People want to buy the things I make

[OnlyWantsOne]

but Im not sure what to sell them for?

Ive made a few wallets as gifts, they take me a while and are fiddley as I use oilcloth for the outside, I have one I use myself and I get lots of lovely comments from people.

I set up a facebook page here to just update people as I found it easier than using my blog, which im not actually very good at writing on

(blog is here but its basic

any advice how to charge for things, like the Oil cloth prism pouches?
Custom stuff?

I think you need to write down how much materials cost, plus the hours you spend making the items (at an hourly rate you're happy with), and work out a price from there. It's no good selling things for £5 if they cost £6 to make!

1/3 materials, 1/3 man hours and 1/3 profit

The wallets, about £20 (that's what I charge for them) the prism pouches, anything from £6 for £15 depending on size and whether or not they are lined? I make some lined with wipe-clean PVC and I charge more for those than the ones with cotton lining, as it is fiddlier to work with and so more time-consuming.

The prism pouches and wallets are both oil cloth, and yes the pouches are fully lined :)

They are really lovely OnlyWantsOne, hats off to you for finding time and energy to do something so creative when you have two little ones and are studying!

Sorry got carried away and posted too early there - was going to actually make a point...

There are people like me - not at all creative but want to be, I would love to be able to say I made 'this', whatever 'this' may be. Would there be a market out there for you make and sell 'Do it yourself' kit of parts for slightly simpler products (the pouches maybe?). So you pre cut the material, include everything I need to complete the project, i.e I just have to sew up the sides or something. This is a slightly different market and would save you a bit of time but you could still charge similar (ish) prices therefore increasing your profit.

I read on another blog a lady did these 'kits' for bunting and she sold more of them than the actual ready made bunting itself because people want a feeling of 'I did that'.

overmydeadbody does fab bunting kits

I do indeed sell bunting kits, and they are very popular .

HollyBolly I think you make a very good point, I too think there is a market out there for sewing kits for people to put together, with everythgin pre-cut and ready to go.

OP, I am so that people want to buy what you make. All I ever get from friends is constant requests to make them things they see I have in my house or I'm wearing. The idea of paying me doesn't cross their minds. I think a lot of people, particularly people who never make stuff, believe making something is free!! There is never any consideration for the cost of the materials and of course my time and skill. I always cringe when I get the 'Ooh! That's so lovely! Please make me one!'

Well the only thing I've properly sold so far was a wallet - but it was oil cloth Clarke and Clarke fabric and took about two hours to make it was so fiddley

Just had a look and your stuff is lovely :) I have liked your page,too :)

I'm having the same dilemma onlywantsone - but my stuff isn't good enough to charge proper prices for, so I figure cover material costs at least, and take 25% off what similar things are going for on not on the high street or something

Today I made a reversible bag which I love

And tonorrow I intend to make an oil cloth zipped bag

Happy when im sewing