I always find pricing so hard. This is one of the best explanations of how to do it I've come across. Appreciate your ability to look at the different goals people have - I hadn't thought of that. So helpful. Thank you!
Glad you mentioned John Campbell Folk school. I live 1 mile from there and teach watercolor painting several times a year. I took a bookmaking class and it was much harder than the class I took from you but love the Folk School.
This was so helpful. I have not made books yet but am very involved in upcycling garments that I have purchased at op shops, then eco-printing the fabric. Much of what you described today is relevant! I have dozens of lovely garments to sell---SOON---thanks to you!
A long time ago I learned the hard way to shop consignment shops. They are not all created equally honest. So do your research. The last shop I dealt with was in the nineties so my time of stress is long gone. My goal is to get rid of craft craft before I die, so I make basket of stuff for a non-profit. I am enjoying hearing about how the market has changed and stayed the same.
This was such an informative class, thank you, Ali! I fall into the category of making journals for the joy it brings me and the people I gift them to. But, I'm also not opposed to someone buying them. I don't actively sell them, but I've probably sold about a dozen of my books to people who happened to see them and asked if they were for sale. I sold a Coptic bound book a couple of months ago and the buyer said, "Do you have a set price or may I pay you what I think they're worth?" Loaded question! I went for the second option and was gobsmacked when I received $60 for one book. Someone else at that gathering bought two much smaller journals for $80. Needless to say, I was very flattered and tickled people were willing to spend their money on something I made. I turned around and put it towards more paper to make more journals, which I would have bought anyway. So I feel like I'm ahead of the game. Thanks again for this, it helped me feel better about making books just because it makes me happy to see them on my shelves.
Very interesting and beautifully presented. I didn’t catch you live, but I’m curious to work out prices for the Uk. It seems that generally bargains are what people want so to charge prices like you can in the US May mean items don’t sell! Of course that’s ok if they are ones I find difficult to part with, but they won’t be helping to fund my travel 🙄 Thank you for doing this for us, Susie xxx💕
I hear you about bargains. May be we don’t want bargain hunters giving homes to our journals. Stick to your guns on pricing and the perfect buyers are out there. It just might take a bit longer 😍.
Really great info, Ali. Thank you! I started selling cards, scrapbooks, etc. on Etsy in 2009 and did well for years. THEN they changed the fee schedule...ugh. It didn't make sense for me anymore - couldn't recoup the costs and pay myself as well as the marketing involved to get found. Yowza. I keep thinking about doing craft fairs and the like but it's scary to put myself out there live and in person. This is a great nudge though.
I always find pricing so hard. This is one of the best explanations of how to do it I've come across. Appreciate your ability to look at the different goals people have - I hadn't thought of that. So helpful. Thank you!
Glad you mentioned John Campbell Folk school. I live 1 mile from there and teach watercolor painting several times a year. I took a bookmaking class and it was much harder than the class I took from you but love the Folk School.
You are so generous with your knowledge and time! Thank you for this.
This was so helpful. I have not made books yet but am very involved in upcycling garments that I have purchased at op shops, then eco-printing the fabric. Much of what you described today is relevant! I have dozens of lovely garments to sell---SOON---thanks to you!
Thank you for sharing this info. It's really helpful and generous!
Brilliant advice! Thanks!
A long time ago I learned the hard way to shop consignment shops. They are not all created equally honest. So do your research. The last shop I dealt with was in the nineties so my time of stress is long gone. My goal is to get rid of craft craft before I die, so I make basket of stuff for a non-profit. I am enjoying hearing about how the market has changed and stayed the same.
Great class! You may have to have a session on how to make that spiral-bound book! 🙂
This was such an informative class, thank you, Ali! I fall into the category of making journals for the joy it brings me and the people I gift them to. But, I'm also not opposed to someone buying them. I don't actively sell them, but I've probably sold about a dozen of my books to people who happened to see them and asked if they were for sale. I sold a Coptic bound book a couple of months ago and the buyer said, "Do you have a set price or may I pay you what I think they're worth?" Loaded question! I went for the second option and was gobsmacked when I received $60 for one book. Someone else at that gathering bought two much smaller journals for $80. Needless to say, I was very flattered and tickled people were willing to spend their money on something I made. I turned around and put it towards more paper to make more journals, which I would have bought anyway. So I feel like I'm ahead of the game. Thanks again for this, it helped me feel better about making books just because it makes me happy to see them on my shelves.
Hello 👋☺️ Ali 🌹 Thank you for sharing all the information on pricing etc enjoy the rest of your week and weekend ahead 👍🌹🦄📚
VERY interesting and helpful, thanks!
Very interesting and beautifully presented. I didn’t catch you live, but I’m curious to work out prices for the Uk. It seems that generally bargains are what people want so to charge prices like you can in the US May mean items don’t sell! Of course that’s ok if they are ones I find difficult to part with, but they won’t be helping to fund my travel 🙄 Thank you for doing this for us, Susie xxx💕
I hear you about bargains. May be we don’t want bargain hunters giving homes to our journals. Stick to your guns on pricing and the perfect buyers are out there. It just might take a bit longer 😍.
Really great info, Ali. Thank you! I started selling cards, scrapbooks, etc. on Etsy in 2009 and did well for years. THEN they changed the fee schedule...ugh. It didn't make sense for me anymore - couldn't recoup the costs and pay myself as well as the marketing involved to get found. Yowza. I keep thinking about doing craft fairs and the like but it's scary to put myself out there live and in person. This is a great nudge though.
You can do it. I know your work is beautiful!!