I'd LOVE your thoughts!

celtictidecreations · 03-03-2010, 03:20 PM

Hello everyone!....I'm a SAHM and have been running a very small hair clip and accessory business on etsy/locally. I've recently started making two new items that I'd like to sell as well. My problem is that I cannot for the life of me set a price. I know when pricing you are suppose to figure out supply cost and give yourself an hourly rate = price. I'm just at a total loss for these items. Fabric prices vary greatly and time to create specific stencils varies as well... However I'd like to come up with fairly consistent prices. If you have any thoughts on what I might charge for my Tumble Toe Shoes or my stenciled onesies/shirts (see albums for examples) It would be GREATLY appreciated! I'd like to make a little profit but also want to be reasonable for all the families out there. If you think they wont sell, you wont hurt my feelings! Just let me know : ).
I also know that for wholesale people often charge half of their retail... would you do that for this type of item as well? I've had some interest in wholesaling both.... I'm just afraid, especially with the shoes, that I'll end up with no profit at all (I'm not teaching right now so a little income would be super great). Thank You SOOOOOOOOOOO Much!

onesies-
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t...0and%20shirts/

shoes-
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t...Tumble%20Toes/

DangerMouse · 03-03-2010, 05:15 PM

I think you'll find a lot of us share the same problem.
Trying to price what you made can sometimes be harder than doing the project!
I CAN tell you what you show will likely sell well. Parents like 'cute' and they're cute. Try to be fair in your pricing to yourself as well as the customer and you should be good. In this economy, be prepared to have the occasional sale and lower prices if things do not move as quickly as you hope.

DM

UndrThTblNDrumng · 03-03-2010, 06:28 PM

Just putting my thoughts down as I go... embroiderers charge for the intricacy and number of colors used. You could set up some sort of system like that so the more intricate the design the more you charge.

jessicalee · 03-03-2010, 06:35 PM

I Love your slippers!!!

I dont charge/pay myself an hourly rate.

I triple the cost.

So lets say I can make a dress with 1yrd @ $5.99
the sale price would be $18 for said dress

Some say its to cheap but I think on what wouldf I pay.
I dont see myself paying $43 for a dress.

Now for your slippers you could just do a ruff estimate, how many pair can you get from a yard?
devide then times and there you go, i think i've paid $12-$15 for my childrens.

The super cute ones that have the bugs/animals may price differently because your doing other things to them.

Good Luck!

UndrThTblNDrumng · 03-03-2010, 06:37 PM

about the shoes... I would Price them no higher than robeez and the likes because they aren't 100% leather. They look like good quality and very cute but I think, for me, they are still kind of same ol' same ol' as far as soft shoes. If I were shopping at your store I would stear away from the really unique ones that have something sticking out (bees, turtles, lizards), because I'd be worried that my just learning to walk year old would step on them and trip.

Those are just my thoughts. The ladybug shoes are totally cute and you take nice pictures too.

envyjewels · 03-04-2010, 08:28 AM

I think your items would sell, they are all super cute! I found this site with similar shirts for you to compare prices a little. Your base cost has to include your materials, hourly wage and I usually add $2 for packaging/bus cards etc (I find it easier to tack on a few dollars to each piece so that I'm not drawing from my profits for these things...I want my profits to go to expanding my business).

Once you have your base cost, you do your markup. I markup anywhere from 2-5x, depending on what it is because I've learned what items people will pay more for. And then round it to an appealing #.

As for wholesale, if you are happy to get your base cost back, then make your markup 2x. Most places expect a 50% cut off the retail price. This is why it is SO important to make sure your base cost covers everything you put into it,not just the obvious. You won't make any real profit if you only mark it up 2x, just enough to make the item again...meaning you can't expand your inventory etc.

Items that I can't markup more then 2x, I don't sell to boutiques...it's not worth it to me. That being said, I find that the boutiques my work sells in, can sell more of my high end pieces then I can...it's all about venue! Selling wholesale also gives your work a new level of professionalism, and expands exposure of your work. I get a lot of referrals out of it. Just make sure any packaging has an email or web address.

Ok, now I feel like I'm rambling...there is just so much to it. I realize we are selling different items, but the profit has to be there regardless of what your selling, and if its not, don't do it!

celtictidecreations · 03-05-2010, 07:03 AM

you guys are the best... thanks for your insight.

celtictidecreations · 03-05-2010, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UndrThTblNDrumng

about the shoes... I would Price them no higher than robeez and the likes because they aren't 100% leather. They look like good quality and very cute but I think, for me, they are still kind of same ol' same ol' as far as soft shoes. If I were shopping at your store I would stear away from the really unique ones that have something sticking out (bees, turtles, lizards), because I'd be worried that my just learning to walk year old would step on them and trip.

Those are just my thoughts. The ladybug shoes are totally cute and you take nice pictures too.

I appreciate your honesty! I was actually thinking of including some type of disclaimer that the bees, turtles etc. are intended for non walkers and those that are very steady on their feet. I was thinking the same thing. I wouldn't want a new walker to get caught up in them (although honestly I made the bees the week my daughter started walking and she did great with them... every child is different though!) : )
Thanks for the photo compliment as well. Its something I am working very hard at although I'm nowhere near where I'd like to be. My skills are a work in progress : )

DangerMouse · 03-05-2010, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by celtictidecreations

My skills are a work in progress

The rest of us too.....

1655 <--- Today's winning lottery #

DM

celtictidecreations · 03-11-2010, 02:40 PM

ok... I know that there have been mixed opinions about the onesies/shirts I've been making. Lately, I've been trying different things, adding more colors, making some more simple etc. I'd love to know which ones, or type of style, you think may work well and those that you feel I might need to get back to the drawing board. I'm trying to step out of my own personal style as I am pretty simple and nature centered (although as you can see ... I have not done a good job of it!).... I've added about 10 more since the original post...
feel free to critique here or in personal messages.
Thanks!
http://s162.photobucket.com/albums/t...0and%20shirts/