I am considering selling my bonnet pattern but don't know whether its worth it. Just dont want to be stuck in something I cant get out of .Any advice?Thanks x
selling patterns with ravelry ? is it worth it?
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purler
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Why not list on Craftsy? It doesn't cost anything so you won't lose any money.
I have avoided that at all costs, myself. I HAVE shared patterns for free and am always surprised at the amount of questions and the time it takes to reply and answer questions. I am quite happy to do my best for my friends here on KP who have helped me learn so much.
I don't think (to me) the few dollars I would make selling a pattern would be worth the investment in time it would take to receive orders, process orders, ship orders and answer the inevitable large amount of questions in a timely, efficient manner.
I asked a friend who sells her patterns on Ravelry and on her blog how it is working out for HER. Her response is that she earns much more money at her PT job at The Gap in a couple of hours per week than she does over a month of selling patterns.... A fraction of time spent to earn the same money AND less stress and effort.
I am sure some with actual experience selling patterns on Ravelry can contribute more information, but this has been my observation. Good luck to you!
I don't think (to me) the few dollars I would make selling a pattern would be worth the investment in time it would take to receive orders, process orders, ship orders and answer the inevitable large amount of questions in a timely, efficient manner.
I asked a friend who sells her patterns on Ravelry and on her blog how it is working out for HER. Her response is that she earns much more money at her PT job at The Gap in a couple of hours per week than she does over a month of selling patterns.... A fraction of time spent to earn the same money AND less stress and effort.
I am sure some with actual experience selling patterns on Ravelry can contribute more information, but this has been my observation. Good luck to you!
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Good point about the time it takes to reply to emails and questions. I don't actually mind because helping others to produce a nice finished item is important to me.AmyKnits said:
As for the rest, with Craftsy and many online stores, eg Etsy and Ravelry, the patterns are automatic instant downloads. Once the pattern is lodged with your chosen site there is no more to do. The pattern is purchased, monies taken and put into your Paypal account.
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:thumbup: Another good avenue.Gypsycream said:
A pattern in PDF format does not require S&H.
All is as quick as the time and speed to click your mouse.
With Paypal things also go fairly quickly and smoothly.
Just have to 'monitor' things.
But hey, if you spend time here or check your e-mails on a regular basis; this would be no different - in effort or time.
Whether Free or for a Fee --- the 'designer' would have to answer questions as they arise anyways.
You would not 'be stuck' in anything --- you are free to cancel/shut down the sales at any time.
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If you actually know how to design and write a good pattern it can be well worth it. Paypal takes care of the selling aspect. The old adage "you get what you pay for" really applies. Although it takes time to establish your name and talents, I think the popular designers are enjoying the fruits of their labors, but also keep in mind that following your passion isn't all about the money. If you want more details, find some designers you particularly like on Ravelry and message them with your questions. The best ones are always happy to help (even if you don't get an immediate response). Many of Ravelry's finest are right here on KP!
Your cabled bonnet is beautiful and unique. I think it would be a bit hit!
Your cabled bonnet is beautiful and unique. I think it would be a bit hit!
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3,839 Posts
I don't think it costs anything initially to sell on Ravelry. You do pay a tiny portion of your sales if they go over a certain amount for the year, but you're never locked into anything. Just take the pattern down if you don't want to sell there anymore. There's a group there where you can ask questions about selling on Ravelry:
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravelry-shopkeepers
http://www.ravelry.com/groups/ravelry-shopkeepers
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Craftsy doesn't take a fee
Raverly has just implemented a larger fee than their original flat rate.
Patterns are downloaded by the buyer. You do need to be dedicated to answering questions.
If you enjoy writing patterns, it's a good way to share what you do with others.
I'm not familiar with your hat pattern, can you put a pic of it on.
Best of luck to you.
Raverly has just implemented a larger fee than their original flat rate.
Patterns are downloaded by the buyer. You do need to be dedicated to answering questions.
If you enjoy writing patterns, it's a good way to share what you do with others.
I'm not familiar with your hat pattern, can you put a pic of it on.
Best of luck to you.
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13,817 Posts
I have a friend who buys designer patterns, and who is an excellent knitter. She spends a lot of time checking with designers about errors in the patterns. I know it takes up a designers time and effort to answer questions, but if the pattern is clearly written and fully proof read before printing and selling, the time spent answering questions would be minimal. Designer patterns are not cheap, and generally call for more expensive yarns than run of the mill patterns, so I can understand why my friend feels she has a right to have an instruction clarified. Most times, her problem does arise from an error in the pattern. Hard to fix the error if the buyer of the pattern does not bring it to the designer's notice. How many unfinished objects are unfinished because the knitter assumes the error is their own?
So, if you are planning to sell, careful testing and proof reading will save you a lot of problems.
I do like the little bonnet, I'd love to see it on a baby, too, to get a better idea of how it looks.
So, if you are planning to sell, careful testing and proof reading will save you a lot of problems.
I do like the little bonnet, I'd love to see it on a baby, too, to get a better idea of how it looks.
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