Who really cares?
Lets assume that you want to make $15.00 an hour. The project from start to finish takes exactly two hours and you add the cost of the wood used and finish at $3.00. It took 3 blades and you broke a drill bit while drilling holes, so there is another $2.00. I won't even estimate the price of the machines used or the electricity for the saw, light, heat/AC etc.. Then there is glue, tape, cost of pattern and so forth.
So, my question is, has anyone ever actually priced an item that has about two hours worth of work in it for $35.00? even if you stack cut two of them, are they worth $15.50 to your customers?
Obviously, I am a hobby wood worker and am not trying to make a living making things from wood. I do sell items from time to time and feel lucky to get the cost of materials and maybe $50.00 for things like, end tables , patio benches, bed headboards and the like that take me a week or two to build. Granted, I am slow and retired (so time doesn't mean much to me) but, I have a hard time selling a blanket chest that I spent 20 hours on for $200.00 when the wood cost me $150.00.
The "Art" that we do means something to you and me and we take great pride in doing a good job and making something that the average person won't or can't do but, will that same person let go of the amount of money that it is really worth when they can go to the Mall and get something "CUTE" for a gift and spend only $10.00?
Rog