Not sure if I want to "sell" it and if I do no idea how much to charge!

[Xanthia, Maker of fine Tin-foil hats since 2007]

OK, as most of you know, the Xanthia Candy Frenzy began on Saturday.  I brought in a few samples of stuff to work so my coworkers can get some nibbles in.  They will all be getting baskets next Monday for their Christmas Gift.  Most of you also know I make extra "just in case" baskets.  Well, one of the ladies in my office (not my department) was telling me how much she was enjoying the candy and asked if it would be possible for her to buy 2 baskets from me for her parents and in laws as she thinks they would REALLY enjoy them (she says she is cooking challenged).  I told her I had some extra baskets and not to worry, I would bring them in to her.  Well, she is insisting on paying BUT I not only do not feel comfortable taking her money, I also have no idea what to charge.  I know how much it cost to make each basket, but what is a fair price to charge.

OK, each basket contains:
3 milk chocolate covered cashew turtles (app 2" dia)
3 white choc covered macadamia nut turtles (same)
3 white choc coconut bonbon (1 inch)
3 milk choc coconut bonbon (1 inch)
3 peanutbutter bonbon (1 inch)
3 pieces of rocky road candy (1 inch by 1 inch)
3 pecan pralines (2 inch dia)
1 small bag of peanut brittle (about 3/4 cup)
1 small bag cashew brittle (about 3/4 cup)
1 small bag mix nut brittle ( about 3/4 cup)
3 pieces peanutbutter fudge
3 pieces of another candy to be determined by my leftover stuff.

Supplies and ingredients (including basket) run me about $10.00 per basket, what is a fair price to charge.  I do not want to charge too much, but I also do not want to make it that if I DO let her pay me for it that is is insanely low and I GOP myself in case someone else wants to buy some in the future X can say "Well Xan only charges $$$".  It is a lot of work, but these are EXTRA JUST IN CASE BASKETS, I really prefer not to take any money.

[VorFemme]

I have a book on pricing crafts to sell.

The formula the book says is the simplest is not less than triple what the materials cost plus minimum wage for your time.  Since you made extra baskets while assembling a batch of baskets - I'd go for NOT LESS than $30 to $35 each and possibly a bit more.

If you sell them too cheaply, EVERYONE will want to buy extras.  If you sell them too dear, no one will think that they are really worth THAT much - splitting the difference gives them an idea of how much you value the relationship to make them one of these.............and keeps you from being swamped by orders when the word gets around that you will do these for a price.

As a wild asterisk guess (WAG) - I would bet that she would be hard pressed to get a basket of similar size and number of candies at some custom place for less than $50.  And depending on the price point of the candy store - it could go up..........Whitman's Sampler candy might be under $40 vs. Godiva or Chiradelli chocolates at a lot higher price.

[Evil Duckie]

Candy is a labor intensive activity.

I know that most people who make candy in my area would ask between $40-45 and Maybe even $50. Go look at what gourmet choclate are going for and price accordingly.

Do not be afraid to price yourself fairly. If you don't value what you do then why should someone else.

[behindbj]

Hi Xan!

I agree with the other posters - candy is not just materials, but labor.

I have, on occasion, make things for people (either knitted items or quilts) and some people get huffy when I tell them what I charge (up front, mind you - I don't make it and then tell them the price).  My explanation is that while the cost of the item is a lot larger than the cost of the materials, my time is not cheap (I am, but that depends upon who you ask... ).

Don't forget to factor in your time!

I'd pay a good $40 for a basket of homemade candy - and probably more.

behindbj