In Florida, when I would try to attend a "craft show" it was not CRAFTS at all. It was ART ... like massive expensive oil paintings and glass sculptures. If you could find anything that didn't belong in Tiffany's showroom, it would have been a "craft" and they were so over priced that it was downright scary! I think those crafters figured if they were in the ART shows they could overcharge and still sell their wares. There really is a fine line of how to define this...but I can also say that something is only worth as much as it will sell for. PRICING is a huge thing... Presentation is another. If it is presented well, the pricing can be up a little... FOR SURE! But as a rule of thumb I have found that if something cost me $1.00 to make, I could sell it for $2.00 usually. But I'm sure if something cost anyone $100 to make, to charge $200 might not be enough....I don't speak for those "high end crafters"... Here in Michigan, there are a LOT of craft shows and all seem to be "seasonal". The prices have been increasing, but it sure makes sense when the cost of EVERYTHING is increasing. So along with being fair to the crafter for their time and love spent on something is the fact that the cost of materials has increased quite a bit over the years too!
Enough of my soap box... And since I'm over tired, I hope this makes sense... BACK TO CRAFTING FOLKS! I have always looked at my crafting as something that is supposed to be FUN so I vote lets get back to having FUN!!!!!!!!!
RhondaSue
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I hear you. I have given some cards away as gifts to people who I know appreciate my talent, but I think people would pass out if I charged them more than Hallmark when the cost of my supplies and time was figured. That's why I don't even bother trying to sell them because it would make me too sad.
ReplyDeleteYou hit the nail on the head when you said people don't want to pay crafters. For example if I charge $5 for a card with lace and flowers, hand coloring etc. They think it's too much yet they will go to Walmart or Hallmark and spend $4-$5 on a cheap paper card with no embellishments. is it the fact that the price is right on it for the recipient to see? It's crazy to think that a printed card is worth more then a handmade one. Ugh it's frustrating.
ReplyDeletethank you so very much for posting this. hopefully it will open some people's eyes to what we really pour into every project we make.
ReplyDeletehave a most wonderful weekend! :)
It's so true my friend makes homemade socks and the time and money that goes into them is a lot. BUT they are so worth it. I wish everyone thought more about it and then appreciated the quality they are getting.
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