Need some advice on pricing for invitations

[virginia]

For those of you who make invitations for other people, such as weddings, showers, etc...how much do you charge? Are you charging a flat fee or per invite? Do you charge a design fee?

I'm starting to get a few customers who want me to make cards for them for these types of occasions and I'm not sure how I should be pricing these. Any information is helpful. Thanks!

[karinlm]

I make 3 or 4 sets of invitations per month with an average of 40 invitations per set. My prices vary depending on how many layers, how much cutting, embelishments etc. etc. etc.

I've done real simple ones where I've done two layers with one simple stamped image on the bottom from Terrific Tulips for about 75 cents each and I've done more elaborate ones for $2 each. I do not charge a design fee and find that I use similar designs throughout a year.

One thing I would suggest you do if you are doing a lot, especially for family, is keep an extra in a file for yourself with the name of the person you were making them for. That way if the time comes to do another invitation in that family or circle of friends you aren't duplicating.

[virginia]

Thanks Karin. I guess I was in the ballpark. I charged 2.00 per card for some shower invites, and did 30 of them. I think my design had too much work involved though. It took me around 6 hours to get the job done!

I've got to learn to keep it more simple, but I'm afraid if the designs are not super, then I won't get much repeat business.

[pinkhedgehog]

I think people who are not stampers don't know or appreciate the expense or time that goes into lots of layers and embellishments. They're also impressed with the most simple, but "wow" cards.

[danssister]

Thanks for this thread, Virginia! I'm currently making 20 baby shower invitations, and was wondering what I should charge. I was thinking $2.00, but I didn't want to overcharge or undercharge. I've already worked on them for 3 hours, and hope to finish them tonight. Why did I choose ones to make with double backgrounds, extra layers, etc? :rolleyes:

[virginia]

I hear ya Molly. It's really hard for me to make a WOW card that is simple. I'm just not very good at that.