Pet Peeves

[The Pink Peony]

It drives me crazy when someone sees one of my handbags priced at what I consider to be a very fair price and then the say "I could get the same thing at the store for half that".   :evil:

Well, NO, you can't get the same thing at the store!!!  Each bag I make is unique.  I don't mass produce 1000's of them!  You will not see 5 other people at the mall carrying a bag exactly like yours.

[Cindys Creative Crochet]

Yes I agree with pretty much everyone! People don't really understand that it takes hours to make something, and the supplies aren't free. This is quality because a machine didn't churn it out I had my hands directly on every last surface of this and it's the sturdiest piece of jewelry you'll ever see. Even if it kinda looks like lace.

I crochet wire jewelry, some don't think I CAN crochet wire, it's not really actual crochet. well it is. Or that it's somehow not REAL jewelry because it's crocheted. :roll:   so I can't win on that one, It's not real crochet and it's not real jewelry. I just wear it that way I guess.

[Cupcake n Kisses]

I get flack about the price of my tutu's. I have lowered the price slightly. but I dont think people relieze how much it actually costs to make one. I put in a TON of tulle. spools or ribbons, just to make it special for a child and NOT cheapy. I also live in the Bay Area California. it is expensive here! They also take me hours to make!

[normas bath and body]

I do agree that others don't see the hard work that goes into making anything period.

you take it to the craft fairs, and very little buyers and a ton of sellers, and not to mention how much $$ you're out of too.

make sure if anyone does craft shows to not set up where there are food vendors.

but now that I got into making the handmade, I do appreciate crafters more than ever. gotta love it! :lol:
~Norma

[Hummingbird]

I think a lot of it is a change due to a generational swing.

When i was a kid many moons ago it was the poorer folk who made their own clothes, and other needs. People would look down on you for wearing a handmade dress and I learned to never tell anyone because I was too embarrassed (my poor mom, I'd give anything to take that back).

As I grew up things seem to switch around as art & crafts became more of a leisure time and because of this the cost of supplies also skyrocketed. Arts & Crafts supplies are way too expensive for what we get but they know they can get the price. It has become something that the wealthier or those with lots of time on their hands do. There are exclusive clubs, guilds, forums, you name it. Its become somewhat snobby now.

The craft suppliers don't really care about the cost of you producing your item as long as they make their margin. Often these products are so selective and by keeping art & crafts exclusive clubs etc they can demand and get the prices they want. The lack of competition also helps this and new suppliers see the value in keeping prices high as well.

Anyway, just my 2 cents worth.

[PaintersParadise]

What bugs me the most is these craft fairs charge $3- 400 dollars for a space, no table, no elec.  Where do these people think we can make any money after these fees.  they are the only ones making the money.

[Craft Boutique]

Interesting discussion. I definitely have a problem with hand-made products being associated with "cheap" or "poor quality". I think it's exactly the opposite, and browsing through stores here on iCraft is a good example of that.