Puzzle pricing question

[Dealmaker]

I see folks talking about $1,$2 and $3 a piece. Is it realistic to be able to expect $50 and up for a puzzle? Can I ask where and what type of puzzle? I am located in upstate New York and am doubtful of the market here, Just wondering.......
Rich

[rbpuzzles]

I'm not sure what the "going rates" are right now for puzzles, but i use to charge by the piece, in the range you state, until I had too many people wanting me to cut 16" x 20" puzzles into 10 or 20 pcs (normally would be about 500). I changed from a per pc. charge to a per square inch charge. So it didn't matter how many pcs I ended up cutting.

Back when I was cutting as a side business, the minmum size puzzle I would cut was an 8"x 10", and at that time I was getting $120 for that. So no, I don't really think $50 is unrealistic to charge for a quality made puzzle.

[Dealmaker]

Assuming quality work and proper subject, where might one advertise to command such prices?
Rich

Originally Posted by rbpuzzles

I'm not sure what the "going rates" are right now for puzzles, but i use to charge by the piece, in the range you state, until I had too many people wanting me to cut 16" x 20" puzzles into 10 or 20 pcs (normally would be about 500). I changed from a per pc. charge to a per square inch charge. So it didn't matter how many pcs I ended up cutting.

Back when I was cutting as a side business, the minmum size puzzle I would cut was an 8"x 10", and at that time I was getting $120 for that. So no, I don't really think $50 is unrealistic to charge for a quality made puzzle.

[wood-n-things]

I agree with Richard and I also charge by the square inch now. It is not reflected on my website yet but at local dealers and shows that is how I do it. I too was getting folks saying can I get one with half as many pieces? So a 5x7 puzzle is now $1.00 per square inch or $35.00.



Actually I have changed the text and charges on my site today to reflect cost per sq inch.

[rbpuzzles]

Originally Posted by Dealmaker

Assuming quality work and proper subject, where might one advertise to command such prices?
Rich

There are probably dozens of ways to advertise, but I never really got my foot into alot of them. My main advertising was my website, which I tried to exchange links with as many other cutters as I could. I also tried to maintain a presence on places like ebay. Even if I didn't sell my puzzles, I still got quite a few people seeing my stuff and my name. Also, try schmoozing at local craft/art fairs and shows. Of course it didn't hurt my case, since I'm located on a major interstate, to put up a billboard and have a small roadside shop/store right there.

Always think of ways to toot your own horn.

[Steve_S]

Originally Posted by Dealmaker

Assuming quality work and proper subject, where might one advertise to command such prices?
Rich

Unless you are truly unique, advertising for sale on line has not a good thing for me. There are people selling general products for what would seem less than the material should cost. I had things on ETSY and EBay, but people couldn't appreciate type of wood, thickness, finishing technique... so the lower price got the sale. My postings just expired.

Face to face markets and store displays let the person see and touch your quality. At that point the price is up to them.

[rbpuzzles]

Yes, I would imagine things have changed alot since I was really into this, especially with the tough economic atmosphere of the last few years. When I started on ebay there were only a few puzzle cutters on there, including some of the BIG name companies. Although I did do the craft show thing, that, for me at least, was the least effective. Maybe it's the area I am in.