I've decided that I'm sick of working for about a dollar an hour. I started my boutique for four reasons...
1. To be able to stay home with my children.
2. Because I LOVE creating functional and adorable things for children.
3. So that people like me who don't have much money can still afford boutique style for their children.
4. To make enough money to be able to afford things. Things like clothing for my kids, medications for me and my daughter, etc. Not to be able to buy fun stuff, but for the basics.
I have to revamp Annalie's Baby Boutique. The first two reasons are not why I'm revamping my boutique. It's the third and fourth reasons. I started out marketing my products to my target audience, who are the people in the third reason. Unfortunately, it turns out that you can't make any money trying to sell things to people who also don't have much money. I deeply appreciate every one of my customers and my Facebook fans. You've all given me the inspiration and energy to keep going even when I've felt like giving up. I would not be where I am at today without you.
I priced my products so low that I'm barely making any money and when I figured my supplies AND my time into the equation, I realized that I am making about a dollar an hour. I just can't support my family on that amount. Also, my time is valuable as it is time I could be spending with my children. I cannot justify giving up large chunks of time with Princess and Little Man for a few dollars.
Over the next couple of weeks, I will be going through my products one by one and determining how much the supplies cost along with the time it takes me to make it. This is not something I just decided to do on a whim. I've been spending a LOT of time and prayer going over all my options and making this decision. Not all of my prices will change. Some things only take me a short time to make so those prices will stay the same or even go down. Other prices will be going up. I sincerely apologize if this upsets anyone, but it's what I have to do or I will have to close down. I will continue to have special deals and giveaways periodically as well as rewarding my returning customers with Loyalty Bucks. I will also hopefully be adding some new innovative products.
Thank you so much to all my wonderful fans and customers, and I look forward to a great future for Annalie's Baby Boutique.
I think what you wrote is amazing, and right on the money. I don't have a lot of money, but for the right product, I will spend money. Also, if what I get from that boutique is amazing and the boutique provides fast shipping, good customer service, I am most likely going to shop there again. If you have to raise prices, that is fine, you have to be flexible with your business. If the price of fabric goes up, of course you are going to charge the customer more. We see that in regular stores all the time. Keep up the good work!!! You are awesome, I know I haven't bought much, but what I have gotten I love!!!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry it didn't turn out the way you wanted.
ReplyDeleteHopefully, God has something better for you on the horizon!
I sincerely believe this is for the best. Because after all, the kids are what is most important anyways. If you are doing this only for a couple of dollars an hour, you are right- IT IS NOT WORTH IT. I am definitely one of those people who cannot afford the really expensive things, but the other stuff is right in my budget, so I think if you have stuff that is expensive and stuff that is affordable- both at your store, it will bring more of a variety and I like that!!!
ReplyDeletePrices change in stores too, they go up and they go down. Do what you feel is best for you!! Because after all- you and the family matter!!
-Mrs. J. Anderson
BTW- LOVE YOUR JOURNAL
ReplyDelete-Mrs. J. Anderson
Thank you to everyone for your support! I was afraid I would meet with opposition, but everyone has been so understanding!
ReplyDelete