Eowyn, I don't know if people do pay that much, but I personally think they should, and that we crafters shouldn't just "give away" our time and effort.
Personally, if I don't love someone enough to make my weavings a gift, or if I'm not arranging a barter of equal-valued items (time and/or materials) such that both sides are satisfied, I insist on an absolute minimum of $10/hour for my time, plus materials. A friend who did custom sewing once expressed her opinion about charging for hand-crafted items. It was her opinion that anyone who undercuts the value of their work by not charging at LEAST minimum wage (if not significantly over; she suggested $20/hour, but she's a professional), then they help contribute to the unfortunately common perception that hand-crafted items aren't "worth" much. I agree with her. Our time and money are valuable, and we deserve to be compensated. We live in a "Wal-Mart Culture" where too many people think it's their right to pay virtually nothing for handmade items, and I find it Very Wrong. My $.02. YMMV.... On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 5:07 AM, Eowyn Cenek <[email protected]> wrote: > > > Do people actually pay that much, though? I've had people express an > interest in buying, until they hear the price, and then they back off. > Every time. Sigh. > > Eowyn > > > On Wed, Dec 16, 2009 at 9:12 PM, Buddha Buck <[email protected]>wrote: > >> >> >> On Tue, Dec 15, 2009 at 9:53 PM, nsmothergill >> <[email protected]<nsmother%40twcny.rr.com>> >> wrote: >> > Someone has offered to buy a tablet weaving from me. I have no idea >> what to charge. The piece is done in double faced with calligraphy, woven >> in cotton. Any suggestions about how to price your work? >> >> How much do you think your time is worth per hour? How long did it >> take to make (including pattern making, warping, weaving, and >> finishing? How much did the materials cost? >> >> Multiply your hourly estimate by your time, then add in material >> costs. Then double it. >> >> If you charge less, you are cheating yourself. >> >> > >> > Nancy >> > >> > > >
