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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Is it too expensive?

257 replies

miniandmestudios · 04/02/2023 19:40

Not sure if it is entirely the right thread but I’ve started making hats by hand to try make some money - I’m a stay at home mum of 2, can’t afford childcare to go to work but can’t afford to not work. So I’m a bit stuck (DP works) and there is no one else I have to watch the kids.

My friend told me she would never pay £15 for a hat but it costs me £5 in materials and 3 hours roughly to make so it’s £3.33 ish an hour. I really don’t want less than that as working for £2 an hour is stupidly low.

I’ve attatched images of the hats so if I could get everyone’s opinions I’ll lower the price or keep as they are!

YANBU - the prices are okay
YABU - the prices are too expensive

Post edited by MNHQ

Is it too expensive?
Is it too expensive?
OP posts:
Always4Brenner · 04/02/2023 19:45

15 for a hat no sorry.

SarahAshley2 · 04/02/2023 19:46

No I wouldn’t pay that. They’re so cheap in primark!

phoenixrosehere · 04/02/2023 19:48

Where I used to work, we sold hats like that for £22. They were one of our best sellers.

PuttingDownRoots · 04/02/2023 19:48

Unfortunately handmade items like these are not a money maker... People don't appreciate the time it takes.

Thatiswild · 04/02/2023 19:48

They’re hand knitted so people comparing them to Primark or other chains are not your market (no offence to the pp I just mean don’t be disheartened as I would pay £15 for a hand kitted hat) they’re very pretty - and it’s a great idea but you’re not paying yourself enough as with most crafters of course!

steff13 · 04/02/2023 19:49

The thing is people don't appreciate the effort that goes into something like that. They're beautiful hats and I would absolutely pay at least that. Maybe try Etsy?

AdInfinitum12 · 04/02/2023 19:49

No I wouldn't pay £15 for a hat. But then I'm not the target demographic for homemade things. The "fun" behind this sort of stuff is that people are supporting local small crafters but those people have more disposable income. For anyone who doesn't it's out of the question. Most crafters, especially when starting out, don't make minimum wage at all.

Murdoch1949 · 04/02/2023 19:49

They are nice hats, but not attractive enough to be worth £15. They're not individual, they look like generic hats from any high street chain. Presumably the yarn is natural wool, as you say a fiver for materials, that's in their favour. Maybe work on your design, make them cuter and tempting to your potential market. At the moment they are very bland.

Pinkishpurpleyblue · 04/02/2023 19:50

They are lovely and can see youve put a lot of time and effort into them, could you get the materials cheaper and sell for £10? Would you become quicker at making them to increase the hourly rate value?

Pashazade · 04/02/2023 19:50

You need to be using cheaper yarn. Unless you're marketing as premium merino or something. I wouldn't pay £15 but you might find an expensive boutique would take them.

slashlover · 04/02/2023 19:50

What sort of yarn are they made from if less than a ball is costing you £5?

Dartmoorcheffy · 04/02/2023 19:51

I'm sorry but it's not "different " enough to pay £15 for.

Invisimamma · 04/02/2023 19:51

No I'm sorry I wouldn't be able or willing to pay that. I'd buy a supermarket or Primark hat as there's nothing particularly special or different about those.

They actually look a bit mishapen? Maybe it's just the photo though.

gemloving · 04/02/2023 19:51

I support small always and would 100% pay that.

Reinventinganna · 04/02/2023 19:51

I love handmade and would spend £15 or more but I would want something a bit… more.
They are nice but nothing special (I’m sorry but no point pretending).

unclebuck · 04/02/2023 19:51

You need a very specific market. I sell hats for £65, blankets for up to £850 but they are sold in a boutique in Knightsbridge and are made of raw organic hand spun wool. It is a very tough market

dottyrobin · 04/02/2023 19:51

I used to make and hats in a local shop. Sold hundreds for £18 each. However they were very different to yours and I think it might depend on the materials for that style. Pure wool or merino would sell for a premium.

InspectorPaws · 04/02/2023 19:52

No. Machines make very similar items in seconds so people can buy them incredibly cheap. There’s no reason for anyone to buy yours - especially when there’s no guarantee of quality or returns. People might spend £15 in a reputable store for a handmade item with an indication of high quality but that’s not what you’re offering. Sorry OP - I’m sure there are lots on Etsy for that price but I can’t imagine anyone making a living for it. Not to mention, £3.33 an hour? You’d be better off doing one evening shift in Tesco when DP is at home with the DCs in bed and you’d make the same amount of money in a week.

AdInfinitum12 · 04/02/2023 19:52

And Etsy will charge you an arm and a leg in fees, without 40 (I think) items in your shop I don't believe they even promote anything for you.

georgiegherkin · 04/02/2023 19:53

the cream and brown ones look all stretched out/ misshapen

Vallmo47 · 04/02/2023 19:54

Beautiful hats and I admire your talent OP but sadly in today’s financial climate I think it would be difficult to make this work. They make stunning presents for Christmas and are such a lovely personal touch! I’d love to receive one but no I couldn’t pay for it.

SnoozyVanWinkle · 04/02/2023 19:55

They are too similar to the ones you can get in the supermarkets etc.

LibrariansGiveUsPower · 04/02/2023 19:55

I’d pay £15 for a hat that actually fits.

The problem is there are a lot of crafters, it’s a crowded marketplace and hard to earn a living in.

Regularsizedrudy · 04/02/2023 19:56

I would happily pay that because I know part of the cost is supporting a small business and the time and craftsmanship of a handmade item. It’s really not comparable to a hat from primark!