Making my own jewelry to sell - question about costs?

19 Mar 2010

19 Mar, 2010 jewelry making bracelets

Recently I’ve started to make jewelry and want to start selling it. What is a reasonable markup? I’m going to try selling them on e-bay first to see if people like them.

My costs:
Total beads - $50.00
String - $4.00
filler beads - $10.00

Total costs - $64.00

$64.00 will make about 35 bracelets.

Do you think that $8.00 with $ 2.00 shipping is reasonable?

If I sold each bracelet at $8.00 x 35 = $280.00 (not including the shipping costs)
Which is a $216.00 profit.

Is that about normal? Am I selling them for too much? Too little?

Thanks.

Your prices sound very reasonable. But there’s one thing you did not include in your calculations - the time required to complete each bracelet. Your real profit would be what is left over after you deduct the cost of supplies and time. None of us who make jewelry can charge the way plumbers do - $80 an hour, or so - but do allow yourself at least minimum wage when you’re calculating costs. That way you won’t be working free - even for yourself.

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4 Responses

Xena ♥
2010 Mar 19 1

♥ What string are you using I’ve been outof it for 2 years but it seems high?
References :
thejanith
2010 Mar 19 2

A good rule of thumb for pricing handmade goods is "three times the cost of your supplies." With this formula, you should probably charge about $5.- to $5.50 per bracelet, plus your real cost for shipping and packaging.
References :
I make and sell jewelry, too. See avatar.
TTC #1
2010 Mar 19 3

that sounds like a good price, but remember you ebay & paypal fees are around 13% of your sale price, at least for me. so whatever price you want for them add those fees into it also
References :
ebay seller
MoiraLynn
2010 Mar 19 4

Your prices sound very reasonable. But there’s one thing you did not include in your calculations - the time required to complete each bracelet. Your real profit would be what is left over after you deduct the cost of supplies and time. None of us who make jewelry can charge the way plumbers do - $80 an hour, or so - but do allow yourself at least minimum wage when you’re calculating costs. That way you won’t be working free - even for yourself.
References :

Jewelry Making