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I'd like to make an observation from my experience with pricing. I
am based in a retail store, though I am technically independent of
that store, and I produce my own line of pieces. The line includes
charms, wedding bands and some other pieces. My products are
produced in small numbers and are labor intensive in terms of final
assembly and finishing. The store also sells charms that are
purchased from sales reps by weight, not by the piece. They are
clearly of lower quality finish, but the metals are the same. I
simply can't compete with those pieces when they are selling for 1/2
or less of the price I must charge to be profitable. The problem
here, though, (at least in my eyes) is audience. The store I work
from draws people who look for low prices above all, for the most
part. The better finish, unique designs and the locally handcrafted
provenance means nothing to most of these people.
Now, 2 blocks down the street, there are many shops that draw the
tourist crowd, and tourism around here is nearly year round. There
is also a large number of seasonal residents and retirees in the
area. Many of these folks value the very things that are meaningless
to the others. As we grow the production part of our business (the
rest is repair work), we must find ways to tap into the market that
will pay the price. If we can't successfully tap those markets, we
will stop producing rather than go broke selling for less than costs.
I love making jewelry, but not to the point that I will starve my
family for the honor.
Unfortunately, I don't have the option some in the forum seem to
have of 'going back to the real world' for employment, while keeping
the small studio going on the home front. This is the only 'real
job' I have ever had, so if I find I can no longer make it after 25
years in the jewelry trade, I will have to start over in something
entirely new. Jim in the mountains of NC, where the ski season is
finally ending so I can have my life back.
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you have to offer?
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