How much should I charge for my bag?
It’s the question every bagmaker asks: “How much should I charge for my bag?”
The short answer: more than you think.
Let’s be honest: if you flip burgers at a fast-food chain, you earn at least €12.73 per hour. So why would you, as an independent maker, accept less for your own craftsmanship?
1. Include your own labor
Many makers forget to count their time. They carefully calculate fabric and zippers, but their own work? It disappears.
Example: you spend 6 hours making a bag.
6 × €12.73 = €76.38
That’s your minimum. You’re not a production line — you’re creating something unique.
2. Don’t forget any materials
It’s not just fabric and zippers. Also include:
- thread
- interfacing (H640, Decovil, Style-Vil …)
- lining fabric
- hardware (rings, hooks, sliders, closures)
- labels, pocket zippers, etc.
Expect around €50 to €80 in materials for a solid bag. Going premium? Then it’s more.
3. Account for hidden costs
- wear and tear on your machine and tools
- electricity, packaging, shipping
- your time for customer service and admin
These are real costs — not extras.
4. Put it all together
Example:
- labor: €76
- materials: €65
- hidden costs: €10
Cost price: €151
Want profit? Add at least 20%.
That brings you to a selling price of around €180.
5. Taxes matter
- VAT: must be paid if you’re VAT registered
- taxes: your profit is taxed
A €180 bag is not €180 in your pocket. Often, only about half remains.
And no — tax authorities don’t accept handmade bags as payment.
6. Bartering is fine (sometimes)
For a one-time project, bartering works. You make a bag, they mow your lawn. Fair enough.
But structurally? No. Your business runs on real money.
7. Stand behind your work
Customers easily pay €150 for mass-produced designer bags.
Your bag is handmade, unique, and crafted with care. It deserves a proper price.
Conclusion
Pricing is not guesswork. Count your time, materials, hidden costs and taxes.
And remember: if flipping burgers pays more than making bags, something is off.
At Zipper Zoo, we believe your time is just as valuable as your creativity.
