From: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#1]
27 Jul 2005
To: ALL
Here's another item for perceived value feedback. (I did my best with the photo.)
Its a 3" sun catcher / ornament with a 2.5" engraving area. It's hand made in the USA. (by me) Environmentally friendly. (recycled window glass, lead free solder.) It is also available with different width, non-scalloped boarders.
For those interested the boarder is done using the copper foil method popularized by Tiffany's for stained glass. For non-photos such as this one, I lasered it deep and filled with rub n buff.
I'd also like to hear perceived value for a plaque / sun catcher. Same construction, only its 5" to allow for more/larger engraved content.
I prefer to offer unique items and not compete with other engravers.
EDITED: 27 Jul 2005 by KDEVORY
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2]
27 Jul 2005
To: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#1] 28 Jul 2005
Ken,
I showed your ornament to my wife. Her opinion of perceived value was $10-$15.
My opinion, which is tainted by the knowledge of what goes into the production of the ornament would be $25.
From: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#3]
28 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#2] 28 Jul 2005
David,
Interesting, I personally would agree with a perceived value of $10-15 for an off the shelf item, but was expecting a higher perceived value do to the personal customization. There are still more labor/process issues to work out, but I don't think I could go under $30 for it. - Very labor intensive.
Do you see handwriting vs computer text vs photo as making a difference in perceived value?
What are her/your opinions for a 5" version?
EDITED: 28 Jul 2005 by KDEVORY
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4]
28 Jul 2005
To: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#3] 28 Jul 2005
Ken,
A person's handwritten message, as part of the desgn, is the beauty of what you've created. That's what immediately caught my eye.
I like the ornament. It's unique.
What you're able to charge may depend on your description and where it's sold. Your desription certainly spoke of a high quality, handcrafted item.
I'd try for a high-end gift shop, in an area where people are wealthy and environmentally-conscious. Laguna Beach, CA , Carmel, CA or Mendocino, CA would be likely locations on the West Coast. You may be able to charge more than $30, with the end user paying $60 or more.
I would also include a gift box as part of the sale. They don't cost much and add a lot to the perceived value.
I'm not sure about a 5-inch version. At some point, doesn't the piece become too heavy to be used as an ornament. They may be marketed as a paperweight.
In any event, I doubt nearly-twice-the-size will translate to nearly-twice-the-sales-price.
EDITED: 28 Jul 2005 by DGL
From: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#5]
28 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#4] 28 Jul 2005
You're right the 5" is heavy for a ornament. I was planning to market the 5" as a Sun Catcher / Plaque, and the 3" as an Ornament / Plaque.
Doubling the size doesn't double the cost to make, and I don't expect it to double the asking price. The idea is to hit on two different applications/markets.
I have a customer / care card to go with them. When folded in half it's the size of a business card. I print them on 110lb paper, cut with the laser, then fold.
Currently the packaging is a pocket with flap. It is made out of single faced brown corrugated card board. It seemed to go better with the environmental theme then a white gift box.
From: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6]
28 Jul 2005
To: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#5] 28 Jul 2005
Ken,
I'd say you're on the right track. Where are you currently selling them?
From: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#7]
28 Jul 2005
To: Stunt Engraver (DGL) [#6] 28 Jul 2005
quote:
I'd say you're on the right track. Where are you currently selling them?
Selling them? I knew there was some minor detail I've been overlooking! So much for having it all worked out...
From: Harvey only (HARVEY-ONLY) [#8]
28 Jul 2005
To: Ken D. (KDEVORY) [#7] 28 Jul 2005
Your reply was truly a "Laugh Out Loud". I did.