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Thread: Pen Prices at craft fairs?

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Madbury N.H.
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    221

    Pen Prices at craft fairs?

    Well my son had decided to rent a table at a small craft fair in a few weeks and want to try making and sellign some pens. He started turning in school a few years ago and makes some nice pens. He has never tried to sell any and he was asking me what he should charge at a craft fair. I am clueless, most penes will be european or flat top, from Woodcraft. Using Bubinga, Bocote, canary, zebra and a few others ( he is using my wood)

    Any suggestions on getting him started on the right foot with his pricing? Any other things he should be making that are proven good sellers?

    Thanks for your advice Dave

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Appleton, WA
    Posts
    148

    Pen Prices

    Dave.....I have sold quite a few pens over the last few years, some at craft shows and some to individuals. I charge $25 for the slimline pen and pencil set. I also charge $25 for the Mont Blanc(designer pen) and the same for the Cigar pen. If they want a wood box, that is $5 extra. Yesterday I made a Designer Pen out of Snakewood which will be a little more because of the price of the wood. Hope this helps. Rod in Appleton, WA
    Rod

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Madbury N.H.
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    221
    Rod is the $25 for both the pen and pencil together? or each piece?


    Thanks Dave

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Conway, Arkansas
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    13,181
    All depends on where you are geographically. I many times get offered a $5 bill for one of my pens. When asked "How Much?" I say $15 for the Slimline pens and $20 for RT Euro or FT American. The I get this look from them:

    So.....I say....all depends on where you are located and what the general economy and attitude of the market is.
    Thanks & Happy Wood Chips,
    Dennis -
    Get the Benefits of Being an SMC Contributor..!
    ....DEBT is nothing more than yesterday's spending taken from tomorrow's income.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Madbury N.H.
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    221
    Thanks Dennis


    I was wondering that, were I work (1 hr south of where I live) $25-30 a pen would be a good number I think. Near where I live where my boy would be I wonder, mostly blue collar not sure if $20 would fly or not. When you have to pay $4 per kit he shoule be selling them for at leat $15 I would say or more.

    Thanks again Dave

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Appleton, WA
    Posts
    148

    Pen and Pencil

    Dave.....The $25 is for the slimline Pen and Pencil set or $12.50 each. I have sold some of the slimline pens without the pencils. Hope this helps. Rod in Appleton, WA
    Rod

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Huntsville, AL (The Sun and Fun Capital of The South)
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    3,203
    I have sold 100's and 100's at Craft Shows. Prices vary quite a bit depending on style and material used. For instance a plain slimline pen $17.95. Plain FT American/RT Euro $22.00, segmented RT American $45.00, Various pens made from burls, olive wood, etc $30.00 - $40.00.

    I hope this helps.
    "If you believe in yourself and have dedication and pride - and never quit, you'll be a winner. The price of victory is high - but so are the rewards" - - Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant
    Ken Salisbury Passed away on May 1st, 2008 and will forever be in our hearts.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Madbury N.H.
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    221
    Thanks Ken


    Those are the numbers I was hoping for for him, I will pass this along and have him make a sign of sale prices if things do not move.

    Dave

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    288
    Hi Dave,

    As you stated, $25-30 for a slimline is right on for our whole area. If you have a good product;turned well & labled, you WILL get that price. Down south, houses are less expensive than the N.east also. The best point I learned from both Ken S. & Bill G. are that you have to "sell " yourself. Explain the type of wood, process, benefits,ect. That is going to help in establishing yourself,wherever you go. Best of Blessings for you & your son & hope you have a lot of fun.
    Let us know how it went.
    John
    NOTHING beats a failure,but a try.
    -------------------------------------------
    Have a Blessed Day,

    JMC

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    Madbury N.H.
    Posts
    221
    Hi John


    Thanks for the thoughts and kind words, My son would be doing this in Rochester NH and it will be interesting to see how he does. If he could get set up in Portsmouth I think he would have a better chance at what I consider a fair price. Where are you located? I have yet to met a fellow creeker would love to have a bbq or something next summer.

    Thanks again Dave

  11. #11

    fellow creekers

    Dave....not to steal your thread, but you have fellow creekers nearby. I live in Stratham NH, Dave Anderson is in Chester NH...we have people all over Mass, NH, Maine, and VT. Dave and I are both active in the Guild of NH Woodworkers where you can meet over 300 fellow woodworkers of all skill levels....pm me or Dave if you want info on this group...and by the way Dave, I'm willing to wager a pretty reasonable sum that you and I work for the same company and I'm at that other building off rte 128
    Aside from our Guild get togethers, a number of us can be found at any of the LFOD auctions, or sifting through the wood at Highland Hardwood or Woodcraft in Newington, or the new Rockler stores...just to name a few spots...
    Drop me a note. and I'll fill you in...
    Roger

  12. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2003
    Location
    TX Hill Country
    Posts
    579
    I've only had one chance to sell pens at a craft show. I sold the slimline pens for $25 each while the Euro pens wnet for $35-45. Sold some Mesquite pen/pencil sets and antler sets for $65/set.

  13. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2003
    Location
    Massachusetts
    Posts
    288
    Hi Dave,


    I'm in the Danvers area,where I'll be working for the Freedom pens program @ the Rockler store on the 23rd.If you have a chance, come by to make a pen.
    John
    NOTHING beats a failure,but a try.
    -------------------------------------------
    Have a Blessed Day,

    JMC

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