I did it~ I made it to 200 posts!!! On August 10, 2007, I started this blog...and the rest, as they say, is history!
As promised, we are gonna celebrate:). I am trying to make some decisions about marketing my purses so I am gonna hold another give-a-way in order to inspire you to help me make said decisions.
To celebrate my 200th post with my current and future blog sisters/friends/buddies/pals I am having a bag give-a-way! To see some of the bags I have made click here.
To have a chance at winning one of my bags:
1. Take the poll that is in the side bar.
2. Leave a comment to this post with your opinion on these matters: A. Should I make up a lot of purses and offer them -or- should I only make them as ordered? B. What is a reasonable price that you would be willing to pay for a handmade purse? Remember I will need to be able to contact the winner via email, so please be sure to leave an email addy in your comment if you do not have a blogger account.
Then to increase your entries, (and chances of winning) you can do either or both of the following:
3. Put the following CODE in a post telling your readers about the Give-A-Way. Come back here and leave the perma-link to your post. This is worth 5(five) additional chances:).
4. Put the CODE or information in an email and send it to your friends. In the subject line, please put: 200th Post-Blog-Bag Give-A-Way. Also send a copy of the e-mail to me by putting my addy in the CC or BBC field. Each person you send it to gets you 1(one)additional chance at winning. My addy: scrappynhappyATgmailDOTcom .
NOTE: I learned something interesting during my birthday give-a-way. The gal who won had one-third of the entries:). This majorly increased her chances of winning...and it worked...lol.
This Give-A-Way ends at 9:00 a.m. EST on Tuesday, April 2, 2008. All entries...comments and emails... will be numbered in the order received and then I will use a Random Number Generator to pick the winner. Winner will be posted on this blog and notified by email sometime Tuesday, April 2, 2008. At that point the winner and I will discuss pattern and fabric choices. I will ship the bag as soon as it is finished.
Here is the code:
<a href="http://scrappynhappy.blogspot.com/2008/03/200th-post-woot-woot.html" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-ki2U22ERa0LUQhyphenhyphenVR-rB5_PN2s65TIpAd9VbkFLiz5PDRqURBtAfxinLs5rB_xKnlKqgPfmE9uTtXvUE4C8NYCqt6AlSeV95QVFlIT9BLIcttbiO91vro3DHqg_3tSRPc4QkB6CGD0/s200/200th-sm.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5179528102934720834" /></a>
Here is how it will look on your blog: (This should fit in your side bar.)
Good luck~
Friday, March 21, 2008
200th Post WOOT~ WOOT~
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62 comments:
I'm the first so I get to win, it will be 'Ladybug's Bags', the name of the future !!!
Your bags are wonderful, I have fallen in love with the Laurel Birch bag. You have to have some made and then do made to order as well.
Well done on 200 posts, that's magnificent
Congratulations on your 200th post!! What a great "milestone". I am going to try to put your link on my blog and hopefully you will get some traffic! Personally I do both, make some to have on had and do special orders. People will love to look and be read to buy what you have in stock, but they will also love to know that they can have one "customized". I think $20-30 per bag sounds reasonable. I know the amount of work that goes into them. That is what I would expect to pay. The average person, though, will probably want to pay around $15.
Good luck!
Hugs,
Debi :)
Kudos on the 200th post.
I am not good on pricing; however, I think you should have some bags made ahead of time and also do some as ordered. I think a combo of this will work best.
Love your post, your ideas, your creative mind, your bags, and your poll too. :) Gosh, if that ain't love, I don't know what is.
You got me to go look how many posts I have. I'm at 191 today, so thx 2u, I'll be thinking about what I will plan that's special too.
I'll play if I can. My man has said he wants to take me camping in our toyhauler and I need to get ready. If I find some more moments in the day, I'm on it.
Hey again,
I tried to post your code in my html and it didn't work. :(. So I put a post on my blog about your giveaway. You can find it here:
http://craftysblog.blogspot.com/
Good luck!
Hi Phyl, I just love your blog and your bags are awesome!!!
What a nice give away for your
200th post...I knew I liked you the moment I opend your blog and saw the ladybug...great pic of yourself too...love the red hair!
hugs,
Noel
Phyl
congrats on your 200th post!
hmm I would prefer to buy something already made up, but perhaps could put in your blurb 'want something special you cant see? email me' or 'I do custom orders'.. for a purse hmm dunno, anywhere from $20-$30 US seems to be the go on etsy.. and I even think that sometimes is too cheap!
Lissa
Wooohooo..way to go on the 200th post....you are on fire girl. I have forwarded on lots of emails. Never know my luck...I could win again...lol...wouldnt that be funny....I never win things and the first one was such a thrill.I have your cute graphic on my blogspot. Hugs Khris in Oz
Congrats on the 200th Post. My friend Lissa recommended I come to this site. You make some LOVELY bags! I would LOVE to win one. I voted and I like the LadyBug's Bags is a great name. I also want to answer your questions so here goes.
A. Should I make up a lot of purses and offer them -or- should I only make them as ordered?
Personally, I would do both. I would make up a bag or two to represent each type of bag you make and also enough to represent the fabric you have. Then after you have enough to post pictures, you can make them to order.
B. What is a reasonable price that you would be willing to pay for a handmade purse?
For a large one, I would pay $20 to $25. For a small one, $10 to 15.
Anyway, good luck with your business. My e-mail address is randcbruns@kci.net
Congrats on your 200th!
Lissa Jane sent me. She knows I love bags and purses!
Make some to sell. This lets people see what you can do, and gives them ideas. Then, be prepared to do custom mades. I often see bag styles I like the look of, but would prefer in fabric used in another bag.
Pricing? I have paid up to $50 US +post for a bag. Purses ... price would depend on style. $10 to $30 US would seem OK to me.
Start at the higher end of your range. You can always have a sale, but it's hard to radically increase prices once you have a following.
Congrats! 200 posts is something to be very proud of!
I think you should make up some purses so that people know your style and what you're capable of, but make it very clear that you're happy to do custom orders.
I searched Etsy to get an idea of what other people were charging for stuff that was similar to mine. It seems to have worked well so far! Of course, in the end, you have to charge what you feel your work is worth. But I find it helps to get a ballpark figure from Etsy.
Good luck! Your bags are great!
Karyn
karynjeanne12@hotmail.com
Phyl, I posted the ladybug on my sidebar and hopefully you will get some leads from that. It doesn't look like right now that I will be able to enter for the give away as I'm still trying to get things ready to leave in the morning.
Congratulations on your 200th post. That's really an accomplishment.
I am be able to enter for the drawing if I get back from Ohio in time or if I happen to have access to a computer while I am there.
Hugs,
Betty
Hey there to another "Phyl"
and blogger!Love your purses;do they have inside pockets/outside pockets?Zip tops/open tops?Made with stiff stabilizer,and what's their size(if you make more than one size)?
Congrats on your blog;wish I knew how to do the link, but will mention your give-away on my blog to help!
Thanks for including my name in the drawing!
Congrats on the 200th post! I added you to my side bar:) If you are selling them on your site then I would make them to order to start out. If you see a certain style sells often then make a few at the time. This way you don't get stuck with fabirc that isn't selling and you can switch up the fabrics from time to time. For price I would say $15-$20. You can easily bump up the price to $20-$30 just by adding a magnetic closure or zipper. Good luck!
I would make up bags and bring them around to boutiques, not wait for orders. I live on Long Island, which is pretty expensive, but I think I would pay about $50 for a bag, depending on the size and the work involved (beading, etc, would be worth more)
Hey Phyl,
Khris sent me here today; I've visited before and I do like your purses. Congrats on your 200th post! I've sent out the email and I have paid and would expect to pay in the range of $20-$50 depending on the design (bell, whistles, zippers and the like are more!!!) I hope this turns into a profitable venture for you! Anyway... good luck
Hugz
Pam
I added the ladybug to my side bar.
Happy 200th!!!! and what a cute button - I just put it on my sidebar and of course I voted in your poll - I was torn between hagbags (that is such a marketing name!! - really off the wall) and ladybags. I would do a permalink but I don't know how.
As far as your questions - I think if you are going to have an online retail store as opposed to having a regular store, you could get by with a limited inventory and just make them as you go. This really helps with the cost of maintaining an inventory. Of course it also depends on how long it takes to make a bag. A buyer will hesitate to purchase online if they see they have to wait more than 3-4 days before their purchase can be shipped. Price is always the big question. Being that your purses are unique and not one of 5 million sold at WalMart for $10, I would think $20 and up depending on size, pockets, etc.
Congrats on your 200th post! I've taken the poll. I also agree with the others that say you should make some beforehand and also accept custom-made orders. As for a reasonable price, hmmm... I like anything cheap :P So that'd be about $10-$20.
Good luck!! Take care.
Congratulations on 200th post! Believe you have to make up samplings...possibly same bag design in a few different fabrics. Make sure you advertise that custom bags are NO EXTRA charge, possibly sampling of fabrics available to be used. I would think $15 to $30 asking price depending on the size and features of the bag. E-mail for me is: bgailey@hawaii.rr.com.
Back in the time I used to make macrame and sell it. What I did ..then..of course was to see how much the material cost me and then add that amount doubled into my macrame. Also what I did was to show a few of my pieces and then took orders. I would collect half of the money so that if for some reason they wanted to back out on the order I still had enough money to pay for my materials. I would like to be in your give away of course. I know how much work they take but I think the average lady would only want to pay not more than $25.00 for a purse.
Congrats on your 200th post!! I don't know how many times I have posted now but it is a lot...smile.
I will try to put your icon on my sidebar for you too. Sandy
Congrats on the 200th Post. I like the LadyBags - but I tend to go for "puns" - and it's short and easy to remember.
I also think you should make some, but also promote special orders - sometimes people cannot imagine their special order without some "eye candy" to say ... well, I like the fabrics on this bag but I like the style of this one over here...
Pricing is hard -$20-$30 max is what I would pay - but remember you can always price higher to start and then have a "sale" but it is harder to raise prices once you have started.
Good luck!
YIPPEE!! Congrats on post #200!!! I found your blog surfing aroung the Scrap Happy Bloggers web ring, and although this is the first time I've posted, I've been lurking for a while. I will put your ladybug on my blog today.
As to your questions. I agree with the the others that say to make up an invintory of bags to sell, but offer to make custom bags for those who would like to order them. As for price, I would think depending on the complexity and size of the bag I would be willing to pay $15 - $30 for a handmade handbag. Possibly more for something custom made.
Good luck!!
Congrats on 200 posts!
I think $30+ for a cotton bag is expected. The bigger the bag, the more quilting, features, etc.. the higher the price.
Your bags are really nice, where do you sell them?
I think $20-30 for the style of bags you're making would be fair. That said, I don't know if they'd be very popular in the fabrics you've chosen, so you may want to consider using more popular, designer fabrics(like amy butler, etc) or at least digging for some really great prints at your local fabric store.
I like the style of the zebra one you've done, but not the style of the nemo one. People do seem to buy that style, so it's just personal taste there. (the zebra one would look better lined, with maybe red or kelly green)
I wouldn't make up a ton before selling them. I think it makes more sense to make a few to show and then make them as they're ordered. That way you kill the risk of winding up with a thousand bags in a style that doesn't end up being popular. If you find that a certain bag becomes popular, then it would make sense to make up extra ones.
Wow. Congrats on your 200th.
We started blogging the same time and i am not close to my 200th. Or am I. I haven't checked in a while. LOL. :)
Here I am again just to let you know that I finally posted the ladybug on my blog, great lot of comments you have here.
I think should call is ladybug's bugs a great name ... It so you but something people can come to love
I think make up some purse and take ordered ... The price should be 25-30... you have make up the cost you plus time....
I love the purple horse bug very nice
Congrats on your 200th post! I made sure to add you link to my blog so that everyone can come visit you. I agree that customized would be good and I think $20 to $30 would be a good range.
I forgot to add I like the name Ladybug bags!
Hi! First time visitor to your blog- and happy that I have found you.
I like the names LadyBags and Ladybugs Bags.
I think you should do both- keep some on hand and make them to order. And about prices, I'm not sure there. But I do recommend giving discounts for multiple purchases. With as many different ones that you can make, you could make a bundle offering multi-discounts.
I'll be blogging about it momentarily, and adding the code to my site, so check back if you get there before I get it on my blog.
Thanks! I hope I win. I would love to have something this cute!!!
Sorry, I forgot to mention- my email addy is on my blog.
how fun! I like the P3 idea (planning on doing a superscript 3, as in P cubed?) Reading the comments, i would have to agree that having some on hand and also doing custom made would work best. good luck!
sorry and i forgot to add how much you should charge. i would figure out approximately how long it takes you to make a bag, and go by how much of an hourly rate you want to pay yourself. keeping in mind cost of materials too.
Congrats on the success of your blog. The simpler bags/totes $10=$15; the niftier ones $20=$25. I'd make up a few then offer swatches of other fabrics you have to 'personalize' the order. Why get stuck with unsellable inventory. Glad you can make money doing something you love and being creative. It'll only get better!
Congrats on the success of your blog. The simpler bags/totes $10=$15; the niftier ones $20=$25. I'd make up a few then offer swatches of other fabrics you have to 'personalize' the order. Why get stuck with unsellable inventory. Glad you can make money doing something you love and being creative. It'll only get better!
March 21, 2008 5:55 PM
Duplicate; I don't know how to leave my email addy...
Congratulations on your 200th post Phyllis!
I think $20-$30 is a price range for you purses. Personalized initials on the straps could be a sale point(for an additional fee)
I added your cute ladybug to my contest banners on my sidebar.:D
Hugs, Danette
As hard as i tried I could not get your little bug icon to go into my blog. i am having a time now...used to understand the "old way" but not understanding the New way. smile. hope you have a great Easter
Sandy
I did try!!
Congratulations on your 200th post, I reached mine last week or so but was so busy with my one year blogiversary month long blogabration [MY version of "March Madness!" that it crept up on me and have decided to wait a bit and have a 222 post celebration this time! I'm glad I found your blog, it's amazing and so are you bags. I love bags too, as most of my prizes all month have been!!!
I just realized I must not post as much as you if we both hit our 200 and I started my blog in March last year, you're already there and just started yours in August? LOL!!!!
WTG on 200th post
I added a link to your Blog.
I hope i win the fabric give away..
I know I woulnt pay over 20.00 for anything. Our money is just to tight for the add extra's.
I had a hard time deciding on the name but ended up going with 'Ladybug's Bags'. Hags Bags was a close second because I thought it was super funny. I say make a TON and then sell them so when the orders start comming in you are ahead of the game (I think the price should be unique for each purse based on costs and time). My fav is the brown & coral, but they are all cute! Congrats on the big 200, I am on #2, lol! Hugs.
Congratulations on reaching 200 (I am only 100). LOL
I think you are best doing ready made, but with the rider that you will take orders for custom.
I would think US$25-30 - maybe list on Etsy as well?
I will add you to my side-bar, hopefully you'll get a few more entries/traffic.
I think you should make a couple of each handbag, that way you do have some extra's to have on hand. Pricing?? I would say between 20 to 30 dollars. Good luck. happy Easter
Congrats!! I took your poll. I put the cute little ladybug in my sidebar on my blog and now I am leaving you a comment. I do not feel comfortable spamming friends about the giveaway. Sorry.
As for A. Make up a lot of purses and offer them on Etsy, so that people may see your different varieties and colors B. A reasonable price for a handmade purse $20-30.
Good luck in your purse venture!
Artful Blessings,
Kathryn
Congratulations on the big 200, as a new blogger I am impressed. I have put the link onto my blog for others to follow to your site.
I think making purses in advance is a good idea, always good to have some reserves. Pricing of that I am not sure as US$ differ to our value.
Good luck with your venture and looking towards the next 200.
Hugs
Julie Cruden
www.jacholm.blogspot.com
Congrats on your post! What a great idea to celebrate it.
I am no good at pricing. I spend WAy too much moeny on purses. I puffy heart them!
Congrats on the 200 posts Phyl.
I have a formula for selling. I have my own small business as well as an Etsy Shop and sell my things in local boutiques.
Here it is....
COST OF MATERIAL X3
plus HOURLY LABOR...equals.....
WHOLESALE PRICE...
x2 for REGULAR SELLING PRICE.
Let me know if you think this will work for you.
I usually charge $18.00 for my small bags, and up to $45.00 for larger bags. The more expensive ones have more detail and originality.
One has to keep in mind if you sell through a store other than your own, they take a %.
My area takes 33% so I have to charge accordingly, otherwise you are just really doing it fo nothing.
Good Luck
((((hugs))))
Maggie
in Canada where it is still snowing!!!
PS Phy.. I just gave you my formula for pricing but I forgot to tell you I am posting your button on my blog.... I want to win!! hee hee
((((hugs))))
Maggie
Congratulations on your 200th + post!
I think it would be good to have some purses premade and offer to make customized for a higher price.
I stumbled upon your blog accidently. I've voted and went for Ladybug's Bags. I shall try to link to your giveaway on my blog but as I'm relatively new to blogging a) it might not work and b) it won't necessarily generate you a lot of traffic!!
I agree with the others - you need some stock to generate interest plus offering the made-to-order service. This is what I tend to do.
Good luck with your venture.
Wow Phyl....look at all the comments.....I like the name "LadyBug Bags"! Good luck on the give away...anyone would be happy to win!
Hugs,
Noel
Happy 200th post!! Wow that's quite a milestone to have reached so quickly! It's going to take me years lol! O.k. lets see if I can remember what I'm supposed to do here :) I would make some to have on hand and show what's for sale and then do custom stuff too. As far as cost that's a hard one maybe around $30 depending on size and fabric and detail...good luck, they're very cute!
I have been to everyones blog to leave a "thank you" message:).
Some of the blogs would not let me see the profiles or pages...sorry~
Hugs,
Phyl
Congratulations on your 200th post. I think it would be nice to have a few purses available for sal... with the option to purchase as customized purse ^debbie^
Just come across your blog and will keep track of the next 200 and beyond!
I think ladybug bags is the winning name.
My view for what its worth is that personalised purses are a better idea, keeps waste down. Perhaps you could even offer a service whereby you could offer a few basic designs and people could send you the fabric of their choice to do the purse? Just an idea. In terms of cost I would be prepared to pay between $25 and $50 for one depending on size and intricacy!
Good luck with it all
B
Congratulations on reaching 200 posts.
To answer your questions...
A. I'd suggest that you make up one model of each style of purse you plan on selling and then let buyers know how each could be customized.
B. Pricing is always a difficult decision. Check out what others are charging for similiar purses and price yours competitively. But remember... don't undervalue your work. Just because someone else may be charging $15 for a purse doesn't mean you have to match that.
WOW! 200 posts! Brava!
I put your lady bug link at the top of my sidebar: http://stepofaith.blogspot.com.
It's such a neat idea and so FUN!
Ok, so I love love love the Lauren Birch bag, and the little Nemo is precious!!!
In answer to your questions:
A.I think you should have some made ahead and then make to order. I guess by some, I would say at least the number you have on your site. I would be at a total loss to pick out my own stuff (ok, maybe not, depending on how you help the lady choose), but what I like about your purses is to see your creativity in designing them. Like the Lauren Birch for example. I would so want to buy that one, but I don't know that I would have "known" I would want it. Does that make any sense? (It's late, but I hope it makes sense!)
B. I would think that the full size purses would need to start at $20-25 and go up from there, depending on materials and time. And really, for all I know, the smaller purses take as much or more time because they are so small, so I don't think $20 as a base price would be unreasonable at all. You might have a scale based on the number of fabrics used and the size or something. Hey, keep it simple, don't listen to me! =D
Good luck with everything!
Hey Phyl, it's Lellie!!! Congrats on the 200 mark I knew you could do it!!! I voted for the Hags Bags (I just loved the ryhming of it!!! I think you should have a variety of bags on "display" so that people can look and see the different ones...The love to touch and feel a product sells better than pics...I believe that $20-30 per bag sounds good and maybe $15 if its a little one....Now off to e-mail everyone in the free world!!
Huggz,
Lellie
Well done on reaching 200! As a new blogger I can see how addictive it can become. I think your bags are great. How about dual pricing? One price (say around £10) for "off the shelf" and another price (say around £15-£20) for "made to order". Sorry, I'm not sure what that is in dollars. I'll have a go at the linking business, but that may be a bridge too far.
Congratulations on your upcoming adventure into your own business.
As someone who's sold items, I would make a variety and then post then take pre-paid orders.
I hope your venture is profitable.
I have a link to your free purse on my blog but since I'm new to all this I don't know how to show you my blog so I'm going to link at the bottom of this comment.
Peggy in NJ
http://stitchinwithpeg-roombyroom.blogspot.com/
I think Hags Bags is super cute, and you should make them to order!
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