Hypothetically, let's say we're at my booth at some craft show. You and I are talking while you look at the items I have available. You find earrings that you love, and buy them for $25. As I'm packing up your purchase, you ask me "Why are your items so expensive?"
The answer, my friend, is simple: I spent time and money creating something. I add up those costs when pricing my items, and I do try to keep the prices reasonable. Let me walk you through the process.
these are estimated costs for general supplies*;
$3-$7 per hank of beads
$2-$8 per yard for banding
$2-$8 per pair of centers (if applicable)
$2-$5+ per pack of needles
$2-$20+ for thread (cones start at $20)
$2-$7 per square foot of stabilizer
$5-$25+ per square feet of backing (especially genuine leather)
$10/hour of labor
If you add up the estimated costs of supplies it's $18 (on the low end). Now let's say that the earrings you bought took 1:45 hours to make; that would be $17.50. Cost of supplies and labor adds up to a grand total of $35.50 (and shipping's not included in that).
"If that's the case, how did you get $25? Aren't you losing money?"
Not necessarily; I keep track of the supplies that I buy and break down the costs based on how much I use. I've never been a mathlete, but I know these numbers well enough that the price you paid covers the materials in your earrings and the time I spent making them.
Higher prices items usually mean more time and/or more-expensive supplies went into them. The complexity or simplicity of a design is factored into the labor cost as more complex designs usually means more time put in compared to simpler ones.
I hope this helps you to understand more about the work that goes into beadwork. If you have any other questions, or want me to clarify something, let me know. I'm always happy to chat.
:)
* The original list was posted on the Facebook circa 2012 I believe, so if this is your original list please let me know so I can give you credit. Miigwech (thank you).
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