How much would you pay for these?

[Ridgeback Guy]

I'm thinking about getting a booth at a craft fair this x-mass and am just trying to figure out if it would be worth my time. I'm not 100% sure if I remember correctly, but I used to know a person who participated in some of the local craft fairs and I think it was around 100 per day for a booth. Anyway, I've never sold anything I've made before. Always just gave them away as gifts, so not really sure what people would be willing to pay. I'll put a price by each number, you let me know if you think its worth it.
Also, don't worry about hurting my feelings...


#1. Dimensions: 12"x16"x1.5" $75.00
I would obviously use defect free wood if I was going to sell it though lol.

#2. Dimensions 12"x12"x1" 55.00

#3. Dimensions 12x15x1 $45.00

#4. Dimensions 11x14x1 40.00

#5. I dunno what this is...a cheese board maybe? $15.00-20.00?

 

[bubbatd]

To me all should be priced below $30 if you want to make sales .

 

[eddieq]

I'd have to agree with Grammy on that one. Maybe not below 30, but be prepared for people to tell you that they can get "the same thing" at Walmart for 19.99. I know that aren't the same thing, but that's 21st century consumerism for you.

 

[Ridgeback Guy]

To me all should be priced below $30 if you want to make sales .

In all but a few the wood alone cost at least $20.00, the biggest one probably cost 30 just for the wood. But your reply helps me to think so far, that it is totally not worth my time.
Thanks

 

[bubbatd]

Your work is good ...I haven't priced cutting boards lately !

 

[FoxyWench]

try taking a look for similar items on etsy...

you will get some folks who will whine that they can get cheaper at walmart, but youll also get the folks who apreciate your work...getting an idea of what others make similar for will help you in pricing...

 

[Ridgeback Guy]

try taking a look for similar items on etsy...

you will get some folks who will whine that they can get cheaper at walmart, but youll also get the folks who apreciate your work...getting an idea of what others make similar for will help you in pricing...

Yeah I did look on etsy, some pretty nice stuff for really cheap, like 24.99. Then others have some things that are real nice also, but selling for like 100.00 even saw a few that broke $150.00 So I really have no clue lol. Just figured I would price stuff in the middle somewhere haha. I could probably price everything 10 maybe 15 bucks cheaper, but if I went much lower then that I really wouldn't be making enough to make it worth my time.

just one example HANDMADE END GRAIN WOOD CHOPPING BLOCK CHERRY WOOD HARD MAPLE WOOD by rparishwoodworks on Etsy[]=tags&includes[]=title

 

[Zoom]

I would price the small one around $30 and the larger ones around $75-100 depending on how much the wood cost and the time. Don't undercut yourself just to make a sale just yet. These are great quality and yeah, you'll get the Wal-Mart crowd, but you'll also get those who are looking for something different, something made in the USA and those who appreciate craftsmanship still.

 

[Buckshot]

Your checkerboard ones take some planning and jig work to get them together, considering the labor and materials I cant see letting them go for less than $100.00.

If people want mass produced stuff and a cheap price, thats why we have Walmart. The other type of folks who want something that only they have, something that reflects quality workmanship and they are more willing to pay what it is really worth. You may not sell many, but you can be proud of your craftsmanship. Dont be afraid to use flawed wood, they add character as long as you dont have loose knots and such.

I do a lot of hobby work for free. I give a lot of things I build to friends and they come over to get stuff made or worked on often and I charge nothing. If I start doing it to make a living, I wont even turn the lights on in the shop for less than $100.00 bucks.

 

[Fran27]

I think what's going to be hard is that shipping is going to cost a ton too. Those are great... but paying $100 plus $20 shipping is a lot.

 

[Ridgeback Guy]

Thanks all, I guess there is still hope. I may just give it a go, and if I make enough to buy some new wood, great! If not, oh well I at least had fun making them

Fran27 - there wouldn't be any shipping, its a craft fair. People just walk by, and if they like it they buy it.

 

[eddieq]

Taking into consideration what I said about the walmart crowd, other than the fee for the table at the fair and a day of your time, what do you have to lose by trying once or twice? Bring some fine examples and also put a sign up that offers custom pieces for a negotiated fee.

 

[Fran27]

Oh a fair. Doh. Nevermind me I agree, you should try it out then. Maybe put cute ribbons around them for gifts or something...

 

[smkie]

Taking into consideration what I said about the walmart crowd, other than the fee for the table at the fair and a day of your time, what do you have to lose by trying once or twice? Bring some fine examples and also put a sign up that offers custom pieces for a negotiated fee.

That was what i was going to suggest you remember to figure in your craft fair fee. If you don't it's like giving a couple away for free. Good luck!

look around at which craft fairs are heavily populated too. Beware of any that are a first time show. Make sure you get your reservation in early and if it is a big fair and they are full up..ask to be on the waiting list. My friend Kelly and I thought we were out for this one art fair but received a call at the last minute saying they had a cancellation. Now i have to figure out how to be in two places at the same time saturday. ASk the vendors at the craft fairs as to which ones are the best..most vendors are pretty good about sharing the info. IT really boils down to being in the right place. Don't give your work away.

 

[~Jessie~]

I don't think that your prices are unreasonable, and I think they'd do good at a fair booth. When I'm buying gifts/pieces for myself that are hand crafted at art fairs, I expect to pay more than I would in a store.

The people shopping there in the first are looking for handmade goods, anyhow.

 

[Lilavati]

The big checkerboard, at least $150. Maybe a bit less because of the economy. $85-125 for the little checkerboard. A little less than that, perhaps for the stripes. The nice grain one . . $65? And the chease board . . . I don't know, $45?

But then, I know what I'm looking at and my mom is a silversmith that does craftfairs. But those would strike me as fair prices . . . not bargains, but as prices that I would expect to see if I picked them up. By the way, they are beautiful!

 

[sparks19]

Well... you will be doing this at a craft fair. so chances are you aren't going to have your average walmart shopper there comparing prices. Most people that go to craft fairs appreciate the CRAFT.

so I think your prices are great...but you might want something saying what KIND of wood each piece is

 

[bubbatd]

I do want to add something .....Large platters like that really need wells for meat juices . When I chop I only need a small surface , but for carving meats I need more than a flat area .

 

[Izzy's Valkyrie]

I say you could easily sell them at your prices if not more. It may just be the area I'm in but there is so much fair-trade and hand crafted work in the area that your prices would be cheap and gobbled up out in Hippy-ville NC. If you look at a gourmet cookware shop you'll get a good idea of what a real chef is willing to pay for those checkered pieces. You do good work and I think in the right fair/population/city you could pull a nice profit.

 

[corgi_love]

I have no idea on prices or anything, but I really want one! They are beautiful, amazing work!