How Crafters Determine Prices for Handmade Items

Why do Handmade, Customized, Beautifully Made items Cost more than those you find in Retail Superstores?
Let me help you understand what a Bargain your Getting!

Lets Start with a Basic PillowCase Dress

Fabric is not CHEAP-  Average cost is $4-$6 a yard.  This dress would easily take almost a yard.
Then there is the cost of Ribbon, Thread, Bottom layer of fabric.
Then there is the Time the Seamstress puts into a great dress like this.
Its Very Well Made!  We got this from Sew In Fashion Boutique on Facebook!  This dress is well made and the fabric is Great Quality Fabric.  It washes well and hangs just right!  These dresses sell for $18-$23 on average.  Def. Worth every penny.
If you want a $10-$15 Dress you will def. not be getting this quality or the poor seamstress is not making any profit.  The Profit margin on these is very low for the seamstress unless she is using Poor Quality fabric or found a great deal on fabric.

Next is the Handmade Tutu

For This Creation the Cost is Higher than most think.  Shoppers see a $20-$40 price on Custom Tutus and drop their jaws because they do not know the time or material involve.     Tulle is around $5 a roll and This Tutu actually has a Base tutu that costs around $4 and 2 rolls of Tulle, AND ribbon, thread, and a lot of Sweat, lol.  I spend about 2-4  hours (depending on how much time I can get without kids grabbing at me) to put this together.  I have to measure and cut several pieces of tulle, Then Handsew each strip onto the base tutu, then sew the ribbon in between.   Its def. worth the Price when you see the Finished Product.  I know many of my Crafty Moms at  http://www.facebook.com/CraftyMomsBusinessPromotions Use 4 or 5 rolls of Tulle in one tutu.  You also have to think about the Convienance cost.  Most of these items are made to a shoppers specifications.  I might have to drive to town 2 x or more to find just the right colors requested.

Next is the Hairbow.   All Hairbows are def. not created equal~

You would not believe what the CENTERs for some bows cost.  This Box of Crayons Resin costs about $1- Some can cost up to $5.  There are several different ribbon types represented in this bow.  Usually a higher quality ribbon costs more.  Ribbon Typically is $1-$2 a yard.  Most small Crafters cant afford to locate and buy in wholesale quantities so we are stuck with Hobby Lobby Sales and Local stores selection.  It takes time and money to find just the right ribbon size, color, and print for custom bows.  So when purchasing a bow like this a price of $7-$10 is very fair.  The bows with the pricey Center pieces that customers love deserve a bit higher of a price.  I sometimes spend up to an hour creating one bow.  If I am making several duplicates in one sitting I can save time but with 3 kids (and most Crafty Moms have kids pulling at their pants legs) its hard to get a solid block of time.  So to add to the price a Time Worked fee is almost impossible for most of us.

I hope you will come see all the Crafty Moms items we showcase on our Page --Crafty Moms'R'us.  Most sale their items at a substantially lower price than their regular retail during our games and sales.  Also remember to compare the prices you find at your local Boutiques prices.  You will see by buying from one of our Crafty Moms you can get that Quality, Handmade Look, Custom, Beautiful, Unique look at a much better price.  Most of us are working out of our homes and dont have the overhead of a Brick Business.  You will always feel better when supporting a Crafty MOM!