7.25.2008

Bummed




So I'm too expensive for my jewelry client. She was okay with my quote but then did some calculating and is scaling back, if she goes with my designs at all. I thought I was giving her a deal. But 14 sets of earrings and a necklace will be a lot in most places, never mind handmade.

I think I could have handled this better. I could have demanded a deposit, though I honestly had no idea what to charge, the idea has been changed a lot- super-fancy to all blue casual to a rainbow of colors with butterflies. *sigh* I could have made up something, just to cover the cost of supplies. At the end of this, I'll be lucky to make $50.

I stuck to my prices though. I decided I could break up the sets, do only earrings or only necklaces, scale back on the designs, for the price she wants. But I can't give her all of it and the design, too. Waaay too much work. I don't see the point of underselling to, as my mom suggested, 'Get my name out there.'

So I'm bummed. I had plans for that money, about $350. I needed that money. No one will hire me. I'm sad. I don't want to go negative...but I was hoping this was a break for me, for elpy, finally. Seriously, I'm thinking about taking some time off, after this, because it's broaching ridiculous how little has worked out for me and this. I've been at it for 2.5 years and am completely ensconced in the red. I've sold one handmade item on Etsy this year. One! I'm tired of working hard to make things that people like enough to compliment or heart but not buy, week after week after month after year. *sigh* I just...

Post Picture: Me fighting the urge to flush it all down the toilet...literally. Childish perhaps...this is a whole new level of frustration.