DIY Builds
Photo by cottonbro studio Pexels Logo Photo: cottonbro studio

How much should I charge for arts and crafts?

In her Tips for Pricing your Handmade Goods blog on Craftsy, artesian entrepreneur Ashley Martineau suggests this formula: Cost of supplies + $10 per hour time spent = Price A. Cost of supplies x 3 = Price B. Price A + Price B divided by 2 (to get the average between these two prices) = Price C.

What is worth money at a pawn shop?
What is worth money at a pawn shop?

There are many items you can pawn for quick cash. Some of the most popular items include gold and silver jewelry, Rolex watches, Apple products,...

Read More »
Are ramps expensive?
Are ramps expensive?

The recent obsession with ramps has also driven up demand, making them expensive Prices can sometimes run up to as much as $20 a pound. May 14, 2021

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »

Pricing my craft item — how much should I charge?

You’ve mastered your craft, made your products and you now want to start selling. How do you figure out how much to charge?

Often , crafters who start to turn their craft into a business neglect to pay themselves a fair wage for their time or misjudge the amount of time it actually takes to create a piece, start to finish. Using a formula to calculate your price will give you a good starting point for what your labor is worth. While you might not use the exact cost the formula produces, it will give you an unbiased estimate of what you should charge. Of course, the first thing you need to do is establish your cost of materials and cost per unit produced. Crafting can be considered “skilled labor.” Not everyone can do what you do nor have they honed their hobby into a professional status. Many professional crafters use a rate of $12 to $20 per hour to calculate their labor costs. You can lowball this number if you feel it is too high. I will use a rate of $10 per hour in the example below. In her Tips for Pricing your Handmade Goods blog on Craftsy, artesian entrepreneur Ashley Martineau suggests this formula:

Cost of supplies + $10 per hour time spent = Price A

Cost of supplies x 3 = Price B

Price A + Price B divided by 2 (to get the average between these two prices) = Price C For example, you have determined the cost to purchase supplies to make one unit of your product is $4.28 and it takes you a half-hour to complete it, then your formula would look like this:

$4.28 + $5 = $9.28 (Price A)

$4.28 x 3 = $12.84 (Price B)

$9.28 + 12.84 = $22.64

$22.64 / 2 = $11. 32

You also need to calculate the tax for your item:

$11.32 x .06 (sales tax in Michigan) = $0.6792 ($0.68)

So, your starting price (with tax included) would be $12.

While it may need some modification as you find your target market and observe the market for your product, it is a good place to begin when determining your starting price.

Market research

How much does a 8x12 shed weigh?
How much does a 8x12 shed weigh?

Dimensions: 8'W x 12'L. Door Opening: 4'W x 6'H. Base Shipping Weight: 1650 lbs.

Read More »
Do interior doors have to match?
Do interior doors have to match?

It's a common question, “Do interior doors and trim have to match?” The short answer is no. The doors and trim can be whatever style and color you...

Read More »
Are shed plans easy to follow?
Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

Learn More »

You can also recruit a focus group of your target market and question them on what they would be willing to pay for the product. Finding your target price, the price that will reap the best possible outcome per units sold, can be done with this focus group. You may want to start with a price a little lower than the price the formula determined. In the example below, 25 potential customers were surveyed.

Price Number of people willing

to purchase at this price Potential income $11.00 25 $275.00 $11.50 25 $287.50 $11.75 24 $282.00 $12.00 24 $288.00 $12.50 23 $287.50 $13.00 20 $260.00 $13.25 20 $265.00 $13.50 18 $243.00 $14.00 15 $210.00 $14.50 12 $174.00 $15.00 12 $180.00 Results of the focus group confirmed a selling price of $12 would bring in the most income. However, depending on your venue, you may want to look at charging $11.50 or $12.50. Try charging different prices in the highest profit range and see how you do. As you keep track of actual sales at different prices, it can help you focus in on a perfect price point. A good craft pricing formula, some market research and good record keeping will:

Take the guess-work out of determining a price.

Help you determine your niche market.

Ensure you have factored all of your costs to create one unit.

Give you a starting point that will allow your business to grow and be truly profitable. Michigan State University Extension and Michigan 4-H Youth Development help to prepare young people for successful futures. As a result of career exploration and workforce preparation activities, thousands of Michigan youth are better equipped to make important decisions about their professional future, ready to contribute to the workforce and able to take fiscal responsibility in their personal lives. To learn about the positive impact of Michigan 4-H youth career preparation, money management and entrepreneurship programs, read the 2016 Impact Report: “Preparing Michigan Youth for Future Careers and Employment.”

Do composting toilets smell?
Do composting toilets smell?

Pro - If you maintain a composting toilet properly, there will be virtually no smell. Con - If your composting toilet isn't maintained properly it...

Read More »
Can we run AC on solar panel?
Can we run AC on solar panel?

Can ACs really run on solar panels? The answer is YES. Generally, there are two types of solar system - off-grid and on-grid solar systems. An off-...

Read More »
How thick should a concrete driveway be?
How thick should a concrete driveway be?

four inches thick As for thickness, non-reinforced pavement four inches thick is standard for passenger car driveways. For heavier vehicles, a...

Read More »
Can I build my own shed?
Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

Learn More »
What is the best insulation for a metal shed?
What is the best insulation for a metal shed?

Closed-cell spray foam Closed-cell spray foam is the best option for insulating your metal shed. It offers excellent R-value per inch, as it can...

Read More »