Mar 19, 2008

The Value of Goodies

I need to get on Amazon and just buy the book Primal Branding. (I had it checked out from the library some months ago but I shouldn't be allowed to have a library card because I don't return things, especially not in a timely manner.) I did enjoy the book and it was extremely informative and full of helpful tips and how-to's on building a following for your product/company/religion. But since they probably have a wanted poster of me up at the library I'll just have to wait for it in the mail.

The real purpose of this post is to help me judge the value of my work. It seems to me that people think I'm under-pricing. Really, I don't think I am. We base our prices on, of course, materials used, time spent, and over all quality. Yet, it seems a lot of people don't think it's quality unless I'm charging some ridiculous price.

I don't want to gouge. Maybe it sounds silly, but I grew up poor. I enjoy making things that I can keep affordable enough for everyone. Sure I could charge $300 for a pair of sandals or a tote bag. But why? Plus I feel like that I'd be alienating a huge group of people if I raised my prices. (After all, there ARE more poor and middle class than rich). But then again, I watch loads of people save and scrimp so they can buy that brand name piece of garbage bag for $600, so maybe I'm wrong.
I guess my main issue is I want people to KNOW that our work is quality, without me having to take an arm or a leg as payment. I just don't want to charge an amount I feel is obscene.
But I want to sell more. Season is ending here in Florida and things that sell really well in our B&M (buddy bags, sandals) don't translate very well online.
So here's a question: Would you pay $56 for this Buddy Bag? (You can click on the image to take you to the detailed listing with more photos)
Do you think that's too low? Too high? If you think my price should be higher, would you still be as quick about making a buying decision? I welcome any suggestions and comments at this point.

3 comments:

Dulce said...

cool blog,a nd I love the purse

Crafty Mama said...

I HATE pricing! I feel exactly the same way you do. Why shouldn't people of skimpy means be able to own beautiful things? Shoot, if I think the person really deserves it and it would make their day, I'd give away half my stuff!

Distressing Delilah a.k.a. jenn said...

Yes, if I wanted something badly enough, I would pay the price!