What’s Up With These Prices! Part 1

Let’s be honest here, I think at some point we may have all said “so what’s with these prices?” when looking at these beautiful hand made creations. I would like to think most of us have said this silently in our heads.  I don’t really blame folks for their reaction as I don’t think it is spoken out of meanness rather ignorance.  I feel that people fall into 3 categories:

1. Those shoppers who are also crafters of some sort. These people understand the prices because they also have to purchase supplies, and spend hours if not days or weeks making the item that is now for sale.  These people never say “wow! That is sooo expensive. Do you know I can buy tea towels at my local discount store for 4.00.  They say, “wow, that is beautiful and you are not charging enough.”
2. Those shoppers who are not crafters but have been dragged into supply stores by friends or family. They understand because they have have observed the work and the cost involved. They may think you are insane to be at this crafting racket but they would understand your pricing.
3. Those shoppers who do not “make things” and avoid all supply stores.  These folks also enjoy hand made items and appreciate them, they just may not understand what goes into making your products.  

I have met all sorts of people along the way and for the most part have enjoyed the experience.  I don’t fault anyone for not wanting to purchase an item of mine. If you don’t like the colour, texture, length, or the price that is ok.  I don’t even mind if you buy the “same” item at the discount store, although it is rude to say that to the vendor! What would your mother say!

Here are just some of the things that a weaver has to think about when pricing product.

SUPPLIES: Cost of the supplies to purchase. Anyone been in a yarn shop lately? A ball of yarn, depending on many factors can range from $7.99 up to $30.00. Yes, that is per ball/skein.  Most weaving projects require multiple balls/skeins. (Please note i am not complaining about the yarn stores here, they have to purchase and get their supplies as well.)  

SHIPPING: Some supplies I require I simply can not purchase in Newfoundland. I have to order and have it shipped to me. I make no assumptions here so for anyone who doesn’t know, I live on an island in the North Atlantic so you may imagine shipping can be problematic. 

TIME: You never get your time back. Some weaving projects can take up to 6 hours just to get the warp (that’s the stuff you are tying onto your loom) ready to weave. The weaving can take days.

SELLING: Whether you are selling in a store, on-line, or at a market this also takes time, expense and effort.  A store may require a commission, on-line costs money to set up and maintain and space at markets can be very costly.

In the end just be kind to your local craftsperson.