Why do handmade items cost so much?

Why do handmade items cost so much? What are you paying for when you buy handmade- and why is it more expensive?

It’s Handmade.

Why do handmade items cost so much?
Why do handmade items cost so much?

If you case that you consider how machines work, making items quicker and less expensive – well, high quality is the inverse.
Handcrafted requires some serious energy and care, and not the greatest number of items can be made. Along the way, every single step is scrutinized to make sure the product is perfect – taking even more time, but resulting in a quality product. Hardly any craftspeople charge for all the time they take to make a product, by the way – the price would be sky high. Which leads us to……..

The Craftsperson does EVERYTHING.

 

Why do handmade items cost so much?
Why do handmade items cost so much?

Most of the processes involved in making the product are done by the maker – not just the design, but the selection of the materials, the working out of how to make the materials go together, assembling the product, photographing the product, marketing the product, designing the packaging, and posting, delivering, or activity selling the product…even the accounting! This is often done around caring for children, or maybe even another “real” job. Again, most craftspeople don’t charge for all of this time and care, but it can’t be denied that they put time, energy, heart, and soul into every piece they sell.

Materials are expensive.

Most craftspeople try to find the best quality, most beautiful materials – which they can usually only buy in small quantities because they don’t have the budget or the space to buy in bulk. This makes the materials more expensive for them than for High Street chains who can buy cheap manufactured components in bulk.

The craftsperson is an expert in their field.

Why do handmade items cost so much?

Shop: Nhando Handmade | Handmade Fabric Flowers

No matter how many years the craftsperson has been practising the craft, chances are they know more than the customer. Often they have completed degrees, or years of classes and workshops to learn their craft. Almost always they have invented a style or technique themselves.

And finally….The product is unique.

The materials, the way they’re put together, the little additions, and flourishes – each item is a one off. Often the product is bespoke. Bits and pieces can be tweaked. That necklace can be made exactly the right length….it can even be made to match that outfit you’re wearing to the party next week. Bottom line – it’s NOT exactly like the one in the High Street shop. In fact, it isn’t exactly like any other product around.

Why do handmade items cost so much?
Why do handmade items cost so much?

A carefully assembled item is progressively costly on the grounds that you’re purchasing an exceptional thing, made by hand by a specialist in their field of the best materials. Included in the making of the product is time, energy, hours of work, and – most importantly, heart.

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