Do you know a crafter who underpriced their craft and what is your opinion
By venshida
@venshida (4836)
United States
November 23, 2010 9:14pm CST
Here is why I am asking this question, I have a booth in a flea market, and there is another lady who crochets. She makes hats, scarves and lap afghan. I make the same items, but different design. Yesterday, I went into her booth to look around,and she is selling her hats for $3.00. I could not believe what I was seeing. My prices starts from $12.00, which I think is reasonable. How do you deal with folks who underpriced their items so they can increase sale.
9 responses
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
29 Nov 10
I would really wonder about the quality of the yarn the other vendor uses and if the hat would be wearable for more than one season. She could donate her items if she truly loves her craft. Hospitals are always in need in the nursery for baby items. But with today's economy, I can see the public buying cheaper items just to save a few dollars. I would shop at your table and get a better quality hat. My craft isn't as popular and not many actually sell the plastic canvas items at craft fairs. I am one of the few and do well when I actually get a booth at a craft fair.
@carolbee (16230)
• United States
30 Nov 10
My items aren't the basic plastic canvas crafts. I make Sesame Street banks, firetruck banks and tons of other things. The basic tissue covers and things of that nature never did sell well. I really enjoy working with plastic moreso than knitting. I can't crochet!
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
24 Nov 10
Sounds like she is really underselling herself. In previous years, customers would be leery of the quality of her items. But in this economy, I think she'll get a second and third look by potential customers. If they like the quality of her work & materials, she'll probably do okay.
It does irk me to see someone sell themselves short & it hurts all handmade crafters when one person fails to put a value on their time and efforts. Perhaps this person's inventory has been sitting around for a long time, and she's in need of quick cash...it could explain the seriously low prices.
If I was a potential buyer, the prices would make me think she is using inferior materials. Perhaps you could ask her why her items are priced SO low?
@venshida (4836)
• United States
26 Nov 10
I asked her about her prices, and she said crocheting is a hobby. I do get sales because I used different designs, and I change my designs often. Last week, she sold 8 hats, and I sold two. I made $24.00 and she made $24.00 selling her 8. I have other hats in my inventory, and she said she has to make some more. At first it really was difficult, especially when customers express an interest in my hats and then brought her hats. I think even though it is a hobby she should charge a reasonable amount $3.00 is insane.
@creationsbyrobin (3071)
• United States
26 Nov 10
I agree with you, it is insane...and because she doesn't value her time or craft, she also devalues you and your work. If she raised her prices to $6 each, and sold 2 fewer hats, she would have increased her sales by 50%.
She doesn't think like a business person and unfortunately, it hurts you and everyone around her who sells like items.
Hopefully, your next show will more than make up for the sales you lost at that show.
@jillhill (37354)
• United States
27 Nov 10
She must not be trying to make money...just cover her expenses. I don't know what you do about it. I do craft sales but no one sells the same things that I do so there is not problem. I hope you did say something to her....like....How can you afford to sell your things for what you are asking....she must not think her time is valuable!
@neededhope (1085)
• United States
7 Dec 10
I quess I'm just one of those people. I tend to underprice my crafts. But honestly at higher prices they don't move at all. And I make things to make money or at least pay for the craft. I try to understand it's not completely givin so figured lower the prices faster sales. So far I that hasn't been true.
My blog is Handcrafteduniquegifts.blogspot.com I listed some of my prices but honestly not even sure how to get stuff moving... Even at flea markets I price things lower. I'm lucky to even break even with my table .
@venshida (4836)
• United States
20 Dec 10
I kept my prices the same, and what I notice is that people who understands craft and like unique items does not fuss about the prices. Sorry, you are not getting a lot of sale. It is difficult with the economy, and it is competitive. Your items are beautiful and inexpensive. I think selling online is difficult. When I sell in person, I do better.
@Youreyes4Today (2356)
• United States
29 Nov 10
Besides all the reasons you have been given here already, I have another. The cost of materials is a major part of price as well. It could be this crafter is able to get her supplies at a very low price if her orders are larger from a company.
I am also a crafter and love to work the magic to make items. The price of selling them is more of covering my cost because the enjoyment of making them isn't what I am selling. I have learned to increase prices but it is hard. I am a creator of items that I would like to share with others, it isn't for me to make a huge profit.
That could be her reason as well. That is not something one can battle it is one to embrace, maybe share your yourself with this person, you may learn from each other.
@venshida (4836)
• United States
30 Nov 10
I am not sure how she gets her yarn. I know she has a lot, but you hit on some of the reasons why she sells her stuff so cheap. I try to make at least three times the cost of my materials. I think If I charge for my time it would be to expensive for my customers. I am concentrating on making my products different and gear it to customers who wants unique items. I figure she will get the customers who just want a bargain and don't care how unique.
@joystick (1675)
•
29 Nov 10
I have a friend that makes great hand made cards and i will say that they are really really under priced, as there is alot of work that go into doing cards that she makes and they are all different cards that she do.There are people that make the hand made cards they sell their cards for over three times the amount that she is selling hers for.I think that she mainly do hers as a hobby and gets enough money to get more stock.
@academic2 (7000)
• Uganda
30 Nov 10
I have personally been involved in buying under priced jewelries, there are women who make very good beads out of paper, but we have often bought the same and sold off to the US at about 4 times the local market price-it is not bad to this because they are usually very happy with what they earn from the sales!
@cutepenguin (6431)
• Canada
24 Nov 10
Sigh. It's too bad. A lot of people just don't value their own time and craftmanship enough. Then again, she could be trying to clear everything out because she has too large of a stockpile in her house.
@uath13 (8192)
• United States
24 Nov 10
Sounds like your up against a real craftsman who's doing it for the art of it. She enjoys doing it & just wants her creations to find someone who appreciates them & probably only charges enough to cover her costs. Your not going to beat her if your intending to make a profit because she doesn't care about the profit.
