question about pricing pens

[cjswoodcrafts]

hey all, i am trying to figure out on pricing slim line pens, i am thinking 25 for the basic pens like walnut, poplar, like i made, but i am not sure on that. thanks

[Dan]

JIm,

 

What you ask for your pens is totally up to you. You should take into consideration where you plan to sell them (craft shows, internet, consignment shop). As for me, I do this as a hobby and really enjoy it. I did a few craft shows in Northern Kentucky and sold a few priced at $16. For segmented pens I asked $26. These were the slimlines. I may price them a few dollars higher in the future only because I am spending more time to get a better fit and finish. A better seller were the Sierras (also sold as Wall Street and Gatsby). These are heavier pens that show lots more grain in the wood. I have had people say that I price them too low, but I'm content with the price and talking about how they are made.

 

Are you a member of penturners.org? There are always discussions about sales and pricing, but after reading the treads, I decided to do what I feel comfortable with.

 

Dan

[cjswoodcrafts]

Dan, thanks for the info, yeah i signed up with pen turners.org last night but didnt get around to posting on there, but will definatley do so,reason i asked my brother orderd 2 pens even tho i told him the price b4 i started it, (i guess he forgot) when they were ready to pick up he asked for price i told them 25 a piece but i was gonna discount him 5 bucks, he said im not paying that much for a pen, any ways im rambling, sorry, thanks again

[Dan]

Jim, I know some folks to get $25 or more for slims so the price may be right for you and your area. I'm still getting a feel for what is right up here. I did sell a circuit board pen for a guy at work for $30 but that was with the stipulation that he show it to as many of this friends to draw interest. He looked up online and said he owed me at least $15 more but I didn't take it. (Am I stupid or what?) Anyhow, I won't sell myself short, but I also only want to sell them because I can't use the 100+ pens that I've made to support my addiction.

 

Dan

[Clayton717]

I sell my slimlines for $15 - 20. The regular wood(nothin fancy or expensive) I sell for $15. Acrylics, burls and segmented pens I sell for $20. This seems to work well in my area. I have people tell me its to cheap and then someone else will say to much. But I have sold lots at these prices, and am happy.

 

Like Dan I do this as a hobby and enjoy turning, so if I can get a little money back to feed my addiction all the better. Just like all the other woodworking I do. If it sells great if not they(it) makes great gifts.

 

When I asked another local turner how he priced his he told me material (kit and wood) times 3 equals his price. But He turns the higher end pens and think his cheapest one was $85.