanks so much for sharing!

[Former_Member]

Thanks for sharing that! What a great find.

[Former_Member]

Ha ha ha... I have to confess, I've been guilty of that mindset. I saw all these great fleece baby blankets here on Etsy, and thought, "What? Why on earth do these people charge these outrages prices? I'm making my own!"

Well... I was humbled... and quick. Once I took the time out of my busy schedule to drive the 20 minutes to the fabric store, spent the WAY TOO LONG choosing coordinating fabric that was on sale, and still over my budget... then the bold coordinating thread, I brought it all home, where I lamented that it already was more expensive in materials, time, and effort than if I had just bought one on Etsy! LOL

And... as is often the case... My son is almost 2 years old, and the gorgeous fleece blankie never got made.

I suppose that last part isn't important, but I think you know what I'm getting it :D

Folks don't realize what goes into a product unless they try it themselves.

I'll never make that comment about any item again, because I realize now that each specialty has hidden expenses and takes skills that are unique to that process.

Good link! Thank you :)

~Linda

[Former_Member]

Second time I'm reading this article and completely agree with you 110% ~_^

[Former_Member]

This was an awesome article - especially since I price my items to where I don't even get paid for but 1/3 of my time and at $7.00 an hour... this is probably why I spend more time driving to the post office than making money but I'm always afraid my stuff won't sell. There are so many people that are selling similar things for less that I can't even compete!!! So I'll continue making $7.00 for my three hours of work, packing, driving to the post office, and end up paying more for postage than I thought it was going to be (another problem I need to fix..).

[Former_Member]

I LOVE that article!!! My own husband had told me that I wanted more than something I made was worth. That really hurt my feelings considering all the time, care and love I put into my little necklaces.

[Former_Member]

What a great link! Everything is well said! We are not Wal-mart !! When you buy from a handmade artist you should feel proud to support real people. Who are working hard to provide a ooak creation...

[MariasWorkshop]

Wow! Great article. Thanks so much for sharing. From now on I will remember this every time I think I am charging too much for any of my items.

[Former_Member]

Seriously, guilty as charged. I charge way too little for my handmade lampwork beads in the mindset that I have to compete with folks relisting from sweatshops. I can't make a living on this and have slowly been increasing my prices to remedy it. It's just so tough, asking for what you know your stuff is worth. If it was up to me I'd charge what it actually cost me but I live in the real world and if it doesn't sell I won't make anything at all. What I have to offer is quality and honesty. How do I price it?

--Carol

[jencurtisdesignshop]

great link and great advice, my bugaboo is shipping because my items are big and heavy...it makes me feel so guilty that I end up subsidizing part of the shipping cost in my price...this has got to change (lol)

[Former_Member]

Awesome article - I needed to read this as I am in the beginning stages of my business - thanks for taking the time out of your day to post it for us!

[Former_Member]

Loved it! Cute top too... I see it sold! :)

[Former_Member]

Very well put! Sadly, the general public is used to cheap prices and fails to see the care and commitment that goes into creating unique items.