old question

[Ouch!PaperCut]

i realize, but i really need some advice. i am making 100 cards (25 ea of 4 different styles) for a friend and i'm really not sure what to charge.

they are nothing elaborate, but are somewhat intensive because of small piecing, punching out etc; each has at least 2 layers and either ribbon or button or eyelets, or some embellie. and i haven't a clue what to ask for payment since she is a friend - i never try and make money off a friend, i wait and make money off her referrals! - i haven't a clue what to ask for payment. what would you chagre for 100 cards?

tia, tammy

[kikikaren]

The general rule is twice your supply costs. However, depending on the labor involved you can charge more. I've seen ladies on here say they charge as little as $1 per card for simple cards and up to about $5 for difficult (and time consuming) ones.

[akstampmama]

Start by adding up your actual paper costs and then at least double it. If she is a good friend then a "bulk discount" would be nice for her but even then I wouldn't go less than $1 a card. If you keep track of your time you may be surprised at how much you put into it.

[Laurie FW]

I would suggest at least $200, at the very minimum! They sound like they have a lot of embellishments, too, so maybe even more. Good luck!

[Sara in WI]

Think about what she would pay at a Ha**mark store.....at least $2.50 a card, right and sometimes more. If you want to give the discount, no less than $200. Your time is valuable.

take with a grain of salt from someone who has never sold a thing in her life

[jenrn]

If you're not asking her to pay for your time, at least consider asking her to pay for the supplies....she's still getting a bargain IMO!

[jenpeel]

I wouldn't charge her less than $2/card. That is a great price, and I would do it for WAY more if she wasn't a friend. Don't be afraid to charge people for your time!!!!! (If you do the math, you should get paid at least $20/hour on top of the supplies you used.)

[Ouch!PaperCut]

ack.
i think my problem is thinking that ANYONE would pay even $100 at one time for asst. cards.....gotta get past that....gotta remember that even $100 is way cheaper than what would be paid for cards at a store - not including gas! there is something to be said for convenience and preparedness. thanks for your replies, keep em comin'
tammy

[mkndb78]

If she is a good friend, and you are uncomfortable charging her, you could let her come up with the amount. Let her know how much you spent in supplies (I would add a little for all of the stuff you have and use like stamp pads, etc.) - don't forget the adhesive cost, and how many hours you spent. I have found that many times people will pay more for things than what I would have charged a friend. Now, if you are doing this to begin making money, not as a favor, I would come up with an amount yourself.

[WshUpnASta]

Definitely minimum of $100.00. I wish you the best, I can't imagine doing it in an afternoon, so I guess my time is more what I would be concerned about getting credit for.

[STAMPINGODDESS]

Actually, I would approach this a bit differently. I wuld calculate the costs of your supplies (don't forget the adhesive). In addition, estimate the amount of time it will take you to design and complete the cards and multiple the time by a easonable hourly rate (I've seen anywhere from $15-$20/hour). This is what you should charge.

Remember that Hallmark gets $2-$10 per card!

[Ouch!PaperCut]

ooh, thanks, i always forget about the adhesive and ink costs!
t