Does anyone care to answer this question????
 

I just finished number 3 of these turtles. I would like to sell them if I can figure out who to sell them too and how much to ask. This money would include postage to mail. The profit after postage would go into a non-profit fund I keep to help us with mailing out free cloth dolls I make for kids with devestating medical problems. It costs me 21 to 23 dollars per doll to mail these out.

I am hoping someone can give me some idea of what they would sell for...each or all 3...including postage. The turtles are almost completely handmade and each took 2 or 3 hours.

Appreciate any answers as I've never sold anything on line. I currently have enough to mail 4 and a half dolls, and after that it is back to being out of pocket. Please understand I am not asking anyone to buy these dolls, but hope to paste them under FOR SALE... under that heading in the forum.....if anyone thinks they are worth much.

Thanks. Vickey S.

I think the postage cost will make these an ineffective way of raising money, especially considering the hours that go into each one.

What I would suggest instead is making a lap quilt to raffle (assuming you are in a state where raffles are legal; check first!). Before making the quilt, ask around for people/venues that would help you sell raffle tickets for it. Possibilities would include friends, neighbors, quilt guild members, churches, stores, or even private schools that have annual fund-raising events. After the quilt is made, take a photo and make color prints for people to use when selling tickets. Sell the raffle tickets for $1 each, 6 for $5, and allow plenty of time to sell as many tickets as possible. The quilt doesn't have to be a heritage type to pass down for generations; a colorful DP9 would be fine as long as the fabric selection is colorful and attractive.

Even simple raffles of quilts tend to raise around $500 or $600; raffles that are given enough time and opportunity can raise considerably more than that. If you keep receipts, you can deduct those from the raffle proceeds.

To me, it makes sense to make a single larger item, get other people involved (selling tickets and buying tickets), and skip what always shocks me as horrendous postage charges for shipping.

I am soon going to need to mail two crib quilts to Quilts for Kids, and it may be the last time I do it simply because postage is so expensive. Our local quilt guild accepts quilts for local distribution, and I think that is how I will contribute in the future. I don't regret getting a kit from Quilts for Kids, though, as it taught me a lot about how to select a focus fabric and accent fabrics that are easy to put together in a simple pattern and result in a really cheerful quilt for a child.

Just my 32 cents worth of thinking....... (inflation)

you are right on postage. I have problems putting whole quilts together because of time spent making the dolls for the sick kids, but I see your point. I think certain organizations can do raffles in our area, but not private people. That would be great however, and certainly something well worth consideration. Thanks so mjuch for taking time to get back to me. I honor your time. Hugs to you and yours. thanks so much.

Vickey S.

Can you find someone who would take care of distributing the dolls for you? Our quilt guild has a couple of people who do this for quilts that are donated. They transport the quilts to organizations that then hand them out to people in need. One of the organizations is a hospital, I think. That would eliminate the postage costs.

that is a good idea. We are in a real small place (8,800) Maybe I could find a sponser ???? thanks

Sponsors would be good and maybe you could get a church or something to host the raffle for you (I could make a quilt for you to raffle) or if actually have non-profit status for what you're doing with the dolls you would qualify to do it yourself, and then get them to "donate" the money to you once they're done?

That said.. for those.. I'd say something like $20. Shipping is hard to figure because of different distances costing different prices.

there'd be no point in trying to sell them in the QB Thrift Shop.
we cannot sell here for profit - even if our stated personal intent is to donate those profits to charity.

given their apparent size, you are spending much more than necessary if you're paying $20 or more postage.
you could fit at least two or three of those into one padded flat rate envelope.
unless they're stuffed with something heavy, rather than poly-fil, even flat rate might be more postage than necessary.

I think she was talking about the cloth dolls costing 20 plus dollars to mail, not the turtles.

the post office has boxes that you can mail them in for less that $15.00

try your Senior Center and quilt guilds in your area. they do have craft shows. good luck.

the 21 to 23 dollars postage is the price for the large dolls that go out free to the real sick kids. Hopefully it will only be 2 to 4 for the turtles. Lightweight mailing envelopes.

Thanks for the help and caring reply.

Vickey

thanks. I think the senior center keeps the profit, and not sure on quilt guild. They did donate lots of fabric and stuffing to help...and it did! HUGS

I'm not sure if I understand. You want to sell the turtles? And there's a $4 charge to mail them somewhere? And it cost $23 to mail a doll?? $23?? How big is the doll - life size? Your heart seems to be in the right place, but I can't see selling the turtles for much because adding a $4 shipping charge would put them too high, UNLESS you only position them as a thank you for sending a donation, and send one out to the donor for free. And use someone else's suggestion of a fundraising quilt raffle/ auction for more money. (And perhaps make a smaller doll that's less costly to ship.)

I sent for boxes that they said. "If it fits...it ships. Well I crocheted 5 neck scarves for the Special Olympic Game, and when I got to the post office they said it would cost me $12.00 and some cents. When I told they what their slogan was, they just laughed. Well I sent them, but it`s too bad I`ll never do it again. The yarn was about $3.00, even if I really enjoyed making them, and wanted to help out a little.

If it fits it ships, only works if you have the FLAT RATE SHIPPING BOX. I made a mistake once and just had a regular priority mail box and it was more money. I believe that you can ship up to 75 # in the flat rate box.

Have you thought about making the raffle quilt and having your church raffle it for you you receive the profit I believe this is your mission work and most churches support mission programs
This is such a good thing you do out of the kindness of your heart

Is it possible to put the doll(s) in a plastic bag-similar to a space bag-and sucking the air out? You might be able to ship more than one in the box, and they should fluff up nicely when opened. Definitely shop around for shipping fees, and remember, the first pound is ALWAYS the most expensive. You may be able to squish two or three in the same box and save yourself quite a bit. I'm assuming of course, that the dolls are fabric and squishing won't be harmful to them. I certainly wouldn't want your hard work damaged!

seldom mail more then one at a time out, as each doll is a single gift to a boy or girl in need, but that idea of 'shrinkwrap' is sure a good idea. Thanks for writing me about it. GOd Bless. Hope you got to read my newest posted story (under my ID blogs) MEMAW TO DIXIE.

Vickey Stamps (AKA wordpaintervs)