Lampwork Etc.
 
Mountain Glass Arts

LE Live Chat

Enter Live Chat

No users in chat


Frantz Art Glass & Supply

Caber Light


 

Go Back   Lampwork Etc. > Library > Tips, Techniques, and Questions

Tips, Techniques, and Questions -- Technical questions or tips

Reply
 
Thread Tools
  #1  
Old 2011-09-25, 1:58pm
jaci's Avatar
jaci jaci is offline
Glass-aholic
 
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
Default Can we talk $$$???

I have a whole bunch of beads that I am looking at to price out and was thinking... I am wondering have you noticed a general slow downward pricing on beads?

Disclaimer: Yes I know there are bead calculators, and the 3x rule and the "price out your time" etc... I am not even asking for help on pricing my own stuff, just a general conversation here.

Have you noticed lower pricing on beads, or have you lowered your prices?
Either because of the abundant cheap competition (talking china etc), or because of the economy? I was just looking at some prices on some beads, to get a ballpark of what they are going for, and noticed that some few artists have their tried and true prices (and I am sure their regular cliental. Which is GREAT IMO ) but many beaders seem to have lowered prices. Is it just me??

I tend not to look at price, but to look at beads on a regular basis if I am looking at beads, so it was a bit surprising to me.
__________________
Minor 10lpm Oxy-Con + HH on Propylene . . . . . .

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
hand dyed silk ribbons in many colors!
WASHERS & TOPPERS - layering components for interchangeable glass topper and to use in other jewelry/metalwork.:
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2011-09-26, 11:19am
Mountain Snail's Avatar
Mountain Snail Mountain Snail is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 08, 2010
Posts: 855
Default

I had my first show the week before last and I had no idea how to price so I went with what everyone suggested. The $1.00 per minute of torch time. My flat frit focals ended up being around 6-8 dollars and I sold several.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2011-09-26, 11:42am
Kalera's Avatar
Kalera Kalera is offline
I'm a lilac!
 
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
Default

I've adjusted my prices quite a bit, as well as making certain changes to my presentation so I can price sets with more beads for less money. I'm selling larger sets of smaller beads and have eliminated the crystal and sterling spacers I used to include. This is saving me overhead on the spacers, as well as time on stringing sets up. I used to include free beads with every order; I switched out for candy, so I could lower my prices.
__________________
-Kalera

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2011-09-26, 12:40pm
Mountain Snail's Avatar
Mountain Snail Mountain Snail is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 08, 2010
Posts: 855
Default

Hopefully the economy will perk up again.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2011-09-26, 5:44pm
hotflashwanda hotflashwanda is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 16, 2005
Location: Jackson, MI
Posts: 396
Default

I've lowered my prices about 10% per year, for the last few years. The $1 per minute torch time used to be my standard, but I want my beads to move at each show, so that is no longer feasible for me. I keep in mind that I don't buy anything from retail stores or catalogs except during their 25%-40% off sales, so it only seems reasonable to lower my prices.
Of course, this would depend on how quickly you want your beads to sell. I like to sell most of my inventory at each bead show, and make new stock for the next. Some people might make more actual profit by holding out for more $$ and taking more beads from show to show.
Anita
www.nitabeads.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2011-09-26, 8:41pm
Mr.Smeeth's Avatar
Mr.Smeeth Mr.Smeeth is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Aug 17, 2011
Posts: 274
Default

I think it depends on the show. I am usually selling pottery but the same logic applies. What will the market bear. I have small pieces that are reasonably priced to keep the sales coming in $10-$15. Then I have a few pieces $20-$60 and all sparkle on the top shelf my show pieces $200-$1500. I try to have something for everyone. I notice that people selling at higher prices were suffering from low sales this year.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2011-09-26, 8:45pm
jaci's Avatar
jaci jaci is offline
Glass-aholic
 
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
Default

That was great imput. I really appreciate it. I find that I am looking to lower my prices by a few dollars here and there. I will have some pieces that (I love) priced at my previous standard. Mainly because it makes me feel like they are going to a good home when they sell . Other things I make for show I have seem to offer options that lower the price, such as less frill necklaces, (which gives the customer options, and saves me findings and such) by giving the option of just ball chain or having it "done up" for a few bucks more. I really have not bought anything for a while glass or supply in a while, I kindda just want to move some inventory. I'm also making lower cost bookmarks and cell charms. Hopefully they will sell pretty well. I don't want to be dragging the market down by lowering prices, but I am not sure I would make enough to cover table if I dont. In this area money is tight right now all around. I want everyone to be able to buy art on a budget. I figured my budget was the best one to start with it's itty bitty!

Ok that was longer than it sounded typing it lol. Main point. Thanks!!!
ps I don't think I've ever charged $1 a min... Hummmmmmm something to ponder I suppose in the uprise of the economy (eventually)
__________________
Minor 10lpm Oxy-Con + HH on Propylene . . . . . .

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
hand dyed silk ribbons in many colors!
WASHERS & TOPPERS - layering components for interchangeable glass topper and to use in other jewelry/metalwork.:
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2011-09-27, 10:30am
Kalera's Avatar
Kalera Kalera is offline
I'm a lilac!
 
Join Date: Jun 09, 2005
Location: Portland, Oregon
Posts: 8,793
Default

It's a quandary, because I have to price work to sell it, but if I can't make a certain minimum I can't support myself with lampworking. I, too, hope for an upturn in the economy!
__________________
-Kalera

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
*
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 2011-09-27, 11:42am
Laura B's Avatar
Laura B Laura B is offline
Experimentalist
 
Join Date: Nov 15, 2005
Location: Penryn, California
Posts: 6,758
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by hotflashwanda View Post
I've lowered my prices about 10% per year, for the last few years. The $1 per minute torch time used to be my standard, but I want my beads to move at each show, so that is no longer feasible for me. I keep in mind that I don't buy anything from retail stores or catalogs except during their 25%-40% off sales, so it only seems reasonable to lower my prices.
Of course, this would depend on how quickly you want your beads to sell. I like to sell most of my inventory at each bead show, and make new stock for the next. Some people might make more actual profit by holding out for more $$ and taking more beads from show to show.
Anita
www.nitabeads.com
This brings up something I was thinking about recently...

When you lower your prices, do you just lower there or do you visibly mark them down (so that people KNOW you've lowered them)?

You mention you don't buy anything retail except during their percent off sales. That makes me wonder if people want to SEE the markdown or if they just know a good value when they see it.

I recently lowered the price of a number of my items but I didn't "mark them down"... I just changed the price. No one would KNOW that I lowered the price unless they specifically knew the previous price, know what I mean?

I'm curious about customer perception.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 2011-09-27, 12:00pm
nickandryan's Avatar
nickandryan nickandryan is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 20, 2007
Location: Northeast Ohio
Posts: 385
Smile

I started lampworking in 2007, got going in 2008, then the downturn. My initial stategy was to slowly raise my prices as my work inproved, but then the economy tanked. So I have raised my prices slightly over the last 3 years, but not much. I seem to have found a good price point for my sets though, I am happy with it and they sell pretty quickly to my regular clients.

It is a dilemma for sure- can you look at what type of beads sell well for you and use that as a starting point? Maybe adjust up/down from there?

I love to make focals but can't sell them, so I go with sets Good luck, I'll be following this thread to see what everyone's thoughts are. Laura
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 2011-09-27, 12:57pm
Mountain Snail's Avatar
Mountain Snail Mountain Snail is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 08, 2010
Posts: 855
Default

Part of my problem is I am only planning on doing a few shows a year. No idea what to charge other than the dollar a minute thing.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 2011-09-27, 1:50pm
sweetiedog's Avatar
sweetiedog sweetiedog is offline
randomly active member
 
Join Date: Jan 19, 2006
Location: St. Paul, MN
Posts: 791
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by Laura B View Post
This brings up something I was thinking about recently...

When you lower your prices, do you just lower there or do you visibly mark them down (so that people KNOW you've lowered them)?

You mention you don't buy anything retail except during their percent off sales. That makes me wonder if people want to SEE the markdown or if they just know a good value when they see it.

I recently lowered the price of a number of my items but I didn't "mark them down"... I just changed the price. No one would KNOW that I lowered the price unless they specifically knew the previous price, know what I mean?

I'm curious about customer perception.
I'm probably just a snob (okay I know I am a snob and I readily admit it) but if I see something has been "marked down" my first impression is "oh it must suck so they have to lower the price to move it." Is that horrible of me? It probably is, but that is what my mind immediately goes to when I see the word "SALE".

Pricing is something that eludes me as well and I am continually changing the amount on my beads to find a price point that reflects my skill level (or lack thereof) and matches the market. When I change my prices I never announce it (because of my previous pre-conceived perceptions on the word sale).

Storewide percentages off and coupon codes resonate totally different in my brain, however, and I love me a good 25% off sale across the board Yes. I realize that makes absoluely no sense whatsoever.
__________________
Leslie .:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.:.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.



To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 2011-09-27, 2:06pm
Lyssa's Avatar
Lyssa Lyssa is offline
The Harbinger of Cuteness
 
Join Date: Dec 11, 2007
Location: Los Osos, San Luis Obispo County, California
Posts: 1,465
Default

Quote:
Originally Posted by sweetiedog View Post
Storewide percentages off and coupon codes resonate totally different in my brain, however, and I love me a good 25% off sale across the board Yes. I realize that makes absoluely no sense whatsoever.
Actually, Leslie, that makes perfect sense. You're concerned if a particular item is marked down then there's something wrong with that particular item, but if it's a general markdown of the whole store, then that's just a general sale which you would be silly to not take advantage of.

Speaking to the dollar-a-minute idea, I keep telling my hubby that I need to improve my bead-making speed before I improve my bead-making quality. I think my beads are "good enough" to make a few sales, but even the spacers take me five minutes to make, each. No one in their right mind would buy a single, 8mm spacer for five bucks!

So, how do you price your beads when you take a long time to make them?
__________________
Aimee Moisa

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
~
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
#M-191
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 2011-09-27, 3:47pm
Mountain Snail's Avatar
Mountain Snail Mountain Snail is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 08, 2010
Posts: 855
Default

Aimee, it takes me a bit to form a good spacer too, the cg beadroller has helped as far as making several in the same size.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 2011-09-27, 4:04pm
Elizabeth Beads's Avatar
Elizabeth Beads Elizabeth Beads is offline
Lampworkaholic!
 
Join Date: Apr 22, 2008
Location: Cornelius, NC - because weather
Posts: 5,158
Default

I've been doing "volume discounts." I keep my price per focal at $20 or $25 and then offer 3 for $50 or 3 for $65. It helps me move inventory, which is a great excuse to make more beads.
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

"And all will turn to silver glass, a light on the water, grey ships pass into the west." Annie Lennox
Reply With Quote
  #16  
Old 2011-09-28, 4:26am
jaci's Avatar
jaci jaci is offline
Glass-aholic
 
Join Date: Mar 21, 2007
Location: CT, tolland CT
Posts: 4,332
Default

I like doing 3 for $ too. It's also an easy way to promote sales on the fly based on the show or if you see intrest but people need the extra push to buy. It has worked well for me at many shows. I have also offered people 5 or $10 off when they spend xyz. But not really have any signage for it. What I find is a great way to get return customers is to give 5-10 off large orders and tell them as I total them up (explaining to them that they were such a good customer....blah blah). It's like a bonus they think is just for them, but for everyone. I made a whole bowl of small hearts once that I gave away one with ever sale too. You could not buy them. That was pretty cool. Some people really liked it, it did nothing for other customers.
__________________
Minor 10lpm Oxy-Con + HH on Propylene . . . . . .

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
.
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.


To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
hand dyed silk ribbons in many colors!
WASHERS & TOPPERS - layering components for interchangeable glass topper and to use in other jewelry/metalwork.:
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 2011-09-28, 6:02am
Elizabeth Beads's Avatar
Elizabeth Beads Elizabeth Beads is offline
Lampworkaholic!
 
Join Date: Apr 22, 2008
Location: Cornelius, NC - because weather
Posts: 5,158
Default

One of my friends has an "orphan" bowl and let's customers pick a "free" bead with every purchase. Might be good for extra spacers and random "experimental" beads (although I usually send mine to BOC).

I tried "2 free spacers with focal purchase" and it didn't really increase sales although the customers did like the extra beads. It was just more trouble than it was worth, especially keeping up enough loose matching spacers ...
__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 5 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

"And all will turn to silver glass, a light on the water, grey ships pass into the west." Annie Lennox
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 2011-09-28, 12:30pm
hotflashwanda hotflashwanda is offline
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 16, 2005
Location: Jackson, MI
Posts: 396
Default

Laura,
I don't visibly mark my prices down (as in changing the price tags). I just mark prices that are lower than they used to be. Those are my selling prices now. Anyone that buys my beads instead of Unicorne Beads or other inexpensive imported lampwork seems to appreciate that the prices are reasonable. The only time I bring up my lowered prices is when designers or beadstore owners ask if I give a wholesale discount for my beads. I used to, but now everything is at what my maximum wholesale discounted price was in 2006. If someone buys hundreds of dollars worth of beads, I give them some free beads.

Anita
www.nitabeads.com
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 6:12am.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.7.5
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Your IP: 3.81.30.41