My neighborhood fair changed how I see bookbinding

At our yearly street fair, a seller had lovely hand-bound notebooks. I realized bookbinding could be MORE than a hobby. How do you set prices for your books at markets?

3 comments

3 Comments

wade_perez3d ago

Ugh, pricing is the worst part. Honestly, you'll have people gasp at a twenty dollar notebook because they're comparing it to a cheap one from the store. Meanwhile, the fancy paper alone cost you ten bucks and you spent three hours folding the pages. Sometimes I feel like I should just charge by the emotional damage.

the_jennifer3d ago

Saw a haggle session end in tears. Not mine.

miles_jackson72d ago

Charge by the emotional damage, ha! Wade_perez nailed it. I had a lady pick up a journal I spent days on, then ask if I'd take five bucks. Like @the_jennifer said, haggle sessions can get wild. My rule now is to list materials and time right on the tag so people get it. You still get the gasp, but at least they see why it costs more. It doesn't stop all the lowball offers, but it helps me feel better about my prices.