Eeeek..... why are reborns so expensive?
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Please take a moment to read, and understand some of the rationale for these precious bundles of joy. and their value, vs. their cost.
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Let me share the costs associated with reborning an average 19" reborn doll.
In Ontario, Canada where I reside, the minimum wage is $14.00/hr
Hypothetical if I were to charge Ontario's minimum wage to produce your bundle of Joy @ $14.00/hr.
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** ITEM********************* HOURS TO COMPLETE*********CHARGE TO CLIENT
Kit Preparation 1 hour $ 14.00
Painting Kit 26 hours $ 224.00
Rooting Hair 34 hours $ 476.00
Assembly of Reborn 1.5 hours $ 21.00
Assembly of Paperwork/Box Opening 1hr $14.00
****************************TOTAL COST SERVICE HOURS** $749.00
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Now, there are the Material Costs to factor in....
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** ITEM************************************COST*******
Kit/Sculpt (on average) $155.00
Body & pieces $24.00
Weight (Polyfil stuffing, glass beads, Stocking... etc) $34.00
Hair (Premium HP Babylocks) $100.00/ .5 oz
Eyes (Glass high Quality) $55.00
Consumables (paints, glues, rooting needles etc) $25.00
Shipping $35.00
Box Opening items $65.00 (minimum)
******************TOTAL COST OF MATERIALS** $493.00
TOTAL COST SERVICE HOURS*********$ 749.00
TOTAL COST OF MATERIALS********** $ 493.00
Total "if" charging minimum wage $1242.00
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Of course the above doesn't cover other things such as;
power/electricity, water (yes...water) the cost of courses, the hours required to update and maintain social media accounts, fuel to deliver parcels to post office or pick up materials, duty & Custom charges... Shipping charges from suppliers... PayPal Fees... etc....etc... etc
Reborns are Art. They are a labour of Love. They are a collectible with a special meaning for most who desire to have one.
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It is very difficult to earn a living wage as an artist, as we tend to under value our work and worth. Before you ask an artist to renegotiate their price...
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So, consider this...
on your next pay check, are you willing to cut it in half and walk away?
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