(Cost of Materials + Hourly Rate × Hours Spent) × 2 = Base Price
Then adjust for:
Size & Uniqueness
Market Value
Overhead & Platform Fees
Perceived Value / Emotional Impact
Step-by-Step Breakdown
Cost of Materials:
Includes canvas, paint, clay, wood, packaging, etc.
Hourly Rate:
Choose a fair rate (e.g., $20–$50/hr depending on experience and complexity). Your time has value.
Hours Spent:
Total time creating the piece, including prep and finishing.
Multiply by 2 (or more):
This accounts for design skill, creative vision, marketing, customer support, and profit. For higher-end work, you may go 2.5x or even 3x.
Example
Materials: $25
Time: 10 hours
Hourly Rate: $30
($25 + $30 × 10) × 2 = ($25 + $300) × 2 = $325 × 2 = $650
That $650 covers your time, materials, platform fees, and allows for profit. You can adjust slightly up or down based on size, uniqueness, or demand.
Tip:
Use this formula as a starting point, not a ceiling.
High-impact pieces or pieces with strong storytelling can command much more.
