Pricing

[Former_Member]

I saw that this topic was discussed over a year ago but I would like to find out if anyone has any more input on the subject. How do you price your items? The prices for similar garments swing wildly from one end of the scale to the other. Are some sellers using wholesale pricing? There are some very skilled seamstresses selling their work very underpriced. They are selling hundreds of garments but is it really worth it? I know how much I pay for fabric and how much time I invest in a garment. I guess I just wonder how a similar garment can be sold for so much less. Let me hear from some other sellers!

[TodaysSouthernStyle]

I struggle with pricing also. Most of the clothes that I make are handsmocked so they are very labor intensive. The fabric prices have increased over the last couple of years and it is difficult to sell an item for a price that compensates you for your time and costs. I do have a professional license so I try to buy fabric at wholesale prices or when it is on sale.

I try to make items that are unlike things in the stores and constantly check the prices for smocked clothes in stores and in other Etsy shops so that I am competitive. I know that my prices are less than they should be for the time required but I don't feel like I can raise my prices any higher and remain competitive and my price range is difficult in these economic times. If the economy improves, I sure hope to raise my prices!

After looking at your shop, your prices seem to be in the right range. Are you happy with your price range?

[monkeyandfriends]

I try to base my prices on the cost of the materials and my time. And don't forget the time spent taking pictures, and writing the listing! Sometimes I cheat myself but I enjoy sewing so it's a trade off for me.
magnoliasboutique - your prices seem fair to me. I under priced myself at first and nothing sold. when I raised my prices I got customers. People know that you get what you pay for. :)
Chrisarnold08 - smocking is such an amazing skill. I remember my mom making me hand smocked dresses. Your items are beautiful! Your prices seem fair to me. I know that you aren't paying yourself for much labor at those prices!

[Former_Member]

@Chrisarnold-You have some of the most beautiful smocked items and your work looks to be impeccable. I am happy with my pricing. I just see so many other sellers selling similar items for much less. It's hard to be a competitive Etsy seller with that. But I know my prices are still less than retail.
@monkeyandfriends-I guess I'm just a slow seamstress....LOL. Not only do we spend time at the machine but also at the ironing board and cutting table. Thanks for responding.

[TodaysSouthernStyle]

Thanks for all the kind words about my smocking. I also love doing what I do and I look at it as a hobby that supports itself. That decreases the frustration with not selling more and making more money.
Magnoliasboutique - you seem to have sold quite a few items but I'm sure you would love to sell more. Do you get many repeat customers? I think your clothes are cute and much better than what I have seen in the stores. Do you get any feedback on your pricing from friends or customers?
I also am not a quick seamstress since I am a perfectionist. Don't forget the time spent driving to the store for the perfect buttons! I just did that last week.

[Former_Member]

Some of my items have higher profit margins than others. I try to keep my prices competitive, but they are certainly not the best deal out there. I feel like my items are very high quality and have been able to sell them well even after raising my prices.

I think it is important to keep in mind that many people (myself included) are willing to pay more for higher quality items. (That includes materials and workmanship).

There is a great Etsy article about pricing: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2011/pricing-tips-for-your-creative-business/

[MarcootBoutique]

I was thinking about this, this morning as I was sewing. I see dresses like mine for a lot more and wonder if I could raise my prices some. This started out as a hobby and something to do since I retired. Now is is becoming a job. I still clear double what I spend on fabric and don't consider my time at all in my pricing. I enjoy the applique and my goal was to have affordable clothes for young mothers. I am in the process of making 5 pair of the double ruffled corduroy pants for someone and will definitely raise the price when I relist the pants.

[Former_Member]

About when on Etsy do customers start buying Fall apparell?

[TodaysSouthernStyle]

MarcooBoutique - Such cute clothes! I love the pink dress with the green frog. If your prices are lower than in the stores, I would think that you could raise the prices. I would definitely include time into your pricing schedule.

[Former_Member]

@Chris....Thanks. I've seen people at craft markets look at my prices and walk off and then others remark that my prices are reasonable.
@marcoot...you should definitely consider your time in your pricing. I too started this as a project after retirement. Don't forget the amount of thread, needles and wear and tear on your machine in your pricing as well. I'm in the middle of a rush order and my machine had a breakdown last night. I'm up and off to the repair shop this morning for a repair on a 1 year old Janome. I'm just sick over it since my warranty was out 2 months ago.
@bradleyjean.....I have learned over the last couple of years to try and stay ahead of the seasons. At first I was always late getting my seasonal clothes on. I've listed pretty much all my fall stuff by now. Crazy thing is that I've already bought fabric in preparation for the spring. I buy when i catch the good stuff on sale lower than what I could get it for wholesale. Watch your online sales for some really good deals right now.

[Stoffenjunkie]

Great topic. I'm also struggling with my pricing and since I haven't sold any clothing here on Etsy yet I'm still not sure I'm on the right track. I do sell on another European venue wich is slow but steady for me. My prices here are the same but I wonder if they are right for Etsy.

If I consider materials and time spend (and maybe even machine wear and energy) I think my prices are too low. Still I don't think I can raise the as I don't expect buyers to be interested in even higher prized items. I know I would buy a skirt for my children for over 30 euro's even if I had the money.

As for seasons, I'm always behind, just can't get myself into sewing winter items when it is a hot summer outside. Could be a problem but I was hoping that it's wouldn't be a problem here as the southern hemisphere has opposite seasons, I'm looking forward to get selling worldwide. Would love the idea of a little boy or girl wearing my creations in another continent!!

[TodaysSouthernStyle]

Your prices seem about right to me. You have items that are unique and cute. Good luck on your sales here in the USA.

[Stoffenjunkie]

I now see I made an error writing this:"I know I would buy a skirt for my children for over 30 euro's even if I had the money."

Would =wouldn't

[TodaysSouthernStyle]

I guessed that's what you meant so I'm sure the others did too. No worries.

[Former_Member]

I struggle with pricing too. I am pretty new to Etsy. I did have 3 sales, but they were all for the same dress. I have sold some on Ebay before I heard about Etsy and I still continue to list on Ebay also. I see some dresses listed for less than mine are and some are more than mine.

[Stoffenjunkie]

Hi Vicky,

In my opinion you are underpricing your dresses. For example this one: http://www.etsy.com/listing/80148076/infant-toddler-girls-pillowcase-dress

How can you custom make this one in lets say size 6 and still make enough money on it? It's not like you get the fabric for free right? And the ribbon.

Just a question on my end, have been wondering this of some other sellers too. Skirts for 13 dollar in custom sizes, hope someone can explain. Perhaps fabrics here in Holland are more expensive?

Denise

[monkeyandfriends]

Fabric (cotton) in the US runs about $8.00/yard. Sometimes I stock up when I find a great sale. My custom skirts run $20 each. Even at that I'm not paying myself much for labor.

Vicki - Brighten up the pictures. Some of them are too dark. Also if you can get a model that can also help. I have been actively selling for a full year and have had 23 sales. I have probably given away as much as I've sold for model photos, fashion shows, charity auctions, etc.

The only other advice is to make treasuries. It gets your shop noticed by other sellers. Not everyone sews! Your dresses are cute but I agree that your prices are low. Check out other shops and the keywords they are using, tags, prices, etc. Good Luck! It takes time.

Here's one that could use better lighting.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/78153975/infant-toddler-girls-pillowcase-dress

[Former_Member]

I agree that models in your photos make a big difference! I need to work on getting more of my items on models.

I think one of the keys to success is marketing. Weddings have been the key to my success. Try listing items as "flower girl dresses" and offer customization for colors and fabrics. If you can make your items unique and different from the competition, then you'll get more interest and sell items at reasonable prices.

Don't undervalue your time and the cost of your materials.

[Former_Member]

Do you think my price is right?