Friday, January 21, 2011

Testing my assumptions

A few weeks ago, Ramit Sethi challenged me to test an assumption that was holding me back. It was easy for me to pick one; I've held it for years and it's caused me to scoff every time someone urges me to sell the stuff I make. It's this: "I can't make any money from crafts. People won't pay for the time it takes. I could never even make minimum wage."

Maybe my assumption is true. But then, maybe it's not. Ramit's challenge was to test the assumption.

So I did two things. I asked my neighbour, who had been the recipient of some of my burp cloths, and who wanted more, how much she thought they were worth. She named a price that was about twice what I had in mind. Okay .... sure, I will sell you more!

Next, I emailed my entire workplace (about 1000 people) and asked for expressions on interest on my custom chair covers, at a price I thought was worth my time. The response was encouraging. Several people placed orders immediately, a dozen more said they would certainly be interested, so I was off and running.

Why chair covers? Well, many of our office chairs are kind of gross. We don't really want to know what made the stains we sit on each day. Plus, it's a simple pattern so not terribly time consuming to make. And, I have a LOT of suitable fabric already. High value to the recipient + low costs to the supplier = sweet spot.

Janet's custom chair cover
Kim's custom chair cover

So far, I've delivered and installed five sets, and I have seven orders to fill this weekend. It's kind of nice to have people come up to me, saying "I LOVE IT! THANK YOU!" and thrusting money into my hand.

I have to say, the buzz is building. I'm making [a good deal] more than minimum wage, and feeling good about it! Next step ... an Etsy store??

17 comments:

nettie said...

It's fabulous that you have tested your assumptions. And even better that you are proving yourself wrong!

Emmy said...

Yes!!! Etsy!!!!

Glenda said...

That's pretty cool that you've already had that much interest in the chair covers, and that making them has been low overhead for you. (Love the daisy fabric!) Continued success with sales, and with testing your assumptions!

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful idea-how much do the chair covers cost?

Hashi said...

Anonymous, I'm selling them for $20 a set. Thanks for the encouragement, everyone :-)

Anonymous said...

Anonymous (sorry,Cris) would like to say it is a steal! Perhaps you should display the price of shipping and handling in the blog, in case others might see it and want a set! Many companies suffer from nasty, dirty chairs and having a cover is a great idea.
:-)

Anonymous said...

Just a follow-up: Let us not underestimate the power of the internet...

http://theoctophant.tumblr.com/post/2609474245/how-the-trouble-started

Hashi said...

Hey Cris! Even in my company, there are various sizes and shapes of chairs, and I need to customize the cover for each variation. So I'm not sure that mail order would work ... but I will give that some thought!

Rhea said...

YAY!!! Finally!! I'm so excited!! I really think you should consider some of your paper work too. People pay HEAPS for one-of-a-kind handmade cards.

Oh crap, this doesn't mean I have to start paying now do I? ;-)

Tony Hepburn said...

Very well done, would love to see your stuff on Etsy :D

Hashi said...

Rhea, I have a feeling you will still fall into the 'mate's rates' category. Thank you for the enthusiasm. Love you, curlygirl.

Hashi said...

Tony, thanks for the encouragement! You rock!

kt said...

Wow these are such a great idea! They also add so much life to the office area way to go I think you are really on to something here:)
kt

Wendee said...

Fantastic, Hashi! You rock! :D

david h said...

Love the chair covers. People would want them just to customize their office spaces (even if their chairs weren't grotty). You could use elastic material to avoid the fitting problem.
Also, I TOTALLY agree with Rhea--you *must* sell your cards. They are so awesome, and you're so good at them.

SEWN said...

This is so amazing. I love your chair recoverings. Fantastic. I'm so glad you tested your assumptions. What a great thing.

deb did it said...

yes, yes, yes...Etsy...these are FABULOUS! We ALL need one or two