Sunday 2 December 2012

Handmade handbags - at what cost?

It's been a busy couple of weeks at HbyH HQ. So busy that I didn't even manage to make last weeks Handmade Monday. Now things are a bit quieter there's time to catch up with what you've all been up to.

Me....? Well, I've been busy sending Christmas packages.


 
I've had some lovely feedback from all of my customers, quite a few of whom have said I should increase my prices. Well, my Folksy page and my website have been a bit like a yo-yo the last few weeks. I get a crisis of confidence and lower my prices. Then I sell something and wished I'd charged a bit more.

Then today I sold my most expensive item from my website.
So, what have I learned? Have confidence in your product - I reckon if people like what you do they will buy them and the price isn't necessarily the deciding factor (within reason!), and you can't quite beat the feeling of selling something but knowing you got a fair price for it which reflected the time, care and effort which went into making it.

Now, back to the sewing - just time to cut out one more custom order before dinner.......





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20 comments:

  1. Free Spirit Designs2 December 2012 at 18:41

    I know exactly what you mean, pricing is such a mine field! Like you, i sold a couple of my most expensive items recently and got great feedback too. It renewed my confidence that there are people out there who are happy to pay a fair price and you're right, it is a great feeling to know that you have received what you truly deserved in return for your hard work!

    Your bags certainly are lovely and i love the logo on your packaging - must get round to sorting that one out myself! x

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  2. Wendy2 December 2012 at 18:49

    I can see why someone would fall in love with that bag - and that's what sells things like that, not the price. I worried about putting prices up too, but I don't seem to have sold less because of it. Good luck xx

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  3. Blue Forest Jewellery2 December 2012 at 19:28

    Congrats on your sales, and so glad you've been vindicated in charging a fair 'handmade' price for your lovely bags. I'm sure you're right that people will buy something they like, especially at this time of year, when it's so hard to find unique gifts and presents. Have a great week, Alison x

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  4. Anonymous2 December 2012 at 19:29

    I really love all the details on your packaging. It is lovely to see how much care and attention you put into it all. I think that it adds to the pleasure of buying handmade.

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  5. Sarah - The Lilac Dragonfly2 December 2012 at 19:31

    Helen, your bags are worth every penny! I really love your packaging too....really classy!
    Have a good week
    S x

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  6. threads 'n' shreds2 December 2012 at 22:49

    Pricing is so difficult and its easy for crafters to undervalue themselves, i find it so hard to know where to start!
    Beautiful bag, congrats on your sales - well deserved!

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  7. fatmonica2 December 2012 at 23:03

    It sounds like things are really taking off for you!Here's to continuing success.I love your packaging,it's always a good sign when something arrived so well packaged.

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  8. Unknown3 December 2012 at 01:33

    I always undercharge...I must develop some kinda system to make sure I and the customer as well get our money's worth....My huny keeps trying to tell me and it seems like I had better start letting him lend a hand in that department...great post Helen!

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  9. Carolee Crafts3 December 2012 at 06:29

    Love the handbag stunning. Have faith in your prices never under estimate what you do

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  10. Unknown3 December 2012 at 09:56

    Congrats on your sales so far this Christmas! Always go with your gut instinct re: pricing - handmade with love and care is worth every penny.

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  11. Anonymous3 December 2012 at 12:24

    Your bags are lovely and people get a unique item - you deserve a decent price for them. At the craft fair I was at this weekend a lady was selling paddded bags for £9 ! The sort you could use for your craft projects or knitting etc I was in love with a purple one but I resisted as I really could make one myself from my huge stash!! But I did think she was under selling her things.

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  12. Cocoa & Heart3 December 2012 at 13:42

    I think pricing is always going to bug us as a makers & creative people. Have a confidence in your products (which are wonderful and finished really well) and charge the going rate. Not everyone wants handmade bag and those kind of people will never buy it even if it's cheap. So, don't worry about them...

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  13. Ginx Craft3 December 2012 at 14:59

    I think pricing is very tricky. Several people have told me I under price, but there is nothing more depressing than not selling. At my next fair I intend to sit with my knitting needles out, so people realise that everything is handcrafted.

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  14. Highland Monkey's3 December 2012 at 17:08

    Lovely that things are really taking off for you. Pricing is a nightmare sometimes as not everyone realises how much time and love goes into each item.

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  15. Unknown3 December 2012 at 17:41

    Your handbags are lovely and so you should definitely err on the side of a higher price, even if it's only slightly higher. And how wonderful that your most expensive item sold, congratulations!

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  16. Martha3 December 2012 at 17:57

    well done on your orders and selling on Etsy - it does take a lot of confidence and perhaps some experience to balance the item price and the value so we, crafters dont lose and have a feeling of satisfaction.
    I always believe each item has got to wait for its customer/owner. sometimes it sells fast, and sometime it's got wait for weeks or months.

    your bag with the floral motif is fabulous!

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  17. Catherine McAtier3 December 2012 at 18:44

    I know what you mean about crisis of confidence - I had a major meltdown last week reducing all my prices at a local fair - fortunately passed it off as cyber weekend deal and got my mojo back. There's a lot to be said about educating folks about the uniqueness and work involved with 'handmade'. Your bags are gorgeous next time you doubt their worth take a deep breath remember the love and the work involved and stand firm. Cx

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  18. Ali3 December 2012 at 19:13

    I think you bags are stunning. It was great to hear you'd sold your most expensive item. It goes to show people really appreciate the work you've put into the bags.
    Ali x

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  19. A Wooly Tale3 December 2012 at 21:21

    I imagine pricing must be very tricky. From a consumer point of view, as long as something is reasonably priced for what it is I will buy it if I want it/like it! Funnily enough, if something is too cheap I find I start wondering what is wrong with it and tend to pass it by! Not sure of that helps at all?

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  20. Chris13 January 2013 at 19:12

    What a lovely bag great work on the motif

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