How to Price your Items for Craft Fairs or Online Sites like Etsy

[@lorig2828]

A few years later, this info is still completely relevant. Very good tips for those of us just starting out. You are also a pleasure to watch and listen to :) Thank you

[@JupiKitten]

I'm so glad you mentioned community health! That's something that very often gets forgotten especially by people just starting out, thank you! Definitely subbing!

[@24caratcrochetCoUk]

This is a question/dilemma I come across very often - for myself and from other people. It's not easy to get the balance right, getting a fair price for our work but also a price people are willing to pay. And as you said, there are so many factors involved. Thanks for doing this video.

[@estrelladavila1776]

I really felt you on when you said about some sellers who undercut the price of items because they don't use it as a bussiness. I have no problem if people have it as a hobby, but it really affects me as someone who sells handmade jewelry when I sell jewelry and they use cheap materials and price it for half as mine, but its overall selling for more and my quality is higher as I do pay for those prices itself (or they don't put money into their packaging, bagging, extras, ink other matieral). It's just frustrating and I am glad you metioned it.

[@petrfiddle]

Some good points. The comparison of similar products is a good suggestion, as well cost plus pricing. I would also suggest trying out various prices for your product over different craft sales and see how it sells. I am an Etsy seller and I have done over a dozen craft sales over the last few years. Find the sweet spot: At one show I priced my product at $35 and sold appr $900 worth at one Christmas weekend fair, the following year I dropped it to $30 and sold $1500 worth. Sometimes it helps to put myself in the customers place and think, would I buy this for if I was shopping for my kids. (Obviously people will spend different amounts based on their income etc but it does help). Price Range at a fair: Probably the most important thing I've learned is that there is a typical price range of products at a craft fair say from $5 - $30. I would guess that the average price being around $20-$25 (which I think is similar to the Etsy average) Shoppers have a rough budget in mind and number of people they are shopping for - so they are likely to buy a number of $25 items than say $65 or $100 items. One seller I talked to, made beautiful animal stuffies but at $65 they were not selling at all. While her pricing was understandable for the amount of work and quality, etc. people are used to paying a lot less for mass produced stuffies. The same thing with someone selling prints in the $100-250 range. Also good to keep in mind is that in addition to your table costs your time selling at the craft fair should be in your pricing. Usually it is a full day or two or solid work with little breaks. The one thing I have realized is that the organizers definitely make their money by pre-selling the tables, or charging an entry fee. So I am choosy about craft fairs - usually I avoid expensive table costs (over $200) and if they charge too high an entry fee. Also want to make sure there will be a decent crowd, at least a couple thousand attendees. The location of the craft fair, if you are in higher income part of town, the buyers are likely to spend more.

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

thank you for your input ....very good

[@TreetopCanopy]

$65 is totally reasonable for a lot of hand-crafted plushies, but, yeah, it sounds high when the customers are used to mass manufactured products. It's why many plush makers do custom character commissions; a plush of the customer's own character design is easily worth the fair artisan price.

[@susanhoffman1446]

I crochet and have gotten fairly proficient with working stitches faster etc.. but one outfit can take me 10 hours or so... Baby outfits that are not very big. My problem is, the time put in, then you really can't pay yourself $15. An hour. I love making crocheted items, but feels a bit defeating when so much time is put into it and you make $ 25. To $30. On an item that took 8 to 12 hrs to make...

[@gingeroriginaldesigns]

so true the the time spent no way someone would pay that much. People are cheap

[@grittykitty50]

One of the problems with markets being flooded with cheap foreign goods. People have become accustomed to buying items that only cost pennies to make and not having them last.

[@ruthsquiltingandmore5346]

Susan Hoffman sometimes I have to decide that this item is not one I can market for sale. We do our craft because we love , but we still have to keep the bottom line in mind.

[@jtarmstrong1234]

My main craft is crocheting as well, and I do one or two fairs a year. One at my church for an afternoon for $20 for a 6ft table (I think of it as a tithe), and the other my boyfriend funds because it's a military truck trade show he does every other year- I make camo colored scarves, and pretty ones for the ladies, too. I don't move a whole lot of inventory, but I'm proud of the stuff that does (and am complimented--I love seeing people wearing stuff I've made), and the ones that don't sell after two years get donated. (We have a scarf fence outside our library every year.) I mainly make scarves because I can get one done a week, (moss stitch with varigated yarn is quite fun and beautiful, and quick and easy). I price about $8 for a kid's scarf, $15 for an adult, $18-20 if it's extra long or a complicated pattern. I severely undercut my time price, but it's something I do to keep my hands busy while watching TV so I'm not binge eating instead.

[@jtarmstrong1234]

P.S. I have a day job that pays decently, so I'm not too worried about making enough profit to pay the bills.

[@neesiedavis4062]

I would love tips on photographing and on displaying at craft fairs. Thanks so much! This was really helpful. One thing you made me think of was if I can't sell what I make and make money off it then maybe I should try something else. I don't want to put all that work into the items and have to sell them at a cost less than it cost me to make it. Thanks again! Blessings, Neesie

[@studioknit]

So helpful, thanks!! I struggle with my Etsy store pricing because knitting takes so.... much... time!! My items are the most expensive of its kind listed, and I'm only "paying" myself $4/hr.

[@janetmcadamsbailey1874]

I so agree with you about our hard wonderfully inspired work....I am a quilter but do different fabric items when I need a break and like to share them...all my friends are like.....you need to sell these.....I was in a Christmas Bazaar last year and it seemed like it was alot of families giving their children X amount of $$ t but Christmas gifts for the family and friends.....I had wonderful zippered bags....different beautiful fabrics not found in stores....but no one wanted to pay $12-$14 ....so sold only a handful....certainly not enough to pay for table....I sold more of the mini bags I sold as key chains/coin bag for $5.00 There is no way we can compete with overseas prices........yet I love creating lovely things....my quilts are beautiful but only loved ones receive them due to I am tired of justifing my price for a full size beautifully designed quilt. So I often just settle for $ to just make it possible to get more fabric to create more..........crazy world

[@elizabethxxpaige]

Same thing. I made a bunch of mermaid tail blankets for my niece and her friends and everyone was saying "Sell it on etsy!", but when I looked at their going price there...the cost of yarn, and the amount of TIME it takes to make them, I couldn't compete. I mean some people were charging only $20 for adult sized blankets! That's completely disproportionate to the cost of the yarn it took to make those blankets, not to mention time.

[@kellysheridan4064]

Still using the pouches example ....How much product inventory do you plan when you first open a online store ? Do you make 5 or 50 ? What are the Don'ts in creating a store? What can you do to stand out or to just be seen ?

[@BlogginBrandi]

I say profit margin should be minimum of $3 USD Online store is great for giving you a home to centralize your brand. Just start slow don't grow to fast, learn as you grow and go. To stand out you must study your competition and do it better, titles, descriptions, photos, customer service.

[@KumikoMei]

Thank you so much for this helpful video!!! I'm trying to open an online shop with crocheted items and pricing them was my biggest concern. I've had issues with some customers in my town in Italy 'cause they were like "I know the yarn you used costs X why are you charging me Y?" They were making me feel 'greedy' for rightfully charging the time I actually spent making the item for them. So thank you for your help, I needed it :D

[@MakingLifeSimple]

SO helpful. This is an overwhelming process for sure. Would love a series with advice on other steps of the process! A question I have: how specific do your products need to be for an etsy shop or booth? Can you have things ranging from zippered pouches to felt children's toys or should you choose one type of item to focus on?

[@brightchange6065]

Thank you so much for approaching a "delicate" subject without going way over to the dark side. You brought up some sobering issues in a truthful manner and everyone heading into craft shows can expect reality to happen!

[@trishatitler3525]

You are very smart, and have great ideas. So refreshing to hear person like what they do. I'm handicapped and no longer able to work.. Can't wait to find all your videos. God bless

[@timmills3823]

I'm not sure how the sewing community works but in terms of general "maker community" also consider your time for other things. how much time to go get your thread and fabric, drive time and standing at the cutting table. Are you charging to pack the items, or to drop the package at the post office? Fuel for your vehicle to get to and from everywhere should be considered. I know that sewing is competitive because of so many hobbyists but if you are pursuing this as a business and not a hobby 15 per hour is an insult to yourself. This took years to get to where you are, charge what you are worth, dont compete with cheap chinese sweat shop prices. just my 2 cents, from a woodworker.

[@debk3059]

Well stated Time Mills

[@damndaniel6385]

Well written! I agree too

[@kathytincler2446]

Where I live...for the craft fairs end of it anyway....if one were to factor all that in we'd have no business. I'm a hobbyist contributing to the household & I do have life outside of crafting. All that you suggest would take time away from all that & frankly makes my head spin but I can see it for big business though...

[@kathytincler2446]

OXOX I agree with your comment totally. We makers start out as happy hopefuls but then the real world closes in. Ppl do not respect & will not pay for out makes. Ppl want to barter like we are a flea market. That is common & desperate ppl let their makes go for dirt....after all there is Walmart/China :(

[@3jdni]

Kathy Tincler People often want to barter so much because crafters charge for every little thing such as the cost of a lightbulb that blew or charging for the lunch they ate midwah through the project construction. There are certain things you shouldn't factor into your price but while people continue to, people will continue to barter.

[@CherylDFloyd]

Thanks, Melanie! This info is very helpful indeed. I hadn't considered that the cost of materials plus labor would be wholesale and not retail. I'm so glad I watched this video (twice) to get that drilled into my head.

[@gayleholland6612]

Thank you so very much for sharing! My husband does my pricing and I'm ALWAYS saying it's too much, but he does EXACTLY what you said to do and he is right on target. Guess I need to apologize to him. lol. Again, thank you for your help! I'm subscribing to your channel as soon as I finish this post!

[@AnnieThyme]

This was super helpful! I would love to know more about how to go about buying materials at wholesale prices (I do crochet, beading, and several fabric based items) but had assumed you needed to be a bigger business to be able to access that kind of thing. Is this not the case? and what store(s) do you go to to find wholesale pricing? Thanks for any tips in that area. I would also love to see, as others have mentioned, more about photographing craft items for sale! I hope you are having a great weekend! 😆

[@DevilishGaming]

This was very interesting as someone starting out down the route of becoming self employed. Lots of things to think about

[@deborahm1829]

Thank you for the video. I agree with your break down. Below are a lot of comments and I see myself in several. I make Backpacks. By the time I finish I make $10 for something that takes 6 hours(I'm a very slow sewer). I sew to relax. In my area people want a $60 bag for $20. I stop making them. Now I make it so unique that they want it for the price I set. Thank you again. Hopefully this year I can use your formula in my first craft festival.

[@rachelkmua213]

my brother and I are wanting to do our first craft show so i've been doing research and i've been trying to think of how to price my items. I loved your tip to check Etsy and stuff to see what other people charge for similar products it helped me settle on a price!

[@patriciabrightwell196]

I subscribed because this was such an informative video -- I would never have thought to calculate the cost of thread into a sales price. I am currently needing a 12-step program over decoupage -- I cannot stop -- I make these really beautiful decoupaged with napkins tiles and I'm going to start selling them, and other type products, at my local farmers market -- I was using the larger guest towel size because I was decoupaging furniture, and it's what I had, but the little cocktail napkins, you get 4 tiles to 1 napkin, they fit perfectly and are much cheaper -- I was adding the cost of napkins, plus tiles, and didn't think to add the cost of the modpodge and finishing coat -- which I'm even thinking maybe using a school glue mixture as opposed to the mod podge for the initial coat to cut cost. So, thank you so much again for sharing your knowledge. There is lots of room in the craft world for many, many crafters. I don't understand all the bickering that goes on -- as well as the secrecy of how did you make this or what do you charge. This tutorial was like a breath of fresh air of women supporting women in the business world. I'm old, so the only good thing about getting old is you get knowledge along the way. I've witnessed it happen so many times -- the more you share from an open heart, the more the Universe - however you define that term - gives back to you -- the person you share with may stab you right in the middle of your back, but suddenly you'll get a large order from a source who just found your work. So, good on you. And I agree with the other poster -- you are beautiful and your eyes are filled with light. sorry this got too long. Best wishes in every endeavor

[@clairesteinriede9110]

Thank you Melanie!~ This was a great and super informative video. I have an at home monogramming business, work occasionally at a sewing shop, and naturally am getting more and more requests for alterations, etc and I never knew how to charge for that at all! So this really helped guide me!

[@annwitten4359]

Hey, Melanie! Great video! :) I would really like your ideas and opinions on photographing items for your online shop. Covering topics such as simple how-to's, what makes a great photo, trends of how, etc... Could you also factor in how to shoot great pics on a very low budget and with a basic camera or cell phone? I would really love to see a video covering these problems! Thanks!

[@BlogginBrandi]

I use white backgrounds and natural light. It is best to take photos during the day time.

[@pameladudrow247]

Great video! I'd encourage those future videos you commented on. Photographing and creating a listing that contains necessary info without being verbose! Personally, I price my items according to what the market will bear. I create fold formed metal jewelry. Higher prices reflect my time, imagination, and buyer's perceived value. The only time I use The Formula is if I'm using AAA grade gemstones in my final product.

[@lileet]

Dear Melanie,this is incredible how timely this video is! I'm just on my way of having a small business started,so this is very-very on time information :) thanks a lot!

[@JessNicole1111]

Super helpful. Thanks for explaining why we need to double for retail! I’ve never actually heard anyone explain the reason for doing this.

[@janetpurchase1649]

This was really helpful I do a variety of different items and when I retire am very interested in creating a website too sell my items. Lots of information nd my friends and others are always encouraging me to sell items. Getting organized and keeping track of time and expense right now is a challenge because I work a full time job. Any inns on organization item costs and time spent. I am terrible about keeping receipts and documenting what I am doing.

[@sarahclassicsewing]

Such a hot topic, and you did a nice job covering the points, Melanie. Price is the reason I'm no longer selling my items. I make a lot of heirloom clothes and I found myself spending more time with people trying to haggle my prices to compare with China and whatnot.

[@debbiepotter6413]

I can’t see that even worth trying

[@itsallme1249]

Hi Melanie, I just watched your quilting series and am absolutely hypnotized. I am looking to purchase a sewing machine to start doing quilting, and other sewing endeavors. Could you maybe mention good starting sewing machines that are a good value? I am looking for something that isn't really hardcore but strong enough for quilting and that isn't too expensive, basically a good started sewing machine. I really would prefer to not spend over $150. Any thoughts or recommendations?

[@NJNUNEZ]

itsallme1249 did she answer you?

[@yokog5629]

I am a member of a few quilting Facebook groups. I recommend you to join quilting/sewing Facebook groups and ask that question. People are generally very helpful. Meanwhile, I have Brother sewing machine. Brother makes good sewing machines. Check Amazon for affordable sewing machines and reviews.

[@kayladavidson9439]

Thanks Melanie, loved your tutorial. I always wondered why people sell stuff at markets for ridiculous prices!!! After having a child and buying her clothes, I have noticed that people are selling baby items at markets for like $30-$45 for one outfit that they will only wear for like a couple of months. Being a crafter, I get that it takes alot of time to make items, plus materials aren't cheap, but I can't justify spending that much for clothes that my child will just grow out of in a couple of months. I always wanted to get into making baby stuff to sell at markets that are cheap to help out people that can't afford much for their child, but still want their children to have nice things. I shop smart though when buying materials, like getting Fabric from opshops, fabric off cuts, buy in bulk or buy materials on sale. I think that if you are doing it as a hobby and love doing it, then you don't need to sell it for ridiculous prices. People are more likely to buy things from you if your items are reasonably priced in my opinion. From a mother's perspective.

[@debbiepotter6413]

Your exactly right. That’s why I can’t go to craft fairs. It has nothing to do with me not appreciating their goods, but I simply can not afford it. To think you are going to get rich making things at home is rediculous. And idc what others charge. To think you can make $20 making crafts at home is stupid. People just aren’t going to pay or especially for like you said baby clothes, well unless you can get some really wealthy clients.

[@geridine1]

This video is very informative. I only recently found you on you tube. I have watched other videos of items you made, and you explain everything so good that anyone can know what to do. I would also like to compliment you on how well you speak which makes understanding much better. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. Your videos are helping me tremendously!

[@dennaclark7878]

I'm thinking about starting an Etsy shop, and I would love to hear your product promotion and photography ideas to get the shop set up successfully. Also, share your ideas on naming a shop. My shop specifically, will be artwork.

[@chrisponyclub]

Very helpful, comments below don't seem to realise that your figures are used as a simplified version for demonstration purposes and not your ACTUAL costings.

[@kathytincler2446]

Then that should be made clear to newbies (every one, actually) from the get go :D

[@01sarah29]

I honestly think for some things to sell you have to be in the right place at the right time; fair prices or not. If you are in an area where people get the idea for buying from a "small or personal business" or non corporate you will do well. People mostly see things in retail similar to what you are making and they can not understand why you're charging so much. My friend basically explained this formula to me on pricing and I can not see myself charging $20 for 1 card. I know it will never sell for that price. I've thought about doing an online store but the only problem I have there is the cost of shipping products. A girl at work told me in her online business the shipping cost is where she always under charges and ends up loosing out on making money.

[@debbiepotter6413]

Your right. Most people compare it to crap at Walmart. Basically people are stupid so of course that’s what they see

[@laurah1249]

Here's my issue...I was making fleece blankets last year (and could not keep up with the orders!) but then I had a lot of people saying "well I can buy this fabric for $X so why are you charging so much?" I try to explain charging for my time but they don't seem to understand or "care" for lack of a better term. I was literally only making about $10 per blanket as it was :( What is your suggestion to combat the "I can make it cheaper...I just don't want to make it" crowd?

[@MelanieHam]

+Laura Harnish Are they customers who are saying this to you? I would say, ok sure - go ahead and make it yourself ;). Are you still making them? If you can't keep up with the orders, then keep making them for the people that value your work and time ;).

[@vanillacarnivore]

+Laura Harnish OMG, I totally understand you. I used to sell my crafts at first Friday's and I would have people say, "Oh, I can make that." rawrr, that was so disappointing.

[@F_ckinFin]

+vanillacarnivore if they can make it what are they doing at a craft fair?

[@vanillacarnivore]

exactly!

[@megangosiak1489]

Problem with those saying that they could make it themselves for cheaper is the level of disrespect for your time, talent, eye for the craft, and mixing and matching the fabrics. Its so rude. I have MANY things i see at craft fairs and think "i could do that", but i don't. I don't have the time, talent, eye for mixing and putting it together, the works. I agree with inviting them to make it themselves. Maybe even remind them that you aren't selling a blanket from Wal-Mart. Yours are made with love. Yours have your loving hands putting them together and you are making it to last, not trying to just put out a massive quantity. Wal-Mart and target sell quantity, not quality. That's the difference you offer. And i can attest that while you can make it cheaper, holy bananas do they take TIME!! Mad respect to you.

[@eachlovelything]

those were such amazing tips. I've opened my own shop not long ago and it would have been so very helpful to watch this. The last few items I researched finally to be able to market myself better, and it changed everything. It's much more important than I imagined. Thank you so much for making this video!

[@AntoinetteEmily]

Some excellent information here Melanie. Have always wanted to start an Easy shop but have always been confused about how much to charge so this helped me out so much.

[@andreashafer8768]

This video was great! Thank you Melanie! I'm always struggling with pricing of my crocheted goods. I would love to see a video on photographing and the best way to list products! Thanks again :)

[@Molly-pb2yb]

Awesome video! One topic I'd be very interested in learning more about is when & where can I find clearance fabrics & bag supplies. But this video is very well done and I just discovered your blog & love it too!!

[@janebrettell1737]

Very useful I have just booked my first craft show for December so I'm hungry for as much information as possible. Thank you

[@misspeachinthelibrary9057]

Your information is very helpful! Yes, please, continue to make these types of entries.

[@labonihira]

I have plans of selling jewellery made out of resin and plants. And i have started making some of them already. Thanks for this helpful video

[@kellymontgomery8603]

Yes Melanie please continue to share. I started my sewing business over a yr. and interested in the how to 's in selling. Keep it coming...love your informative videos

[@emilyzeigler1834]

Melanie I always REALLY appreciate your videos! Thank you so much for this! Price points have been something I've really struggled with!

[@fabflage2859]

Thank you! Nice video, I just started making projects and am off to a good start with a small shop selling on consignment but struggle with pricing often. My biggest problem is keeping track of my receipts and breaking them down in some kind of order so I know what I have spent. Any suggestions for this? I find myself mixing and matching fabrics, etc and loose track of what I spent for it and this is making it difficult to price..

[@debbiepotter6413]

You have to get organized. The mixing and matching is difficult but it can be done. You just have to be super organized and super diligent. It’s the part I dislike, I don’t like working with figures. I would much rather spend my time making my product

[@shanran07]

I have an etsy where we specialize in marquee letters at RainydayRustics! We are currently running the market of marquee letters on etsy because our prices are competitive and our item shows up on the first search page when people search "marquee letters"

[@wildflowerwhispersstudio6]

thank you, this was very helpful. Pricing is definitely one of my weak points. I tend to price on the low side with my photography. I guess part of that is that I'm really sensitive about overcharging people. Thanks again

[@GAYRITESSRHUMANRITES]

hey Melanie thanks for the video! I sew dresses and costumes for my drag many of my things can be worn by women too and I love what I do. I have had a LOT of requests to start duplicating and selling my work and I am not sure how to price it. any feedback when it comes to selling wearable designs?

[@stephanyyyb]

Thank you so much for all these helpful tips. Can you please do a video of how to take pictures of your products for online sales. Tfs hun :)

[@shannonlee1010]

yes i agree, that would be great 😍

[@WhitChap03]

So I am following your instructions step by step, and where the 15 inches is to be left at the beginning, it seems to be much too short to cut the strips. 4 3in strips and 2 2.5in strips is 17 inches. Therefore I can't cut the strips. Which of the cuts can I make smaller so I have straps?

[@AnnetteKirk001]

Melanie thank you for breaking down this information and I had it down to a science and am sooooo happy that you clarified it for me even more. You are a saint because I was very skeptical on how I was going to price my items fairly. I send blessings and pray for your continued success! Blessings!

[@MelanieHam]

+Carolyn Kirk best of luck to you!

[@DenisePoole-Closet-Crafts]

I think it's very hard to sell no matter how good you are, people do not have the income to justify the spend on something. I have been making some Christmas stockings and personalised them but to be honest I can not make them for the price in the shops. The shop had some beautiful ones in, they really where lovely all different kinds and on examining then they were made very well. The price was £3.00, Yes just £3.00, we can not compete with that, not even adding the child's name on could you compete. I feel in today's world it's lucky if you get the cost of the materials of the item back, never get any back for time. One person on here said you need to find the right market to sell to and I agree because most people want your items and can appreciate how good they are but don't want to pay. I made my grandson a memory quilt n Elephant from his own babygrow and also Incorporated photos and birth date weight ECT, it had borders and was a good size quilt, I also made a sturdy fabric case to keep it in. I had lots of enquiries about doing them, after my daughter put out for social media. So I went and seen on Esty n other sights what was being charged, I came back with a price which was half the price of some being charged but all I got was no can't pay that. So for a personalised quilt with photos, baby info, all in a case with a toy Elephant made from child babygrows and fabric and charging half price to others, all I got no can't afford that, and at the price my time would have been for free. So as I say you have to find te right market of people sell to and that is the hardest part.

[@Shalon0801]

i would love to hear more about online selling.

[@AudreyDombrowski]

Thanks. It's also hard to get your etsy started. Unless you pay their fee to get shown more. Also I have been told I can't sell items because it looks like other patterns especially knitted things. They say I am violating copyrights.

[@jeniferalvarez2914]

I love looking at reusable items on Etsy and I always wondered why some stuff, like I paper towels, are like 20$ for 6 when a lot of them use Jo-Ann flannel. This flannel goes on sale for 1.99$ a yard quite often. so I’d see these items and just be scratching my head.

[@daringlavan3615]

Love to finally see a quality looking video with great information! I would love to see more videos on tips for small business crafters!

[@BlogginBrandi]

You're a doll! Thanks for all the tips on selling your own projects. I have so many ideas swirling now. Start out low and increase as your sell more and grow. Learn as you go but do your research.. Love :)

[@glitterngloss13]

I would love to see more videos like this! How to photograph products, ect I want to try selling seeing crafts in the future.

[@SusanH578]

It would be very helpful if you could share some tips on photographing items to sell online! Thank you for your tips!

[@JaneAustin4ever]

really great advice thanks

[@tanyashapovalov6021]

Hi Melanie, this video was very helpful. I am planning to start selling on Etsy. I created my logo and name but what the next step? How do I make my logo be mine so no one will copy me? What you did when you started to sell, what is your experience

[@natashareilly200]

Thank you so much for this!! I need to change the way I price my cakes and Petit Fours and I think this method would really help!!

[@karenbruns4355]

Thanks for these tips. I think it’s very helpful. I would like more informational tips for selling.

[@tylerwalk110]

Please make one on how to photograph your projects and how to write a listing!!

[@amychalles9392]

I just crochet your Beanie Hat and messy bun hat tutorial that you have on your blog. I have some coworkers that want me to crochet them one and I am stumped on how to charge. your tutorial talks about sewing a zipper pouch. Is crochet different ? If I just charge them for my time to make the hat and they buy the yarn what is a good price to charge ?

[@helen4997]

Thank you so very much for sharing your useful info.

[@mocapuccinos]

Thank you very much! How would you calculate prices for things that do not run out as quickly, such as watercolor paints and paintbrushes?

[@bdelpesco]

Hi there +mocapuccinos, you can start with your cost of paper, mounting support & frames, etc. The brushes and paint stay with you, and get used over and over and the replacement costs could be years long depending on how often and how big you paint. Calculate the cost of paper, mat + frame (the items you'll be delivering to your patrons) + your time, and when you get some repeatable numbers on regularly-used sizes (5x7, 8x10, 11x14), you can simplify with per-square inch pricing grid. Hope that helps!

[@megangosiak1489]

mocapuccinos maybe by weight? Stick with me while i explain myself. Your materials can be figured for how much per ounce/ gram/ whatever. Maybe track starting weight for everything, then ending weight. Then you can track how much you used and add that into your costs accordingly? Otherwise, i would think it be more guesswork, i presume. Correct me if I'm wrong.

[@megangosiak1489]

Belinda reminded me of something. Your craft is something you know well. You know how long your brushes last and the likes. I'd factor in the little bit of wear and tear. Everything you use has replacement value for it's wear and tear. Cant forget that bit. I had to when i was selling custom quilts. The one was VERY hard on my machine, the zigzag was brutal.

[@PosidenSiren]

Thank you everything you say makes sense.

[@HopeChandlerSteele]

Great video!! Would love a video on how to photograph products. Most people use their phones instead of cameras so any tips would be amazing!! Thank you!!!

[@lucyhavrilla4946]

Thank you Melanie for the great advice and hints. Also I love your channel and tutorials!!!!

[@tchrjames-brown3876]

Thank you. This was a great video. Thinking of starting up my own business so this was VERY useful info

[@redshoefive3234]

Christina James I want to start a business as well.

[@bhavinimessham1887]

Appreciate this. Still breaks my heart that you’re no longer here x your legacy lives on

[@76-mom]

Thank you so much. Finally a good explanation

[@TheBonnieHirning]

This works for things that can be made in multiples within an hour. I work with beads and one whole item can take weeks to complete. I don't sell my work because I have no idea how to itemize it. Things are bought in bulk or given to me. And an hourly pay rate is even more difficult to calculate.

[@JelscreationsNmore]

She was so beautiful and helpful thank you Melanie rip

[@melissabarden8826]

When taking photos of your projects to sell is there a way, other than a water mark, to keep others from using that pic to "print" their own project? I do vinyl work on signs & fabric as well as abstract art on canvas. Very new to selling theses projects

[@barbaramateo1998]

Thanks for sharing!!!! Very helpful...☺️

[@la1163]

Wow your stepmom has beautiful watercolor paintings.

[@allergiesrusdb]

Hi Melanie! I agree with some comments below...Id love help w/photographing for Etsy/online sales. You are welcome to even use my bad photos as an example: Kelley's Cuddle Cottage on Etsy. (What was I thinking with an ORANGE background?!). Lol! I'll leave those photos on my Etsy store so you can see how bad they are. I've really underpriced my Tooth Fairy pillows. I break even as I forgot to add in my time. They should cost $18, but an $8 increase is too much. Thanks for all of the great info!

[@lizjohnson1276]

I'd also add that if you are wholesaling for 10, you cannot then retail it for 10. You cannot undercut your wholesale customer.

[@mercedescorretjer2933]

Online selling is a good idea but can you include the shipping and handling in the craft? If not how do you determine the cost of shipping and handling?

[@debbiepotter6413]

Get a printer and go online to the post office. You can make your own labels. You weigh them right at home. It’s easy

[@awenamccormack5141]

Very useful, thank you. If there is anything else you have in tears of finances and organising this or best way to distribute sales........please do let me know. Xx

[@meansworthemmanuella8550]

Thank you so much for this.. I really need to know how to photograph my work. I'm about to start a brand and I'm lost to be honest

[@mizzsa]

Hi is the pouch in this video still selling? Love it!! Thx

[@brittanymorton9032]

Please do a how to photographing your products, especially with sewed stuff and knitted/crochet as I find it very hard to get pictures of those sorts of items! P.s ur eyes are sooooo pretty and blue!!

[@joywilliams4509]

is there a tutorial on the bag used?

[@pamelasherman1314]

Thanks for the info. How do you use Utube to sell your products?

[@ashleyrainbow8888]

this is so helpful thank you

[@3gstitchlove]

Hey Melanie. I thought the video was very helpful. I did have one question... What exactly is the point of selling your stuff wholesale to a brick and mortar shop? If you can sell the product for $20 on your own, then why sell it wholesale to a shop so they get the extra $10 you would have gotten on your own? I understand it might possibly be to get your name and product out there, but is there any other benefit that I'm missing?

[@meemeek]

Yes Melanie! Give us some more info. Thanks!!

[@matsprincess]

Thanks, very helpful tips!

[@MrAdrianaangel]

Your hair looks great.

[@yllek82]

Very very helpful! Thank you so much!!

[@malarie-vg6vp]

My problem is that some people think my items are over priced i have crocheted washclothes granny squared and I spent 4 for the yarn and i can make 3 with one ball of yarn I spend about an hour making one so in trying to sell them for 7 each just to make a profit off of it

[@meijelly]

$7 isn't expensive at all! I know this comment is old but people are whack thinking they can get everything in life for cheap or free.

[@debbiepotter6413]

Thats thanks to China and all the crap this government lets in. They can sell them for a tenth of what we can. And it sucks bc there is no quality and end up in a landfill. So it costs the same in the long run but people in general are stupid af so that’s the problem

[@rebeccabarr2726]

Yes, very helpful! Thanks so much for covering this!

[@Mandy4578]

Great advice & this video was perfectly timed!

[@blackrosejokerf]

My mother would save buttons and zippers from old clothes that needed to be retired from wearing to replace them in other clothes, but that may work for crafting too

[@debbiepotter6413]

Oh most definitely

[@XSnowBoarder16]

Absolutely great video and info!!!! Thank you!

[@dailycleansewithceleste1583]

Melanie, it sounds like you are saying to adjust the pricing based on vending fees + other costs. Is this what you're saying?

[@ysamek1]

Thanks a lot, very helpful