Hickory

I updated over at etsy this morning. Thanks so much to everyone who adpoted a toy. This little bunny, Hickory was included. I am starting to have to double up on names, especially for the bunnies - but this is the first boy bunny by that name. Hope that gets me off the hook. In case anyone is wondering, I'm planning two more updates before Christmas. Next up - giraffes and dolls.

On the subject of etsy, I just wanted to raise the icky issue of pricing. I'm not sure if anyone has noticed, but I've slowly had to increase prices of my toys - just a few dollars every month or so since late September. Because selling on etsy means trading in American dollars, and since that currrency has been weakening against the Australian dollar, I just can't keep absorbing the difference. I hate to increase prices, but as any maker knows, there are many more hours unpaid than paid with handmade stuff in the first place - we're definitley not talking corporate style high profit margins - ha! Just so you know, I still charge the same value in Australian dollars that I have for almost 2 years, that hasn't changed. Ack! Whoever thought these kinds of things would need to be considered when selling handmade? I'd love to hear from other Australian based etsy sellers (or other countries... not sure what currency changes, if any, are happening for you guys?) - what are you doing?

Comments

[Alicia Ryan]

Don't stress about pricing- your toys sell as soon as they're listed (I haven't nabbed one yet!). People will pay when they appreciate good quality handmade goods. It is hard though, as an Etsy seller of kids clothes, I understand the time and effort that goes into a creation, that you just can't charge for. Keep up the awesome work, but take care of yourself :)

[Kate]

I've had to increase prices too - I don't think there is any way around it and most not in the US have according to the discussions in the forums. Hickory is gorgeous.

[leslie]

I agree with Alicia- I don't think it would matter if you raised your prices again- your toys are great and are gone in secconds!

[downwritehappy]

I am a firm believer in doing what you love and the money will follow...but I seem to work for free. I'm fine with this, my husband doesn't quite get it though. Your work is precious...people will pay.

[MamaIke]

Oh I'm so sad I missed out on the Etsy shop! I'm out of town and only getting to the computer infrequently. I'll look forward to the next update so I can adopt one of your beautiful creations for my daughter. I love your work!

[Tania Ho]

Yes, with the Euro going so high against the dollar I'm afraid I've had to increase the price of my items on etsy as well (although the Euro price is still the same, of course). I was actually surprised to see I had to update prices again today, when I had done that a couple of weeks ago, due to the currency conversion :P

[annie]

I always miss it!! one of these days!!lol hickory is beautiful!

[emma]

I still haven't quite worked out how much to charge on etsy, and the other day found myself paying more for postage to the us than I had charged. Hopefully I'll work it out sooner or later! Your toys are so beautifully finished, I wouldn't worry about how much you're charging, people who appreciate quality will always be aware of the time involved in creating these pieces, and as such will know their value.

[Justine]

I'm pretty much going to echo what others have said, don't be too worried about having to gradually increase your prices over at Etsy. It doesn't really seem to bother people who are looking to buy something as beautifully made as your toys.
I've been putting my prices up by a couple of dollars now and then (when I remember to check exchange rates!) and I still think I lose money on the Etsy sales.

[Michelle]

I too have had to increase my prices on Etsy, but as my main market is in the US I have had to be careful as their economy has taken a hit. I'm still taking a loss compared to what I was taking 6 months ago.

I don't think anyone would begrudge you raising your prices!

[shannon]

I lose money on etsy postage all the time, Im a spazz who never works out my pricing properly and is too excited to get time to whack stuff up on the site!!

[grace]

i live in the us and i think its perfectly acceptable to raise your prices. even if our dollar wasn't sinking it would be fine with me. :) And i'm having a hard time getting your email address, but i'd love to be added to your list for shop updates. how should i go about that?

[sue]

I just think that a lot of people dont understand the value of handmade, and think it should be free sometimes. I really love your bunnies and dolls. Do you ever do special orders for the dolls as I would really love to give my daughter one for Christmas. She loved the pink bunny that I bought from you last year.

[Mel]

I've been waiting all week for the toys to go on sale...& the one day that I don't check! Oh well, just wanted to say that I love reading/looking at your blog. And like others, don't think you need to apologise for the price rise as your toys are beautiful, one of a kind pieces.

[Kristin]

I think that your toys are beautiful and that no matter the price people will pay for the quality and the wonderful whimsy that I love about your toys. When I have a baby someday I will be purchasing a litter. Thanks for making them.

[blair]

I'll pay anything Fiona, I just hope to get one some day. Emma (or Ian) would adore one of your creations.

[Emma]

I have to increase my prices on Etsy all the time, although obviously it's the same price in pounds over here in the UK. Unfortunately, it also works like that the other way around. I work mainly as an illustrator and have had to turn down work from the US as the money just doesn't go as far anymore. Shame. I love your bunnies, though, and I'm coveting a giraffe big time!

[Tiel]

i'm feeling the same and actually feel like all my prices and postage costs are here, there and everywhere. I really need to sit down and re-evaluate. I think it is only fair. My husband says that I should cash in my paypal $aus dollars before it gets worse.

[PapiPo]

This is just adorable... And it's true, it's hard for non USA dollar sellers to keep the prices, the diferences are just to steep nowadays.