How do I price a handmade gift when a friend asks to buy three more?
Money"Could you make three for $40 each?" my friend asked, sending a photo of the hand-bound notebook I'd given her for her birthday.
The materials for each notebook cost me about $16. This design takes four hours because I cut, stitch and cover everything by hand. Delivery would be separate. At $40, I'd have $24 left per notebook for my time and any other costs. I've never taken paid orders, so I don't have a price list to send back.
She offered the number because she wanted to pay, which I appreciate. I nearly agreed because $120 sounds like real money for a hobby. Then I pictured three Saturdays spent making the same cover instead of trying something new.
I don't need to turn this hobby into income, and I don't think she's trying to exploit me. I also worry that saying yes once will make $40 seem like my normal price. Would you accept this as a one-off favour, quote a higher amount, or simply say you don't enjoy making to order?