Why Most Handmade Sellers Underprice

If you're making ceramic, resin, or wood ashtrays by hand, chances are you're not charging enough. Most artists price based on what "feels right" — not what actually covers costs and builds a sustainable income. This guide fixes that.

Step 1: Calculate Your True Cost Per Piece

Add up: raw materials + consumables (glazes, sandpaper, resin) + packaging + your time (hourly rate × hours per piece) + breakage/wastage buffer (10–15%). That's your cost of goods (COG).

Step 2: Set Your Wholesale Price

Your wholesale price = COG × 2 (minimum). This is the price you quote to TBBC. We add our margin on top to set the retail price — you never have to worry about that.

Step 3: Factor in Payout Cycle

Whether you choose bi-weekly or monthly payouts, make sure your wholesale price accounts for the gap between production and payment. Build a small cash buffer for your first 2–3 months.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Not counting your own time as a cost
• Pricing based on competitor retail (not your own COG)
• Ignoring breakage and rejects in your batch
• Underpricing to "get started" — it's hard to raise prices later