Seaweed versus butterfly

Oh Asia, these are totally beautiful ! Can’t help you with the pricing because I’m not a seller, either, but will bet they command a good price – - -

Both great pieces…..love the patination and components. I can’t help with pricing either, as there are alot of factors— Cost of materials plus time spent, also, I tend to give close friends and family a discount.

Oh WOW, Asia! These are gorgeous! I also love the patinas and overall design of both pieces. They will be a wonderful addition to the shop!

As far as pricing, they say 2.5 times the cost of materials. I tend to fudge that number alot, and go a bit lower, but that’s because of all the retirees around here….

Thanks for your help on the Dixie Project!

Both are fabulous and I LOVE the clasps-especially the one on the seaweed piece. I would round up on this because of all the extra hand crafting. Ballpark the cost then double and a half it. Be generous to yourself rather than the buyer in this case. I tend to discount things for friends and clients who aren’t loaded. but I think we can shoot at the higher end online.

When I was starting my jewelry business, my cousin, an old hand, told me that if something doesn’t sell, raise the price. Sounds counter-intuitive, but it works. If you price too low, people don’t value your work, think it’s cheap junk, don’t buy it.
There is more to consider than just the cost you paid for the components. What are they worth now? (Important concept for things that have appreciated in value as they’ve sat in your stash.) What other costs do you have to meet, like show fees, postage, gas, etc, etc. And things that are technically complex should be priced higher than things you can just whip off in moments.
It is good to have at least one really high end piece (makes people think your other pieces are a great deal), and a few low end things for those who can’t afford more expensive things.
finally, consider what sort of store do you consider to be your competition. If you are aiming at $store or wallyworld customers, you would price your things differently than if you are aiming for customers who would be shopping at Macy’s or museum/artisan stores….

2.5x cost of materials is the minimum for wholesale prices… if you were selling your pieces to a shop, which would then charge their customers more…

AND. I like these!, esp. The sea-themed one. I’ll shut up now….

I like them both, but the butterfly is so cheerful with the patina and bright yellows, I think it’s my favorite. Can’t help with pricing; I’m clueless on what people want to pay.

I do not include the pendant in the measurement. And you are definitely not Wallyworld.

Online all of my things will be priced higher because that is what people expect–artisan products should be priced to reflect the artwork. When I sell from a table people are ridiculous in what they expect to pay–they think they are at Wallyworld.

I think Becky is right about online shoppers and pricing higher. I think they are looking to buy, and expect to pay more for a handcrafted piece of art.

I’ve also heard upping the price on an item that hasn’t sold works! Thanks Eeka!

Deinately no Wallyworld here!

Asia, both of these pieces are beautiful. Even though I’m partial to ocean themed pieces I love that butterfly. Your patina is just gorgeous.

So I read your pricing question before and decided to look up some info. I knew I had read a formula somewhere. I googles it and found one on an Etsy blog. It goes like this:

materials+labor+expenses+profit=wholesale×2=retail

Okay since you are doing this for a cause then I would say dismiss the profit from the equation. Expenses are things like studio rental, postage so I would say this.would probably not be included. So materials plus a price per hoir for how long it took you. This should NOT be dismissed because even though we are.donating items for this we do want the items to make money. Plus we do not want anything to seem cheap. You are undercutting your artistic avilities extremely with the price you mentioned. $30 and up would be more along tje lines of what I would say.

Also sorry Susie I’m not yet ready for the shop. Hopefully early part of this week.

Oh- I did not intend to imply wallworld-worthiness!!!! Just using it as an example of price ranges.
When I am selling at shows, I sometimes get comments like ” I can get 3 pair of earrings for $5 at wm” etc. I politely tell them if they are shopping for 3-for-5 earrings, they should go there. These are quality pieces, made in US, go on a bit about what the components are etc etc if the are n the mood. Some people are just out to be weird.
I’ve had people tell me I should sell them earrings at (& even below!) cost “because my friend makes jewelry and she’d make them for me at that price”. I politely respond that this is my business, I price my pieces so I can make a profit. If their friend wants to make a similar pair, fine. Then I ask if they demand a discount on dinner when they eat at a restaurant b/c their grandmother is a great cook?
Ditto Becky’s pricing… but I’d say $29 (or 31 or 33…). Odd #s sell better.
Length refers to the part that goes around the neck. If you want to talk about the pendant you can say something long the lines of “18 inch necklace with 2 inch pendant”
For ideas on pricing and descriptions, check out some quality shops on etsy and artfire.

Ditto what Deb said, Asia. Don’t undercut yourself and your artistic creations. I would say at least $30s for both pieces. I think with an Etsy shop, people are expecting to pay more for a quality piece of art. They know they are going to get something special.

Deb, no worries! I’m pretty behind with things like laundry and housekeeping. Plus, it takes alot longer than one would think to list an item on Etsy. So, whenever you are ready! Thank you so much for your help!

Ditto, ditto, ditto. Eeka, we knew you were using that as comparison, not critique. It really peeves me to get comments like that from people at shows. I have had a pair of older ladies ( ok, prunes ) who looked like money was no object and had their mink coat pockets stuffed with bills ( well-dressed prunes at that ) talk about my prices as if I weren’t sitting 6 inches away. I know I’m hard of hearing but c’mon! “Oh my, look at how expensive this is. That is too much, just too much. I would never pay that much for that.” but then they came back to the table 3 more times to look at the same piece, like the price tag was going to magically halve itself.

I could write a small book about the amazing things people have said to me…. but I’ll spare you.
Then there are the compliments, and the return customers! They make up for a lot.
And I get comments from savvy hand-crafted shoppers (and those who live closer to NYC) who tell me my prices are too low!
(and sequential customers commenting on the SAME pair of earrings:”those are too big!”/”those are too tiny!”/those are perfect!”)

My doctor puts it this way: “people suck.”

But not anyone here….

Asia, both pieces are stunning! I am really fond of the seahorse, but I live in FL near the beach so I would wear it a lot.

Agree with the others about price. In fact I would double the prices you suggested. I know when I shop on etsy I EXPECT to pay a bit more. As everyone has said, handmade artistic pieces can and should demand a higher price.

Sometimes my first thought is, well I “could” buy that for less if… But then I remember that etsy pieces are one of a kind and uniquely worth their price.

Two beautiful designs, Asia!
Lots of great advice here. I agree with Julie that you should double your prices that you mentioned. Don’t forget that etsy takes a percentage. Is your stay site open for business yet? Can’t wait to go shopping.

Etsy, not stay site. Dumb spell check.

Asia, these r stunning. Love them both. I agree w the conversation, esp, dont underprice on the value of your creative & artistic – you should b very very proud of these. Great contribution for Miss Dix

Asia both pieces are beautiful. I also bought the sea horse piece but found it too brassy for my taste when it arrived . It was relegated to my maybe…never box, but the way you have patinated yours has completely changed it. I had decided that I would not go into patinating things but now I might give it a try someday. Once again lovely work on your part. Congratulations.

Asia, they are both gorgeous, and I agree you should double your price. Awesome contributions to Dix wheels. I’m still working on my designs.

Asia, I would sell the earrings seperately from the necklaces. That way people have options. I wouldn’t worry too much about length. Some people prefer shorter necklaces. I would say they should be at least 18 inches, but any longer is up to you.

Great conversation and great pieces.

Has anyone here had any success on Etsy? I haven’t really and just wondering what others experiences have been like….

I think that the idea of having earrings available to make a set is great! I must say that I never think of making the matching earrings, and I have lost a few sales that way. Bummer!

I have maybe half a dozen items listed in the shop, and I raised the prices on my pieces. I do believe that those shopping on Etsy are looking for something special, and willing to pay more. We have the best artists right here at LB! Can’t wait to open up!