Pricing handmade work is hard because there is no fixed formula that fits every medium - but there is a consistent method that removes most of the guesswork, whatever you make.
Start with your real costs
Add up materials, and be honest about time - even if you do not charge for every hour, knowing the real number stops you pricing below what the piece actually costs you to make. This is the floor, not the final price.
Add a rate for your time and skill
On top of materials, add an hourly rate for your own time that reflects your experience, not just minimum wage. A piece that took you five hours is not "worth" five hours at a token rate - it is worth your materials, your time at a fair rate, and the fact that no one else could have made exactly that piece.
Apply it consistently
Whatever method you land on, use the same one across your whole range. If a small piece is priced on one logic and a larger piece on another, buyers notice the inconsistency even if they cannot name it. A consistent ladder of prices builds trust.
The danger of pricing too low
Underpricing feels safer, but it signals low value, makes the work unsustainable, and makes it very hard to raise prices later without upsetting people who bought cheap. If your prices feel slightly uncomfortable to charge, that is often a sign they are closer to right than too-low prices ever feel.
Where this fits into a bigger picture
Pricing is just one part of turning making into a business - alongside photography, listings, and somewhere to actually sell. If you are an NDIS participant working on this as part of an employment or economic participation goal, see the NDIS support for artists guide for how the whole process can be supported.
Frequently asked questions
What is the simplest way to price handmade work?
Add up your material costs, add a fair hourly rate for your time, and apply that same method to every piece so your prices make sense next to each other.
Is it better to price low to get started?
No - underpricing is harder to undo than it looks, because it is difficult to raise prices later without alienating buyers who bought at the low price.
How do I know if my price is too low?
If setting the price never feels slightly uncomfortable, it is worth checking whether you are charging for your time and skill, not just your materials.
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