Happy Friday embroidery enthusiasts and creative souls! If you are wondering how to price your embroidery work for sale, I have some tips for you. If you are a member of multiple Facebook groups and online embroidery communities, you have undoubtedly seen many posts of people asking..."How much should I charge?" with a picture of their work. Whether you are a crafter who enjoys making gifts for your loved ones and you aren't sure if selling your work is something you want to dive into, or you are trying to start a full-blown embroidery business, I have some tips for you and things to consider before pricing your work. I'll also share with you how I price my work on a daily basis. Spoiler alert...it varies!
Pricing artwork can be extremely personal. Years ago when I was making quilts, so many people would approach me with "how much would you charge to make a quilt for me?" I dreaded this question because to be honest, it was almost impossible for me to put a price on making a quilt. Considering the amount of hours I spent on a quilt from concept to completion, I would be making pennies by the hour if I were to charge what most people would consider paying for a handmade quilt.
If you are interested in seeing some of my handmade quilts, click on this link!
Back to embroidery! First off, let’s talk about the two most common methods: charging per stitch and charging by the time it takes to complete a project.
Charging Per Stitch:
This method involves counting every single stitch your machine makes to complete a design. Whether you are digitizing your designs yourself or purchasing embroidery designs online, the stitch count of the design will be available for you to see. I find this approach to be more-widely used at large, multi-machine embroidery shops. The cost per 1,000 stitches can vary greatly between $0.50 up to $4.00 depending several factors such as the size of the design, how many needle changes there are in the design, and how many pieces you are running and giving discounts for pieces over the minimum order.
Charging by Time:
Now, let’s talk about charging by the time it takes to finish a project. This method is more flexible. Consider how long it takes you to complete a project from start to finish, including setup, hooping, stitching, and cleanup (trimming backing and threads). Many people charge a hooping fee. This is a flat fee to get the customer started. Then charge for your time. Once you are accustomed to sewing projects to sell, you will know...a lovie takes 20 minutes, or a baby blanket takes 30 minutes. You will be able to start making estimates based on your experience.
Which One’s Right for You?
The decision between these methods ultimately depends on your personal preference and your volume of orders. If you’re just starting out, charging by time might be the way to go. It also gives you the flexibility to adjust your pricing as you get faster and more efficient.
How I Price My Work
The type of embroidery work that I do varies greatly. It can range from complex digitizing and custom artwork for weddings, digitizing corporate logos for polos and hats, or small, simple monograms for baby items. Usually, I price my projects by the project. When a customer asks for a quote, I usually have a good idea how long a project will take and how much I need to charge to be profitable but also competitive. These days, sewing a name on a backpack or a lovie is usually a $12 charge, provided the size is from 3" to 9". Digitizing work is a $20 flat fee, plus the cost of sewing. If the customer is wanting the same design on multiple items, I usually offer a discount after a certain number of pieces. If I'm using my largest hoop (11" x 13" Mighty Hoop linked here), the minimum charge is usually around $50.
Consider Your Costs:
Regardless of the method you choose, don’t forget to consider your costs. Factor in the price of materials (such as backing, stabilizer and thread) and any additional expenses related to your embroidery business. This ensures you’re not just covering your time and effort but also making a profit.
Do You Research:
What are local shops charging? What is their turnaround time? If you are competitive with quality and price, perhaps you can offer faster turn times as your value proposition. Know your competition and know what value you bring to the marketplace.
Customer Feedback:
Lastly, be open to feedback from your customers. If you find that your pricing is a bit high for your target market, consider offering simpler designs at a lower price point. Flexibility can go a long way in building a loyal customer base.
Remember, embroidery is a service. If you deliver excellent customer service and quality of work, your pricing can reflect that. If you are still gaining experience, you may need to set your prices lower in the beginning to build your customer base, then you can increase as they gain confidence in your work.
Happy sewing!
Beth
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