A friend has a booth at the Nacogdoches Farmer’s Market. He said I could put things in his booth. Made this prototype today to see if it would sell. What do you think? What would it sell for. The material is oak that I have a bunch of. It is 10" long by 2.5" wide.
I just have a single coat of Watco Danish Oil. Will put 2-3 more coats.
I was once given this advice on how to price what you make.
“Think of a price that you would be embarrassed to ask. Then double it.”
Bill
Good advise. I have done some craft shows. Since this is a Farmer’s Market people are there for vegetables and such. Luckily the wood for these has been around a long time in my shop. I bought two pickup loads of oak and mahagoney on craigslist that was from an out of business church furniture factory. My old dodge looked like a rocket about to launch with all the wood inside. I think I paid $200.00 for everything plus about a 100 mile round trip twice. I have used a bunch of it.
I will study what to charge. The wood at this point is basically free and the time to carve is about 30 minutes plus a little paint.
I was at an auction that had been running for two days with two auctioneers. The last building was devoted to a lifetime of woodworking. Outside was a covered drying rack full of air dried 2" thick walnut slabs. No bids were made and the auctioneer moved on to the next items. His helper happened to glance at me and must have noticed a slight interest. He asked if I would pay $10.00
I still have some of these - see photo. For scale that is an upright freezer to the left and a 26" bicycle above.
We’ve had some discussions on this in the past — put up my thoughts at:
You mention the wood (which has some greater value even though you got it almost free) and 30 minutes carve time. But you did not mention your time to find and gather all materials and parts together, time to design through final CNC design program, time to set up, take down, and cleanup before and after carving, time to sand, paint, and finish, cost of all sanding, painting, and finishing materials, etc., etc. I think it mostly depends on how much you want to charge for your time and how fast you want to sell it in your particular market - all very particular/personal price factors to consider. Also, is the item very unique, unusual, needed, in completion with similar tiems sold in your market. Does your market include a lot of people with a lot of disposable income or is it mostly lower to middle income people who usually only buy things they really need? Good luck.
I will do some research on pricing. In the mean time I got more batched out today. There is no finish on these yet. I will put Watch Danish Oil on them tonight and let them dry over night.
I will likely make a few more. Plus I have a jewelry box I tried to sell at the last craft show I was in. Used my SO3 to do the engraving.
I also have a few cigar ash trays.
I made the grooves for the cigar a long time ago before C3D really got the 3d tool paths perfected.
Plus a whole bunch of other little projects that have just been sitting around. I dont intend on this being a regular event for me. Maybe a couple of weekends until it gets hot.
I’ll give you $20 for whatever’s left. That’s a great margin.
Awh, come on, Guy. You’re just being nice. 
You and I (and may others) already know that pricing parts to sell at craft shows is only dependent on what people’s perception of a “good deal” is. I’ve watched people pick up, price and put down all day long without comment.
And this perception is derived from Internet part prices from China, India, Asia and south of our border and even local geography. That jewelry box you made will be priceless to your descendants, but people used to buying on Amazon can get one from $20 to $150 all day long and won’t even blink.
People from the big cities will pay much more for “stuff” than those from more rural areas, too. (I think they’re used to getting fleeced! )
Let’s not be too altruistic, but sell stuff for whatever makes us happy. Or just give it away.
@gdon_2003 Looks like a good variety of items. I hope your sale goes well.
The one thing you are missing is the large sign that says something to effect of “Craftsman designed, CNC manufactured and hand assembled and finished” to drive home the point that these are not box store imports. When people know that there was effort put into each item they may be willing to pay for that craftsmanship.
You may do this already, but a suggestion…“Proudly Made in the USA”, maybe a date or year, and if you have a Logo or Name, maybe home town or “Texas Proud”…anything to provide “authenticity” that the cheap knockoffs or foreign “dime a dozen” mass produced items don’t have. Personally, I try to include my initials (mostly I give away to family) and date…
As stated, you may already do this or some variation. Looks good and good luck with sale!
I was making a few more candle holders and worked on a price list and signage. A few weeks ago I was eating at a Chinese restaurant and across the street was a child care facility. Out by the dumpster was a short bookcase/shelving they were throwing away. I picked it up and will refurbish it as necessary.
I only intend on doing this a few times. The Farmer’s Market is every Saturday but soon it will be hot, I mean hot, and if I make any money ok but I am not in it to make money. I had a bunch of unfinished projects that needed to be finished and the candle holders were just oak sitting on a shelf. I wont be giving the items away but hopefully I will sell enough to pay for the 45 minute drive to Nacogdoches and sit there 08:00 - 12:00. My friend that has the booth would sell my stuff but I would rather sit there and talk to people.
Be careful selling anything with an HD logo or similar markings on it. They aggressively protect their IP.
It’s so bad I don’t even want to say their name on the forum…
He whose name shall not be spoken…
Nice work. Charge for time, material, and creativity. Know your customer base. I’d see asking $49 to $69 dollars. Negotiate with people showing interest. Price asked can be lowered but never raised. I tell it like I’m experienced but the truth is I’m not. Good luck!
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