Thanks Allen, I will do completely opposite. I will price at least twice as more. I have nothing to loose. Let see what’s gonna happen. You guys are awesome. I was really tired reading people’s problems which they never search, anything happens they open another post. This is getting better and better.
I didn’t recommend Etsy in a beginning as I knew there was already competition and many here has in plan.
I think no matter which site you choose or method, you should price your item only from your expenses and time spent.
I don’t want to sell anything I make for less than I value 
pricing to compete, just kills market and you still can’t go less than manufacturers
1 Like
Absolutely. Thanks.
Hi folks,
I too have sold my handicrafts, mostly since retiring. Carving birds, scrolling Christmas decorations, and pen turning were my vices.
I found that the way to succeed was to sell top-end product only, of the highest quality and for a reasonable price reflecting that quality level. Leave the low prices to the “crafty” crafter.
I found there were craft shows (low price), gift shows (higher quality and higher price), and juried gift shows where you are prejudged for higher quality and finally as mentioned above, you do get recognized for quality and people will seek you out for custom work. The word of mouth business is the business that you really feel good about!
One of the question areas I have about CNC work, is how do people doing CNC work price their product. There is preparation of design or drawings, computer time, setup time, running time, plus all the overhead items. I am early days into my X-carve project and wonder mostly about the “nursemaid” factor. How safe is it to let a long project run on its own (ie. over night)? Easel has a “Pause” factor, when restarted is it a clean restart? How much clean-up after the CNC carve is required to reach the “quality” image?
In summary, pricing should be what the market will bear! I really don’t formula pricing since often $$$ are left on the table.
Bob,
London, Ontario
1 Like
Having owned two businesses (down to one after a divorce) I have found that you definitely have to find a niche. I found it with the pastimes/interests of myself and my ex. With my x-carve I plan on expanding into other areas I’m interested in. You usually have to have at least some kind of knowledge/experience with the items you are making. It helps. And be forewarned…it’s all fun and games in the beginning…then it becomes a job! One of the businesses did our marriage in…too much time.
2 Likes
Thanks Bob. Good view.
This is true in so many different businesses. If you have a niche that you’re interested in and passionate about, that comes through in your work, your presentation, your descriptions…everything. You can tell when someone is listing something that is just an item that they want to make a profit on, they use lots of specs and nothing about how it was made or what can be done with it.
To the right buyer, those passionate extras can make or break a sale at a higher price point.
1 Like
Good advice Alan, thank you.