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Inflation/fuel question?

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Two Feathers

62 Cal.
MLF Sponsor
Joined
Apr 14, 2008
Messages
2,836
Reaction score
2,831
Location
Berwick, Pa. Columbia county
Howdy folks:
This is NOT a political discussion, simply a question?
I'm curious to hear from other craftsmen here: Is anyone besides me feeling the crunch of this new inflation "norm?"
My steel prices went up 5% in January. I was told that was Covid related?? But I only raised my prices 2%. NOW this morning, when I ordered steel, I got hit with another 5% increase in shipping costs due the the huge jump in fuel prices!!
I'm just curious whether anyone else is experiencing this? At this rate, I'll have to stop making and selling my knives and wares. I can't keep jumping my prices everytime one of my suppliers does, or no one will buy from me? I sure can't afford to keep paying it out of my own pocket and losing money. I appreciate everyone's support, but my days here may be numbered.
Thank you.
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
Here in CNY it seems fuel prices have been pretty stable, but of course this varies greatly...and with the type of fuel. My sister is quite dependent on her beadwork/ handiwork for extra income, and is always at a loss for pricing. The actual sale prices are never indicative of the actual amount of talent or time, needless to say materials involved.
 
I am the Director of Child Nutrition for our school district (School lunch). We are having lots of problems getting the food we have contracted for. Everything in the supply chain is affected, fuel is the least of those increases. Labor shortages are the primary mover, this is fueling shortages of raw materials which impacts output which impacts cost (supply and demand). To get the labor, manufacturers are having to pay higher wages. Higher wages, higher material costs and yes, higher fuel costs all add up. Our economy has had stagnant wage and material cost growth for a long time and the pandemic conditions have released that tension like two tectonic plates creating an earthquake. Forget the thought of a government imposed $15/hr. minimum wage. I think we will see the defacto minimum wage at that point if not higher in the very near future.
I too am not fond of price increases but have been frustrated since the 80's with the lack of wage growth in this country.
 
I am the Director of Child Nutrition for our school district (School lunch). We are having lots of problems getting the food we have contracted for. Everything in the supply chain is affected, fuel is the least of those increases. Labor shortages are the primary mover, this is fueling shortages of raw materials which impacts output which impacts cost (supply and demand). To get the labor, manufacturers are having to pay higher wages. Higher wages, higher material costs and yes, higher fuel costs all add up. Our economy has had stagnant wage and material cost growth for a long time and the pandemic conditions have released that tension like two tectonic plates creating an earthquake. Forget the thought of a government imposed $15/hr. minimum wage. I think we will see the defacto minimum wage at that point if not higher in the very near future.
I too am not fond of price increases but have been frustrated since the 80's with the lack of wage growth in this country.
I hear ya.' Like I said this IS NOT a political query and I won't make it one! To me, the subject of minimum wage is a political issue. Thank you for your input.

I worked in a school cafeteria kitchen myself when I was a substitute teacher, it was part of my job. I can agree that (even in 2015) there were issues with getting supplies. That was long before this Covid mess or any of the resulting issues.
Thank you.
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
Over time, the prices you ask for your wares are reasonable and affordable. The fact that you produce some very good products that people readily purchase is evident in their appreciation of you as a maker.
Thank you very much. That means a lot to
Here in CNY it seems fuel prices have been pretty stable, but of course this varies greatly...and with the type of fuel. My sister is quite dependent on her beadwork/ handiwork for extra income, and is always at a loss for pricing. The actual sale prices are never indicative of the actual amount of talent or time, needless to say materials involved.
Thank you for your input. I'll keep your sister's business in my prayers for continued financial success.
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
I sell a lot of products made mostly of mild and stainless steel. We have had some huge increases in stainless prices and are selling more this year than last, our customers know the situation and that we are not price gouging so they are buying what they need before prices go even higher.
Keep making the stuff, intelligent people will understand the increase in price.
 
WM:
Thank ya.' buddy. Good concept. My biggest problem is, I'm always keeping the customer in the forefront of my mind and I don't want to upset/offend anyone with an increased price.:~(((( But I get what you're saying. Thanks.
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
I sell a lot of products made mostly of mild and stainless steel. We have had some huge increases in stainless prices and are selling more this year than last, our customers know the situation and that we are not price gouging so they are buying what they need before prices go even higher.
Keep making the stuff, intelligent people will understand the increase in price.
French Colonial:
Thanks. I'm glad to hear that there MIGHT be some light at the end of this tunnel? Congrats. buddy.
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
As supply and demand rise for raw materials the price goes up, when imposed regulatory hinderances is thrust upon the supply chain items such as fuel,transportation, lack of labor too produce and move items adds increased cost, when a worker is paid too stay home prices go up, Seems too me these issues are only going to get worse, It will get too the point that only well off folks can afford a item at a premium price, and then that will only last for a while, Then take into issues of ones time and needed equipment,supplies not too include the raw materials too start with in the manfacturing process and there is a slim profit area. So in my observation the increase in material costs, transportation must be passed on too the consumer, eventually it will get too the point that it will become a issue as too do I want it, do I need it and where would the cost of the item be better used. I have one of your knives (nessmuck) it will go with me too Wyoming this Oct. on a mule deer hunt, great knife. But you are facing the dilemma of so many other small business owners under the current regiem. Only you can make those decisions as too which direction you go. Believe me it is going too get worse. As French Colonials comment about intelligent people, has nothing too do with demand, but it has too do with every day life and decision making especially for a family person. Good luck.
 
WM:
Thank ya.' buddy. Good concept. My biggest problem is, I'm always keeping the customer in the forefront of my mind and I don't want to upset/offend anyone with an increased price.:~(((( But I get what you're saying. Thanks.
God bless:
Two Feathers
Raise your prices, eat the cost increases if you feel generous, cut corners or close up shop. It’s a cruel world. Hopefully, you can continue at a price that is fair to you while providing value to your customers.
 
Most of what could be said as advice has been said, but I'll throw out this bit of wisdom my shop landlady gave me a long time ago.

I was struggling to make a living doing the woodwork that I loved. I had to do a lot more carpentry to keep the cash flow going, then was too busy - or tired! - to devote the necessary energy and creativity to fancy pants woodworking.

During one conversation, when I worried about charging "too much" but that the hours were killin me, she said (referring to my likely woodwork product customers): "Their economy is not your economy."

Put simply, I was a working man with a working man's attitude about money - it was hard to get, so I spent it VERY carefully! She knew from her own craft business that the people who would buy the finer things had far more disposable income than I. If I could make handmade, one-of-a-kind, eye-catching goods, they would move at prices much higher than I had been asking.

Come to think of it, there was another mentor who made another valuable observation about that same time. He said: "You're a man who knows how to use tools. You should never lack for income."

None of this is to suggest you should gouge your customers. But you can't sell yourself short, either. A) You know how to make functional knives (and such) by your own glorious human hand! You create what others cannot, and they look at your work with genuine admiration. B) You can also make your useful tools and devices beautiful works of art in and of themselves. Such artisanship inspires joy in use and pride in ownership; it also motivates care in use & maintainence and is, more often than not, an inspritation to others to try out their own creativity.

We are formed in the image of our Creator; ergo, we too are driven to create. That creativity absolutely should provide at least a part of your means! Charge what you need to charge to carry on.
 
How much steel is in one of your knives? A friend who owns a welding shop told me some of his steel is up by 50% now. As high as $1 per lb. Im sure youre using different steel than he would, but I cant see how even doubling that price can mean much when dealing with custom knives. Wouldnt your own labor be the biggest factor in pricing them? You certainly cant be attempting to compete with walmart. Heck, a few more bucks wont matter in the big scheme of things.
 
All great comments and advice, imo.
Keep on keepin' on, Two Feathers. It's rare one of your pieces doesn't get sold in a couple of days here.
Craft-made goodies are always in high demand regardless of price.

wm
 
All great comments and advice, imo.
Keep on keepin' on, Two Feathers. It's rare one of your pieces doesn't get sold in a couple of days here.
Craft-made goodies are always in high demand regardless of price.

wm
wm:
Thank you. I appreciate your support.
I came here looking for an answer to a simple question. What I found from all of the great supportive comments was a new outlook on myself and my work. I can't say thank you, and I'm sorry for the misfortune of others nearly enough. I wish everyone here, who crafts something, or knows someone who does all the best.
I'll take the advice of all you folks. My work quality will never change. I have pride in what I do, and apparently my customers and supporters do as well? I'm humbled by the well wishes and encouragement of all you loyal folks. Thank you very much.
God bless y'all:
Two Feathers
 
I bought a knife from etsy after seeing one of yours and wanting it. It ended up not being worth it. Here are a few questions, 1. Do you make an honest product that is what you say it is? 2. Do you take pride in your work and produce a quality product? 3. Do you back your product and if your customer is legitimately unsatisfied, do you make it right? If you can answer yes to these questions, then charge whatever the market will bear. There is 100% nothing wrong with charging however much people want to pay for an honest product. Don’t believe me? Make a knife with some nice woodwork, fixed blade hunting 4-5 inches drop tine with a sheath and put it on this site. I’ll make an offer, if anyone else buys higher, you’ll know that folks aren’t offended by pricing for something they want.
 
I bought a knife from etsy after seeing one of yours and wanting it. It ended up not being worth it. Here are a few questions, 1. Do you make an honest product that is what you say it is? 2. Do you take pride in your work and produce a quality product? 3. Do you back your product and if your customer is legitimately unsatisfied, do you make it right? If you can answer yes to these questions, then charge whatever the market will bear. There is 100% nothing wrong with charging however much people want to pay for an honest product. Don’t believe me? Make a knife with some nice woodwork, fixed blade hunting 4-5 inches drop tine with a sheath and put it on this site. I’ll make an offer, if anyone else buys higher, you’ll know that folks aren’t offended by pricing for something they want.
Ponderosaman:
Well......let me say this. Ask anyone here OR on any of the websites where I have sold for 15 years, OR one of my customers and they will tell you Emphatically, YES to all 3 questions! In 55 years, I have NEVER been accused of being dishonest or a shyster. I have lost money and sleep staying that way! My dedication to my morals; my customer's needs and wants, along with me trying to be a good person and decent craftsman is what has kept me in business this long, so yes, I can definitely say YES to all 3 of your questions!
God bless:
Two Feathers
 
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