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General Category => General Scroll Saw Talk => Topic started by: Bill P on March 25, 2011, 11:36:09 am
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I just took a couple of chess pieces to work to show a co-worker what I was talking about (he couldn't grasp the concept of compound cutting). One of the owners of the place saw them and ordered a set, with a board. This first one is a gift, so I never gave any thought to price, but I told him $250 and he agreed. What do y'all sell chess sets for, if y'all don't mind my asking.
Bill - who's working on his southern drawl
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Bill,
I have not sold chess pieces, so I can't help there. But this transplanted Minnesotan will never have a southern drawl.
Denny in TN
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I'd say at least $350.00 That is only $10.00 per piece plus $30 for the board. It's not like you can stack cut....LOL
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I've made 3 sets - two were gifts and the third went into a gallery - it sold for $850.00. It was a Notre Dame set with board. Lots of inside cuts.
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$850!? Holy poo-poo!
Bill
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That gallery sold my stuff for WAY more than I did. They kept 30%. A standing puzzle I sold for $15.00 - they sold for $45.00. It was fun while it lasted but he closed a few months ago.
I went in another gallery the other day and someone there is selling Sue Mey's story crosses for $275 - $350.00. Location - location - location.
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The cross pictured here sold for $50 at one location and a woman offered me $5 at another.
Bill
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Good point, Dunk. Can't retract at this point, but I'll keep that breakdown in mind for the next time.
Bill
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Dang Bill, I'll give you $5.50 cash for it right now !!!!
I sure hope you didn't sell it for that price :o :o Did she at least keep a straight face when she offered that pitiful amount ????
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She was dead serious. I just smiled and said something like, "No, that's okay." Ended up taking an offer of $40 because I was closing that booth down.
Bill
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Around here, that is at least a $50.00 cross.
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I just love those Wal-mart shoppers with a cheap attitude.. They have no idea what it takes to complete our art work--I wasn't as nice to one customer at one of the shows I did-- I was selling rubber band guns for $7.50 and had sold quite a few. this guy comes up and said they were not worth the money but he would give me $3.00--A kid was going by just then and I ask him if he would like one of the guns. He said "sure" so I gave him one and told the guy I would much rather give it away than sell him one for any price--he called me an assh--e and stomped off. At least the kid was happy Richard aka thumbs :'( :'( :'(
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Richard!!! That sounds like something I would do! Only I would have been the one "Calling"!
The three pieces that I donated to the silent auction last week inspired one of the ladies so much she contacted the organizers for my name and phone number and we have a date for next Wed. to select "some" pieces from my pattern selections and she will agree to whatever I wish since she thinks the other ones were so nice! NO frames necessary...she has a friend in the framing business!
It is all in they eye of the buyer! If they are used to seeing crap all the time that is all they want to buy.
Gotta find me a willing gallery!!!
~~~GB~~~
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This is all very interesting reading, I am glad I logged on tonight and stumbled across the posting. I hope to create a retirement income from the craft, however I am worried that it cannot be done. So far I am not covering costs. Like someone said there are people out there that appreciate the work that goes into a piece. How do you get at these people?
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If you find a foolproof way keep it to yourself and sell the idea.
Others will pay dearly for that information.
And your retirement will be secure!
Most have tried and most have failed to date!
~~~GB~~~
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I look at this as a hobby that pays for itself, and nothing more. If I can do that, when I retire I can look at it the same way as I would look at free golf for life. I'll be happy.
Bill
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STAY AWAY FROM FLEA MARKETS!!!! You can't get enough money to pay for the wood not to mention blades or finish materials, or even patterns, and forget about making $2.00 an hour for the time. BTDT (Been There Done That) and got the T-shirt to prove it.
No one wants to pay more than $5.00 for anything, even art work, at a flea market. You need to go to craft shows or art galleries to even get close to making it worth while. As far as making money to live on with scrolling or any other type of woodworking.....GOOD LUCK!
Rog
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cdrover, I do make a living on my scrollwork but it does take some work. Roger is right - NEVER DO FLEA MARKETS! I only do a few shows a year because it is hard for me to set up by myself. I am very selective about the shows I do. Go to some in your area and decide whether it would be worth your time and effort. Talk to vendors who have been doing that particular show and see if it is worth it. I have merchandise in a varity of stores. It took some doing to find where I wanted to go and often times it is on consignment. Crosses in Christian book stores, I have a line of "Desk Do-Dads" in an office supply store, My bowls are in a local pharmacy and I even have a display of random items in an upscale hair salon. I am working on getting some of my stuff in a country store (it's really a feed and seed but they have some neat things). Christmas ornaments sell well in all those locations.
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If you want a great location get your local vet to let you put in some doggie and kitty themed items.
I have an item I have been selling since 1984. When I first started scrolling and selling. At the time I sold it for $3.00 as time went by i got tired of making this same thing over and over. I'd make 2 dozen for every show I did and always sold out or almost.
I raised the price to $6.00 and still would sell out. This same item which I have made over 400 of over the years. I now have them on my website for $19.95 & 2 for $34.95 and still sell several a month.
Just saying sometimes we under price ourselves.