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How to price a handmade table? - Travis - 04-28-2014 07:06 PM
I'm a beginner builder and want, obviously, to spend as little as possible and make a sizable profit compared to what I spent. What factors determine the price of a handmade table and where are the best places to sell?
- Bitterstew392 - 04-28-2014 07:10 PM
How much time you spend on it. You want to make a number of them(mass production) which goes faster than doing just a "one-see"
- Quietdoll751 - 04-28-2014 07:15 PM
You need to figure your time at a value that would be realistic to your market.
SO
When you build something, calculate how many hours it will take: the cost of your materials, and
don't forget the cost of the nails, glue and finishing products.
Don't be greedy, but be proud of your work, and ask a fair price for the table.
It might help you to visit a few stores to see what a custom table is worth today...
You may be surprised how much you could charge if your work is good.
That's what gets you more business, and ensures that it is enjoyable.
- Gaeland - 04-28-2014 07:17 PM
Your first projects will take a lot longer than ones made by an experienced furniture maker. A table may take you a month to make where an experienced furniture maker could make it in a few days. The quality of the finished table will also be different for a beginner and a professional furniture maker. So, you are stuck with making your first pieces for friends or relatives or taking them to local craft shows, flee markets, or church raffles. Keep your eyes open for any event where you can display your work. Local libraries, community centers, hospitals, and government centers sometimes display local artwork. You could set up a display of your work at a grocery store parking lot if you ask the owner. If your town has a local webpage or Facebook sharing page, you could display your work there. It can get problematic if you try to use Craigslist or E-bay due to shipping costs and damage issues and collecting the money.
You can make your own business cards and fliers. Hang the fliers in stores and restaurants in your area. If you have money to advertise, you can place an ad in the paper or on the radio.
To find out what a fair price is for your table or project, look on E-bay or other sites for custom made tables. Until you get famous you will be among the ranks of starving artists who make a meager wage for their efforts. If you do excellent work, your reputation will go before you and you will become famous. Enjoy your talent. That is the main thing. Put your heart and soul into every piece. That is what makes the project "glow" and show "life".
- Art Bacon - 04-28-2014 07:18 PM
Oh my god... "spend as little as possible and make a sizable profit" is not a recipe for success. In fact, it's called "cheap crap" and nobody buys cheap crap.