What to charge for a quilters caddy?
 

I made a quilters caddy and an acquaintance said she'd like one for her daughter who sews. But I don't know what to charge. The inside bucket costs $2.75 and there is about 1/2 yard of fabric and 1/4 yard screening. Since I've gotten the bugs out of the pattern, I think it will take me a bit over an hour to make. What do you think of $15.00? Too much, too little?
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I think $15 or even $20 would be ok. I love it by the way. :)

Add up your material costs ... add in your time @ $/hour.

What's your per hour rate?

And of course, are you wanting to make a profit?
Then add that in too.

it's a nice caddy... i'd say 25-30

Add at least 10.00-15.00 to your material cost since you said it took an hour.

I would say $25.

If you sold them for $15.00 I think they would sell pretty fast....at 20.00 I would have to think twice...but that is me...of course they are worth more..but for me I would have to think if I really need it if I pay for anything over 20.00

Definitely worth more than $15!! Very nicely done!

Golly, you're probably gonna clear $3. Isn't that something. Can't make a profit because everything is so high. Barny

Why not market it as the major retailers do.....at $19.95. Or $21.95. Or $26.95.
They're awfully cute and useful!

Jan in VA

Thank you. I split the difference and told the person $17.50 and told her there was around $6.00 of materials in it. She declined as it was too expensive and would look for something similar at Walmart. <sigh>

You also have a thread and seambinding to add into your cost...these sell for anywhere from$20 - $25. Please don't undercharge...this is an acquaintance not your BFF...and she may want more.

She will find the "flimsy" caddy/bag at WM (if she's lucky) and it will cost her between $8-$10, but each to his/her own. Maybe she has a budgeted amount for the gift.

But don't sell too cheap; this is a "craft show worthy item", not a big box store item.

I agree $15.00 would move them pretty easy. Don't undercut yourself though. Your time is valuable and people will pay if they really want them, even at $17.50-$20. There are also people who want something for nothing, so gotta be careful.

I think you can easily sells these at $20.00. It is both attractive & useful. A definate YES from me

Three times what it cost to make it. Include any petrol for shopping money as well.
You are undermining the craft and your labour if you don't charge the correct amount.People have to be fair.

Jan I was just thinking the same thing. I know when I did craft shows, I always had $5.75 when people say the # in their head wow it's less than $6. Some items I put a dollar over the top of something and than tell the customer I'll take another dollar off, they loved the bargin. Or Buy one buck at $18.75 and get the second one for $ 16.
I sold alot, I did volume, lower price more sells. Don't know if anyone agrees with my thinking, but it sure worked for me.

I think it makes a difference where you live. I live in a small area with alot of quilters. I can sell a purse for $20 using Joann fabrics with coupons. I send them to a big city and a friend of mine can sell them for $40. I guess I feel different then some. I can only make so many quilts for family so if I get my material and a little for my time(I would be sewing anyway) Then I am happy.

Every year we have a fundraiser at our church we call Grandma's Cupboard. We sell a variety of handmade and homemade goods and every year, the coordinator of it plays "What would you pay?" getting our input on what different things should cost. Personally I hate this game. But I think $15-20 would be a good price range for this cute caddy

[QUOTE=Belfrybat;5691404]I made a quilters caddy and an acquaintance said she'd like one for her daughter who sews.

I've found that prices depend on the area you are in. Around where I live people tend to be..I don't want to say cheap...ok..less inclinded to spend their money. I'd say $10 to $15. Go less than 50 miles to the beach area and you could probably get $40 to $50...maybe more.

Well! I never... All sarcasm aside, I can't believe she was too frugal to spend $17.50 on her daughter for such a well made caddy! What quality does she really think she's going to get from WM?

I agree with a lot of previous posts. Most people love a bargain. (Your price was certainly a bargain). Whenever I have garage sales, I price things higher than what I really expect to get for them. That way in case a true bargain hunter (like me) wants to barter...we are both happy. I sell it at the price I really wanted and the customer is happy thinking they got a bargain! I know that I've priced my items too low when no one asks to barter.

She was nuts though! She could've gotten a personally made quilter's caddy for an amazing price! Too bad for her and all the drama! It does look nice though! Nice finished project!

I agree.It is a well made beautiful caddy.your price is reasonable.Some people just do not understand handcrafted is way better than cheap mass produced imported cr-p.

I've made the same caddy and I wouldn't sell it for less than $20.

I would say $20 minimum. I like it and I'd pay that. Very pretty and neat. GREAT JOB!

No less then $20.

It will cost the same at Walmart. Your price was very fair especially as it was custom made.

That is really cute. I think $15 is fair. Let us know how things go.

Too little, I would pay $25 for one.

[QUOTE=Jan in VA;5692557]Why not market it as the major retailers do.....at $19.95. Or $21.95. Or $26.95.
They're awfully cute and useful!

Jan in VA[/QUOTE

I agree with Jan...just try to make a little profit:thumbup:

Wonderful Caddie. Love the idea that it would have been custom for me. I would have been glad to $20.00. Good luck for your future sales.

I would have paid the 17.50 . then took off running , that is a cute caddie would you please tell me where to get the pattern . DottieBug

Thanks all. I'm not really making these to sell but to give away as gifts to friends who craft/ quilt. But since this person asked, I was willing to make her one in whatever colours she wanted for her daughter. But obviously didn't since she wouldn't pay what I thought was a fair amount. I'm funny that way - I'd rather give things away than sell them to strangers (or almost strangers) for a pittance.
The pattern is on the Fons and Porter site. http://www.fonsandporter.com/content...ters_Caddy.pdf

Very cute! I can relate to the selling or giving to strangers for a pittance. If I ever asked someone what the price would be, I'd better be able to pay what ever reasonable price they came up with! How ackward!

Too bad your friend thinks big box is better than custom made! I agree- About $25. As quilters we wouldn't likely pay that since we could make one, but to non-quilters it's a steal! I was thinking it would be a great gift for corralling matchbox cars, Legos, craft supplies, crayons and coloring books, etc.

I love it and would like to make several for guilds Christmas exchange. What kinks did you work out? Any tips would be appreciated. Thanks!

I found the pattern went together very well as listed. The only adjustment I had to make was to add 1' in height and deduct 1/2" in width of the two pieces and take a bit off the bottom piece, but those adjustments were to fit the buckets I could find locally. If you can get the Lowe's buckets, then the measurements were spot on. Also, chaulk is handy for marking the screening--fabric pencils did not work. The hardest thing was getting the wire handle back into the bucket after I put the trim on it. I ended up using pliers to open the hook a little bit, but not enough that it comes off.