What should I charge for my hand-embroidered work?

Question

For a few years I have embroidered by hand. Usually I give my work to friends and family for special occasions. I have finally refined my work enough to attempt making a profit from it!

I have a pre-screening appointment next month at an art retailer in my town. They buy crafts from local artisans and mark them up enough to make a profit from them. It's a very nice shop, and I know lots of artisans have made a great deal of money working with them.

I just know they will ask me what I think my work is worth! If you embroider, then you know that the supplies are very cheap: it's basically needles, hoops, thread and cloth. I would be charging for basically just the time and energy invested in the work (and it takes a long time).

I have read to charge three times the cost of supplies, as well as other formulas. But when the supplies are very inexpensive, how do you determine the worth of a craft?

If there are any embroiderers out there who have sold work, I'd love to hear from you!

Answer 1

You should charge an amount that puts you in the same ballpark as what the other artists in that shop are charging. Maybe if you do some really intricate original designs on wearables, I'll bet those would sell well. I'd charge materials plus $20.00 for a nice scarf, maybe $55.00 for a skirt, and $150.00 -$200.00 for a jacket. Then for a low end item you could do bookmarks for $4.00 each.  I wouldn't expect to be able to sell pictures, but that would be up to the dealer, I guess.

.