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Wednesday 28 October 2009

...a little bit of ugh!...

Ed - thanks to everyone who has commented, this weighed heavy on my mind. I didn't want to do it but it is a necessary evil. I so appreciate all of your lovely comments and understanding. Thank you all.

So there I was patting myself on the back for starting a stamp company! lol. I am having tremendous fun all around between designing stamps and seeing them made up and the samples and even addressing envelopes doesn't bother me, I picture the locations as I'm writing, I bet they're nothing like I imagined! lol

Pity I'm not such as whizz at math...

I hired an accountant, just a couple hours a month thing, I try to keep my own books etc, but I am at a loss with the technicalities like tax, sales forecasts etc, whole other language I don't speak!

Anyhow, as I've been going along, I have come across a few extra costs I just didn't forsee when starting out, I wasn't worried, thought that it'll all even out as sales figures increase.

So my accountant is a very nice lady, I have known her for years, she's very down to earth, shoots from the hip. No waffle etc. The gist of it is she had a preliminary look at my books and then wanted another, proper, look. And about now I was starting to worry...

The bottom line is I am going to have to raise the price of the stamp sets. Apparently, in business, my 'It'll be grand' outlook doesn't cut it. And when she put it to me in terms of wanting to still be in business a year from now I began to sit up and listen.

Thing is I've become very attached to my wee business. I love doing this. I would like to have a future in this business.

And so I am going to have to bite the bullet and just do it.

Thing is, I'd feel a bit like Ebeneezer Scrooge doing it right away so I'm going to wait till I get this release over with. I won't put prices up until the 5th November. That gives everyone a fighting chance to get whatever they need before the price goes up.

The price per set will change from £13 (approx $21.21 US) to £13.50 (approx $22.03 US) (conversions are according to today's rate). It is not a huge increase, but I feel folks need to know these things up front, I just couldn't 'slip it in' when nobody's looking!

Interestingly it's not the change in manufacturer that has been the cause, but it's more to do with the wee little things I couldn't quantify back when I started, like electricity consumption, printer inks, internet costs, all the wee silly things that I'm just able to assess now.

I do hope everyone understands this decision. Please be aware it is not made lightly. I struggled against it, knowing that times are hard everywhere but ultimately I do want Waltzingmouse Stamps to be around for quite some time.

I console myself with the thought that I do my very best to give folks as much value for money as I can by stuffing my sets full of stamps and by designing my sets to be as useful as possible. I still feel that my stamps are priced very well, as far as I can see most 6" x 8" stamp sets of comparable quality start at about £15 (around $24 US)

And in the new year I will be introducing some form of loyalty scheme which hopefully will make it even better value for my regular customers!! And I will not be forgetting those folks who have 'been with me' from the very start!

So. Had to get that off my chest. I do hope you all understand.

On a happier note, I'll be back tomorrow with the start of the sneak peeks!!

And don't forget to enter the competition on my store to have a chance of winning a free Mystery set!!!

34 comments:

  1. Oh, Claire. It's still a great price for your stamps. I'd happily pay more (well maybe my dh wouldn't be happy ). You have to keep in mind you are a business now and we all love your designs. I thought when you said a price increase it would be a couple of pounds. Believe me, this will not deter me from ordering more of your great stamps!

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  2. Hi Claire. I think it's very kind of you to be so up front about your costs. It shows you have a lot of integrity, and that means a lot. Congrats on keeping the company alive...we wouldn't want to see it go either! XO

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  3. We want you to be around for a long time too!! To me it is not a huge increase... as I was reading your post, I was thinking it was going to be like $5 or more US dollars per set.... that would be harder for me to swing. You have a great product, don't sell yourself short!

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  4. Oh Claire,
    The weeee little bit there going up!! I wouldn't worry about it LOL.
    Good stamps Great people and Great! service. I know I am not going anywhere!!!.

    Cheers to you!!
    Sincerely,
    Bonnie

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  5. You shouldn't worry, Claire :) . Your sets are very reasonable and so is the increase!! You definitely provide some "bang for the buck" and it is appreciated. There are sneaky little costs and you can never know that until you've been in a groove for awhile ~ the increase makes perfect sense. I'm glad to know the bookkeeper has your back! Thanks for being so upfront about it all ~ we want you to be around for a very long time! {{{ HUGS }}}

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  6. I don't think that's enough of a difference to stop anyone from ordering, Claire! I know that as soon as "my ship comes in", I plan on ordering; sadly it hasn't happened yet & now I have 4 bdays & 6 Christmas presents that take priority, but one of these days. . . . I'm just so happy your wee business is flourishing and that you're enjoying the whole process -- how fun & exciting for you!!! ;-)

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  7. Thats still an awesome deal Claire. Lots of awesomeness for just a little price. I want you to stay in business so do what you need to do!

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  8. Oh gosh Claire! Thats so sweet of you to fill everyone in! I wouldn't worry about the slight increase in price whatsoever, your stamps are incredible and SO worth it!!

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  9. I think the price hike is justified, the 50 pence wouldn't put me off if I really wanted the set. I, too, want your wee business to be around in a year, and perhaps not quite so wee... maybe even grand!

    Best of luck and thanks for the warning!
    :-)

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  10. Hi Claire! Don't beat yourself up too much. I always thought your stamps looked very reasonably priced. I certainly don't think you will loose any support over it and I think people will understand that you have to make your little company viable for the future. Am looking forward to the new sets.

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  11. No worries, Claire. I was sort of relieved to get to the bit where you mention that you are increasing prices by 50p as expected that it might be more.....
    Cannot wait for your next "sneak peek".
    Angela xxx.

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  12. Claire, don't worry - if the set is attractive - that little price difference will make no differnce... I remember when I started to stamp, I looked at ebay at the cheepest things (not because I like it,because they are cheep). I learned, that it is more fun, to have a great set coming, that puts your mojo high and I have fun with it and it is worth every Penny all the the way through. So no grey hair about it and thanks for letting us know...

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  13. There was I thinking at the beginning of the post you would be putting the cost of set up to £15 or so, not by a mere 50p. Think we can all manage that quite happily. But thanks for the warning.

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  14. Don't feel bad...it’s a fun business you’ve got but it’s still a business. I love my job but I don’t go to work for free.
    Keep on bringing us your usual great designs!

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  15. Phew Claire! I thought you were taking about an increase of at least £5 or something similar - your stamps are totally worth an increase, not to mention all the inspiration, ideas, etc we get from you here! I'm sure everyone will be happy to pay a little bit more to make sure we don't lose your talent.

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  16. Hang in there Claire! I love your stamps and am willing to pay a little more to keep WMS around. It isn't a big increase and they're still a great deal. It is very kind of you to let everyone know before you make the changes. I'm looking forward to watching your company grow.

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  17. Glad you are listening to your accountant. Your honesty is refreshing!

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  18. I don't usually comment on blogs but after reading your post and having followed your progress over the past few months, I just had to pop in. I think that your cost is very, very fair as is the amount of the increase. It must be very difficult in the early stages of a business to get the pricing right. I wish you the very best of luck!

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  19. Claire -- you do what you need to -- we're still going to buy your stamps!

    I love that you are so honest, and caring about everyone else :).

    Thanks for being you!

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  20. Thanks Claire for keeping us informed about the increase. Like so many others when I first started reading I was anticipating a much higher amount! This is just one of those adjustments as you get your business underway. Love your designs and want to see your business grow and be successful! Best of luck with this new release--so anxious to see the first peeks!

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  21. I'm one of those kind of people who don't really care about the cost because if I want it, I want it...no matter the price (no wonder I'm broke). And your stamps are definitely on my I WANT IT list. Have no fear...the increase isn't anything that would kill my "Claire" budget. =)

    It's much appreciated that you keep everyone informed ahead of time...such a nice thing to do.

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  22. You need to do what will make your business successful. The price increase still gives good value for the product. I appreciate the customer service and care you put into your stamps and customers.

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  23. I love it when someone is up front with me! Thanks for the frank, honest conversation! I think everyone understands that this IS a business and you need to at least not "LOSE" money--so do what you have to do---it would be such a shame to not be around in a year (or ten) because you just didn't want to raise prices a bit! :)

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  24. Claire -tHE PRICES ARE SO GOOD AND...MY GAGE FOR EVERY STAMP SET I BUY IS THIS "WILL I USE IT 22 TIMES- iF IT IS $22 DOLLARS? oR 25 TIMES IF IT IS $25 -the answer is yes!

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  25. Don't feel bad about it for another second! Your stamps are well worth it, and I know I for one will be more than happy to pay a little extra if it means you sticking around for a good long time!

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  26. You are kind to keep up informed. Character and Integrity come time mind when I think of your business and your honesty with us. And your decision is totally understandable! We want your company to be around....LOL!

    Blessings!

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  27. Claire, I see I am not the only one who appreciates your candor! I can only imagine (as I have toyed with this biz idea myself) how difficult it can be to incorporate all the necessary tidbits, but my hat is off to you. This little increase is not enough to scare anyone off - I can assure you!
    You have an honest, sincere and kind (not to mention fun!) outlook and that is the sort of biz sense that leads to success. The fact you are so flippin' talented is just 'ink on the stamp' :-D
    Cheers to The Waltzingmouse!
    Heather in Montreal

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  28. Claire, I think there is exceptional value in your sets, so the increase is nothing in comparison. And I DO want to see your business continue, so go for it without worries!

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  29. I think the quality of your stamps are worth every penny, I will still be happy to pay for your wonderful designs!! Good luck with the new release,
    hugs Angela x

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  30. Claire, your stamps are top of the line quality and the designs are wonderful. I don't mind paying a bit more. I got my first order from you a few weeks ago and am loving those stamps so much!!

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  31. That's totally understandable! I think your price increase is very reasonable and I don't think it will hurt your sales. I ordered my first sets last month and I can't wait to get some more. We want you to stay in business and people need to understand that you do have some costs that have to be incorporated in prices. And, of course, you're deserve to earn a profit for all of your work and talent!

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  32. Claire,
    You need to be a good businesswoman first! I doubt that anyone who has ordered your stamp sets would be inclined to grouse about the price change. I am always willing to pay for quality over quantity.
    Now get back to showing us more of these peeks-we need to know what is next on the drawing board at Claire's design post.
    Also, what is this password all about? I do NOT want to be missing out on anything here.

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  33. Dawn (stampinscotsgirl)29 October 2009 at 23:09

    Claire, your honesty and openess is so refreshing! You need to look out for you and your business first. Your stamps are priced very reasonably, and your shipping rates are very good too, especially to the USA. I sincerely doubt that the wee price increase will deter anyone from buying your stamps! Good luck to you and Waltzingmouse Stamps, I wish you much success!!:)

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  34. I want Waltzing Mouse Stamps to be around a long time too!

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Thanks for taking the time to comment, :) I read them all and I appreciate you taking time to visit!