How to Price Pulled Wool Pads

You've bought the wool, you've pulled loops for hours, you've sweated in some pads and now the neighbors are asking if you'd make one for them, but you don't know what to charge.

I recently had someone ask if I would share my price sheet so they could get an idea of how to price their own saddle pads. I'm happy to share prices, but a much better way of determining what to sell your pulled wool saddle pads for is to determine what your costs are.

I'm a life long craftsman and my rule of thumb has always been to cover material costs plus a margin (margin percentage depends on the product) and pay myself a decent hourly wage. Shipping costs including tape and boxes must also be fully accounted for.

If you are using payment processors that deduct a percentage you should also include that. Squarespace charges me 2.9% per transaction and I pay $25/month for my website.

Example: Material costs (total poundage of wool, canvas) + 20% margin + shipping costs (include box, tape and shipping fee) + $25/hr x ___ hrs = _______

7lbs of wool x $15/lb + $20.50 canvas + $30 shipping costs (includes tape, box, and insurance) + 20% margin ($25.10) + $25/HR X 8 hrs = $380.60

Some of us are full time mothers and wives, managing ranches, children and livestock, while also pulling wool and this represents an important source of extra income. Others have town jobs and may only make and sell a few pads per year. Regardless of your circumstance, I would encourage everyone to pay themselves more than minimum wage.

I personally aim for $25/hr. This is the professional rate I charge for most fiber/sewing related work and repairs that I do. As a saddle maker and leatherworker I charge $50/hr.

Sincerely,

Sabrina Squires

Sleepy Creek Tack