To Sell or Not to Sell

Comment

Comment by Ellen Algava on September 29, 2009 at 7:33am

Hi everyone!

My name is Ellen Algava. I have been beading for myself for awhile now, but people at work have seen my work and I have making some things for them. I am a nurse, and sooner or later (probably sooner), I will have to find something else to do. I enjoy beading, especially pictures using the software. I could also use some help organizing my beading space.

Comment by David1962 on January 5, 2009 at 2:18pm

Another possible source for that perfect accent bead; go to the clearance jewelry of Macy's Dillards Robinsons any of the mid to upper scale department stores. Right now I'm using a citrine and amethyst stretchy bracelet that I'm taking a citrine here, two amethysts there ... and I don't think I paid $1.50 for them. Beautifully facetted too, about 8 mm lentils with the hole in the center.

Comment by Healersmoon on January 5, 2009 at 2:11pm

Usually, I will just work and create my products with the stock I have on hand. I have about $2k worth of inventory, but sadly my delicas are getting on the skimpy side so that I no longer have several tubes of each color. I end up having to order beads or a few items but do have to shop around quite a bit to find something I can afford. I don't make quite as much as I used to any more because I simply cannot afford the supplies. :(

Comment by David1962 on January 5, 2009 at 10:10am

Also, I work a lot with "found" items ... remake earrings into tassels, that kind of idea. Anyone else? It is one way that I can keep things priced to sell, if I pick up a bag of single earrings at a yard sale for 50c, and they look good, I don't even include it in my costs, and the buyer seems to walk a little higher off the ground!

Comment by David1962 on January 5, 2009 at 8:52am

Our last two responses indicated the present economy. That begs the question of how has the present economy affected everyone's ability to purchase the items necessary to complete their projects? I know that when silver and gold went sky high, I have retailers that refused to sell at a wholesale price ... which in turn makes my work more pricey.

Anyone? A story?

Comment by Healersmoon on January 3, 2009 at 6:17pm

I do a lot of commission work, but of course - never for the amount that its worth. If I tried to sell for what its worth - in this day and economy, no one would buy. I try to mark up at least 3x supplies, but normally my time goes unpaid for.

I guess I am just very happy to provide quality items to people who will love them and maybe some day when the economy is better, I'll be able to raise prices. I bead and sell because I love the art and love the work, but I don't really make any money at it, sadly.

Comment by wichitadawn on January 1, 2009 at 2:19pm

It's hard to price your wares, especially with economy right now.

my mentor still preaches to me....."Do not UNDERSELL yourself!"

It's a difficult process to learn and to stick to. I am a softy on some things and will cut special deals to those folks that i can tell will give my wares a good home....but,.....

I have stuck to a 3-figure price before on an amulet bag....it sold this last april to a lady who had been looking at it for almost 3 years of craft shows. She could not stand the thought anymore that the next time she saw me at a show, that pouch would be gone. She paid that full price for it.

Sometimes it takes a while to get that price....but, it's the greatest feeling in the world when somebody does buy it!

Comment by David1962 on December 26, 2008 at 11:32am

I'd really like to know if people who sell their beadwork actually get the prices they ask. I've done the "correct" calculations; 3x price of the beads and other components, and "$x" the amount of time you place on your time ... in the end, I always end up with a $150 to $500 piece and people balk at that!

Now, I've done commission work, but am pretty much going to lay that off. Nobody wants to pay me the 1/2 up front for my supplies at least, and the end product doesn't seem to be the end product we had both agreed upon ... at least by the customer.

Ideas? Thoughts? Comments?

Comment by KellyC on December 25, 2008 at 11:24am

Thanks,
I know you must understand. I want to get my stuff seen, but I want to spend my time beading, not tending to a web site. So thanks again for the advise,I'll look into it.

Comment by Bonnie from Beaded Banners by Bonnie on December 24, 2008 at 8:51am

I got an email that KellyC sent a question asking about starting a website but I can't find it on here. Hmmmm......

Right now VistaPrint is offering one month free for a website. I used the free month and am keeping it. It's REALLY nice.......really easy to create......and they help promote it for you.