Still No News

I was hoping to have learned whether I would be going back to my old job or moving on up to one of the positions I interviewed for on Wednesday today, but alas, I have heard no news. <le sigh> I hope that Monday will come with some news, any news, so I can get on with life, whether it be a fresh attack at job hunting, settling back in to my desk at the office, or packing up my desk at the office to move it all to a different one.

I posted a link very early this morning to my Etsy store, hoping that some more people would go have a look at it and perhaps through some hearts or circle I might make a few sales. Instead, I got a comment form a friend I have via Facebook, who basically told me to lower my prices because I was aiming too high, and that she knew from experience that hip scarves just aren't that expensive to make.

I have to admit I worry that my prices are too high, but at the same time, i haven't found anyone else making what I make - there are shops on Etsy with somewhat similar product, but I feel that I can confidently say that my work is of better quality in some cases, and just completely not the same in others. I have found no shops that make anything that would directly compete with me, as far as product similarities.

Also, if I didn't spend so much money making the things, I'd gladly sell them for less! My first HipScrap, as I believe I have mentioned before, cost me around 125 dollars to make, and that isn't counting the cost of thread, sewing machine needles, and all of the other little things needed to make something! If I were to turn around and sell that HipScrap for $80.00 ( the price my critic suggested I stay UNDER ) I'd be losing money like water through a  sieve!

Perhaps she has access to less expensive product to make hipscarves. I recently discovered a website that has tassel trim for about a third of the price I was paying for it here in town, and so right there I will be able to, in the future, charge less for a HipScrap. But until I sell the ones I have already posted, I won't be able to afford to buy from that source.

Currently, I set my prices by totaling the cost, then multiplying by two. I don't account for the time spent at the sewing machine, or time spent locating all of the stuff needed, or the cost of the gas used to go get those supplies. I honestly felt that I was probably being conservative with my prices...now I'm having to question them.

I'm not angry at her or about what she said, but it is a bit disheartening to think that she, an experienced crafter, seamstress, and professional dancer, thinks that I'm not being realistic with my pricing.  Despite her comments, I must leave the prices as they are - I can't afford not to. I'd like to think that with the number of troupes and individual dancers in the Tulsa and surrounding areas, there are women out there who are looking for exactly what I'm selling, and are willing to pay the set price. I wouldn't have made the first one if I could have found one online to buy - but I couldn't.

I have to stick to my plan - make 'em, have the amazing Miss Suzy dance in 'em when she feels they fit her costuming needs, try to have a table at local dance performances so I can be seen by my target customers, and then pray for sales.

This is going to happen for me. I just know it! I have to stay optimistic and confident, or I'll end up giving up and allowing myself to feel like a failure.

Can't have THAT!