How much? (1 Viewer)

[Dave K]

My other half Kathie makes teddy bears in her spare time and often gets asked for one offs using Harris Tweed, mohair or a material that is sentimental to someone, she's always unsure of what to charge for them, she normally only charges for the material she uses but realistically how much do you think is acceptable to charge someone you don't know for something like this one.

 

[big map]

£60.00

 

[CWH]

If it's a commission then it has to be costs + a realistic hourly rate. If someone's ASKED for the bear, they should be prepared to pay what it costs to make or even what it's worth (it's worth more than costs + labour but that's up to Kathie to decide what she thinks the sum-of-the-parts is worth!) Her labour is her time and skill, both of which are marketable assets. I bet she could sell them to Harrod's - and I know an outlet that I'm certain would take Harris Tweed bears on a sale-or-return basis - PM me if Kathie's interested.

(Sorry, I know that's not what you're asking, I don't know the costs of anything really.)

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[Silver-Fox]

Materials plus 10%
Labour at around £10 an hour?

Think I would start there and see what it totalled up to.

 

[Puddleduck]

£10 per hour plus 110% of the cost of materials.

Remember that some people make their living from making items like this and you do not want to undercut them or put them out of business.

 

[Dave K]

If it's a commission then it has to be costs + a realistic hourly rate. If someone's ASKED for the bear, they should be prepared to pay what it costs to make or even what it's worth (it's worth more than costs + labour but that's up to Kathie to decide what she thinks the sum-of-the-parts is worth!) Her labour is her time and skill, both of which are marketable assets. I bet she could sell them to Harrod's - and I know an outlet that I'm certain would take Harris Tweed bears on a sale-or-return basis - PM me if Kathie's interested.

(Sorry, I know that's not what you're asking, I don't know the costs of anything really.)

Thanks Wendy, you're right in what you say, there is a lot of work that goes into them, the joints and head move for example, she would love for this to be a way of making a living but I don't think people would pay her time, it might be worth looking into though, even if it was just to test the water

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[icantremember]

Tell her to sew a button in their ears and they will be worth thousands.

 

[Dave K]

£10 per hour plus 110% of the cost of materials.

Remember that some people make their living from making items like this and you do not want to undercut them or put them out of business.

Very true, that would probably put them at about £75 though

 

[Silver-Fox]

Tell her to sew a button in their ears and they will be worth thousands.

Maybe just use German names as well?

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[Silver-Fox]

Very true, that would probably put them at about £75 though

If sold privately then that sounds about right

If sold through a shop they would want around £100 to £120 for them at a guess.

Lets face there are people paying £100 for dogs clothes per item

 

[Janine]

Have a look at Etsy to see what other people are charging - I think you will be surprised how hand-made bears are valued!

 

[Puddleduck]

Look at these prices and then decide if £75 is too much @Dave K

http://www.worldofbears.com/acatalog/Artist-Bears.html

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[Dave K]

Look at these prices and then decide if £75 is too much @Dave K

http://www.worldofbears.com/acatalog/Artist-Bears.html

Looking at those prices I think she's been under charging at £40 - £50

 

[Puddleduck]

One reason I don't take commissions for my textile work is that when I give a price people go pale.

My Dad thinks I should work for the cost of the materials as it's my hobby !!!!! I do make quilts to celebrate special occasions which I give away, with a note of the amount of thread and the number of hours spent.

 

[Silver-Fox]

Looking at those prices I think she's been under charging at £40 - £50

As with a lot of things if you price it too cheap people think they are buying something that isn't up to scratch.

Obviously if you over price you don't sell anything as well

I don't think a personalised bear at £75 is out of the way price wise as it will be totally unique item

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[Dave K]

As with a lot of things if you price it too cheap people think they are buying something that isn't up to scratch.

Obviously if you over price you don't sell anything as well

I don't think a personalised bear at £75 is out of the way price wise as it will be totally unique item

Thanks, I appreciate your comments

 

[big map]

I feel like a cheapskate.

 

[Dave K]

I feel like a cheapskate.

I'll send you my number

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[WillH]

My wife does quilting, I worked out that one of her quilts cost over £600 for labour only, never mind the fabric. I'm working on £15/hour.

 

[CWH]

Compare the amount of work involved between Kathie's bear and this Harris tweed tote bag at £125

Also in a different tweed at £235.

 

[CWH]

My wife does quilting, I worked out that one of her quilts cost over £600 for labour only, never mind the fabric. I'm working on £15/hour.

£700

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[CWH]

Gentlemen, do not sell your wives short! These are straight off the internet commercial prices!

 

[Dave K]

Gentlemen, do not sell your wives short! These are straight off the internet commercial prices!

She's just starting a Harris Tweed bear now, I'll put up a pic when it's done