Phew! That was a mouthful and a plateful, lol! But I am so happy to say that all the photos of the kitchen 3D printed minis have been taken, edited and are as "ready" as I know how get them! I am not sure of the best way to share the photos with you, other than to divvy them up into the groups that I will sell them in (should I decide on that endeavor).
I have divided them into 7 groups...
Group one includes:
- Spice Rack w/Opening Drawer and Removable Spice Tins
- Honey Pot w/Dipper and Removable Lid
- Garlic Keeper w/Removable Lid
- Salt Pig w/Removable Lid
- Pear Cookie Jar w/Removable Lid
- Utensil Crock
- Utensils: Spoon, Slotted Spoon, Spatula
- Dish/Hand Soap Pump
- Paper Towel Holder
Group Two Includes:
- Vintage Toaster Kit w/ Plug/Cord
- Butter Crock w/Cube of Butter
- Vintage Canister Set of Three w/Removable Lids
- Bread Box w/Removable Lid
- Cookbook Holder
Group Three Includes:
- Cookie Sheet
- Bread Pan
- Muffin Pan
- Scalloped Cake Plate on Pedestal
- Bundt Pan
- Pie Plate
- Rolling Pin Kit
- Optional Bakeware Rack
Group Four Includes:
- Vintage Mixer Kit w/Plug & Cord, Hinge
- Two Liquid Measuring Cups
- Three Dry Measuring Cups
- Three Measuring Spoons
- Stacking Mixing Bowls Set of Three
- Sifter Kit
Group Five Includes:
- Dutch Oven w/Lid
- Medium Pot w/Lid
- Small Pot w/Lid
- Small, Medium and Large Covered Casseroles w/Lids
- Small, Medium and Large Frying Pans
- Optional Casserole Storage Rack
- Optional Frying Pan Storage Rack
- Optional Lid Racks
Group Six Includes:
- Bud Vase
- Napkin Holder
- Salt & Pepper Shakers
- Retro Pitcher
- Covered Butter Dish w/Cube of Butter
- Four Dinner Plates
- Four Salad Plates
- Four Dessert Plates
- Four Bowls
- Four Coffee Cups
Group Seven Includes:
- Teapot w/Lid
- Coffee Pot w/Lid
- Two Teacups
- Two Saucers
- Sugar Bowl w/Lid
- Creamer Pitcher
- Tiered Dessert Stand
At this point I do not know what the pricing will be. I have yet to compile the questionnaires that have been returned to me and see the suggestions. I also need to do a little market research to see what similar items sell for. I do know that I'd like to offer free shipping. There is nothing like the nasty surprise of getting to checkout only to see your total way up once taxes and shipping have been added! I need to see if Etsy accommodates a shipping credit for international buyers, too. Still so much to learn!!!
Now it's time to dismantle the photo shops, put the mini kitchen minis away for safe keeping and figure out the next logical step. Would it be helpful to list the kitchen minis on eBay? Say one group of the painted minis and one group of the unfinished minis just to measure interest and pricing? What do you guys think? All honest feedback and suggestions are most welcome! 💗
I hope to be back soon to share the reviews and photos from all of the testers, plus all the finishing tips, products and techniques folks used on these 3D minis. I am so inspired by the creativity and ingenuity in our community of miniaturists! You guys are amazing!!!
xo xo,
Jodi
Dear Jodi,
ReplyDeleteAll of your painted 3D miniatures are wonderful! I love your kitchen, it looks even better with all of the kitchen goodies in it!
Have you considered setting up an Etsy shop? I don't know if that would be helpful, but a lot of our mini friends have them, so perhaps it would work for you. If not, I love the idea of an eBay shop! I'm sure you'll have your hands full with lots of bids - your items are simply spectacular and everybody will be thrilled to get their hands on them!
Julia
Thanks Julia! It was fun to finally get to play with all of the pieces!
DeleteAn Etsy shop is what I am considering for sometime in the future. There is so much to learn still before I commit, but I am examining the idea. It is truly the design part I love, so it may be that selling svg and stl files may be the happy outcome. We'll see! Glad you like everything!
Love your work and would very much like to be able to purchase stl files for my 3d printer. Contact me at tedsandyw@comcast.net if you figure out how to sell them. thanks.Sandy
DeleteThanks Sandy!
DeleteHi Jodi. Great work with the photos, they look amazing! Very clear and bright. As for selling them, that’s a harder one. Etsy takes a big cut - currently I need to add at least 20% to the price and to shipping to cover the additional cost. But the upside is there is a big, readily available market. I am not sure about Ebay as I don’t sell there. My website is on Squarespace and it costs me less than Etsy but I get fewer sales (although they are my regular customers and the orders are much much larger than on Etsy). I pay a yearly fee, and it’s based on the features you want. I think some websites will offer very basic e-commerce feaures for free, or cheap. I initially looked at Wix and it wasn’t too bad. A friend recommended Wordpress. And I believe Facebook has new e-commerce options too now, but not sure about that. Lots more research to go into online selling, and they all have their positives and negatives! Another option is you can have your designs printed professionally though Shapeways and have a store on there.
ReplyDeleteThanks Shannon! This is very helpful information! I really can't see myself becoming a full time seller at this point, unless it is just offering the digital files and tutorials and then limited runs of actual minis. I am so not interested in another full time commitment, lol! But I am being open to the process and learning as much as I can before I make a real decision. If it all makes sense I am willing to give things a go. I have over 300 designs and I'd love to share them!
DeleteJodi, las fotos son perfectas, se ve el producto muy nítido, lo cual es muy importante para los compradores! La cocina como muestrario es tan bonita!!
ReplyDeleteSobre las ventas sólo puedo decirte que yo miro en etsy, es más popular o también en facebook, la verdad que en ebay pocas veces he comprado. Sobre las condiciones que estas plataformas ponen a los vendedores no sé nada.
Pero estoy segura que tus productos se venderán porque son preciosos!
Ánimo y a por el siguiente paso!!
Besos.
¡Gracias Pilar! ¡La cantidad de aprendizaje e investigación necesaria para tomar una buena decisión es abrumadora! Estoy bastante seguro de que si decido seguir adelante, Etsy será mi elección, ya que puedo ofrecer artículos físicos y digitales en un solo lugar. Pero aún debo hacer algunos "ensayos" para tener una idea precisa de la inversión de tiempo frente al punto de precio, etc. ¿Es factible? Pero estoy siguiendo el consejo de "actuar como si" para poder tomar la mejor decisión. ¡Me alegro mucho de que te gusten los minis!
DeleteWow Jodi, you have been busy! I have to say that I love all your creations and your display kitchen as well. I would like to buy them all, lol. I don´t buy from America as the postage cost are so high but I wish I could. Your photos are great and you can see the items very clearly. I wish you the best if you decide to pursue selling them. Big hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks Alex! I am glad you like everything! It has become expensive and unreliable to purchase minis from other countries in the last few years, and that is so sad! I am glad you like the kitchen and the minis and if I ever come to visit in your corner of the world, I'll pack you some goodies in my suitcase!
DeleteI love to have this room box with all the groups both coloured, uncoloured :) But as top options group 5 coloured & group 4 & 7 uncoloured. Please post in etsy so we could try free shipping if applies. Ebay may not be good deal for Indian buyers :D
ReplyDeleteI will keep smiling this whole day thinking of your creations. Loving it a lot :>
Regards,
Papitha
Thanks Papitha! It seems that Etsy is the best place for mini makers and buyers to exchange! I'm so happy to know that you like the kitchen and the minis! Maybe one day everyone will have 3D printers so that getting designs into people's hands is a lot more feasible!
DeleteDear Jodi, You must have been working around the clock making these beautiful displays. Your kitchen is beautiful, as well as the items, colored and uncolored. on show. The option to buy unpainted items will attract people who prefer another choice of color and already own similar colored dishes. For this purpose it may be good to price items both individually and in groups.
ReplyDeleteBefore the shipping costs were higher than the actual items purchased I ordered and bought several things from USA dealers, like paper punches and 1/48" plastic.furniture. Always from the dealers themselves.
I wish you good luck and am sure these wonderful items will sell like hot buns.
Hugs, Drora
Thank you, Drora! I think uncolored is the way to go, too. It's a lot of fun to customize for your own project, and if I had to paint them, I am afraid that is all I would ever have time for. I shop almost exclusively in my home country now, too, as shipping/taxes/lost packages take supporting artisans in other countries out of budget/risky. I haven't even sent Christmas or Birthday gifts to mini friends since 2020 for the same reasons, and that is a sad state of affairs. I think as more and more miniaturists get Cricuts and 3D printers, designing things and selling the digital files might be the way to go.
DeleteYou are receiving great comments here. I'm emailing my assessment now. It's beginning to look like from the comments that you will have to explore more than one way to test sales. I still think eBay might reach more people than just this website; Facebook might be a good option, too. I know my daughter sells her leather work on Facebook, but it seems that most of her response comes from people she already knows. After going to the San Jose Good Sam show where I hoping to see more 1:12 pieces, I was disappointed to see mostly smaller scale items. You have a a fabulous product, but marketing will be a good challenge. More to say in email.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ann! If I do decide to sell things from time to time, it will be from one platform, likely Etsy because of the audience and convenience, and it will be a very limited kind of thing. Having digital files available is one thing, but I like having my mini time for myself, selfishly. If I am printing something for myself, it's not too much to print and sell five extras, but selling on demand would take all my free time, I'm afraid. That's not at all what I have in mind.
DeleteHi Jodi!
ReplyDeleteHaving observed your previous Hands Down Successes producing and selling your WONDERFUL bathroom vanities, it's easy to see that there's an eager market both in the U.S. and abroad for your Finished Miniature and now also for your svg and stl files.
You are wise to do your research first rather than after the fact and exploring all of your marketing options. No point in getting your venue set up but then having to change it soon thereafter.
Having said all that I've already seen that you have a good business head on your shoulders as well as being a quick study, so I can only imagine what other MINI WONDERS lie just ahead in your future.
BRAVO for what you've done and for what's yet to come! 👏🏽👏🏽😄
Thanks Elizabeth! If I am meant to provide minis to other enthusiasts I know everything will fall into place with a little effort on my part. If not, it will just remind me of all the reasons that I wanted to keep my Joy from becoming a Job all these years! :O) The way things are taxed and structured now days, it really seems like opening a new small business from home is discouraged. For example, the threshold for paying quarterly taxes to the IRS in 2021 was $21,000.00 in gross sales. Now it is $2,000.00. There is so much that you are responsible to know, and if you don't know, you rack up fines. Very scary! I will need to proceed very slowly, if at all.
DeleteI'm always amazed at the level of detail and how realistic your creations are. I especially love the racks to display your bake ware and cookware. You have all the makings of a wonderful 'kitchen' store with those.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely take a look at the pricing for various pieces on Etsy and see if similar items are selling on Ebay to get a general idea of what others charge.
Thanks Sheila! I'm so glad you like the kitchen minis! I absolutely love the challenge of designing new pieces, and wish I could do more of it! Maybe that is where the future lies for me, selling strictly digital files and tutorials. Hmmmmm...
DeleteWhat a beautiful miniatures, I like the withe one's too. The show kitchen has a nice calm color and the colored minis look great in this kitchen. How nice to read that you are trying to sell it, good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks Gonda! I'm so happy that you like the kitchen and the minis! I love everything in white, too! As for selling, the scales seem to be tipping toward not doing it this week. I am definitely not going to jump into anything until I feel I have a good handle on everything I need to know. There are too many consequences if you don't know what you don't know!
DeleteThe last reaction is me to forget log in
ReplyDelete😊
DeleteMe parece increíble el esfuerzo en hacer tantas fotografías y tan bien planificadas; se ven estupendas y las miniaturas son geniales para cualquier cocina. El mundo de las ventas por internet es la solución ,tendrás que estudiar bien que plataforma de pueda encajar y que tengas un beneficio para un trabajo tan enorme. Yo en ese campo no tengo ni idea. Vender el artículo terminado y también la opción sin pintar me parece a mi lo más acertado. Suerte en esta nueva andadura
ReplyDelete¡Gracias Rosa María! Todo este esfuerzo ha tomado mucho tiempo para lograrlo, y todavía no sé si vender es lo correcto para mí. Hay mucho que saber y aprender, y no estoy seguro de estar equipado para el trabajo. Ciertamente no quiero que la venta tome la mayor parte de mi mini tiempo, pero parece que inicialmente tendría que ser así. Procederé lentamente y me aseguraré de conocer todos los factores antes de tomar una decisión.
DeleteYou really don't need bottled sunshine; even not if it's on sale and a true bargain because your showroom kitchen with its colorful "inhabitants" really spreads plenty of sunshine to the eyes. If evidence should be necessary, pick out picture 47 and the day gets brighter in an instant! Anyhow, Magica de Spell asked me to tell you she's sorry, but she's not allowed to sell outside the magical world... ;O)
ReplyDeleteI've really enjoyed your pictures and to study the quality of your items again and a bit closer. I think it's a good idea to do a bit research to "spy" about prices of other sellers and to wait for the feedback of your *ahem* volunteers. And personally I think Etsy is a better choice than Ebay for miniatures. As you may remember I closed my shop some time ago but I always thought that their system is easy to handle and I think when it comes to miniatures they have a bigger traffic.
And I have something to think about for you: I would suggest to start with just selling to the U.S. In your country are so many miniaturists that there will be enough demand (I know what I'm talking about, most of my sales went to the U.S.) and you can save yourself any trouble with filling out customs forms at the beginning when you should start your shop (And believe me - this is the pest). This way you could settle up, get familiar with everything and you will always be able to change your selling range to worldwide. But like Alex already said - I too skip vendors from the U.S. because shipment is by now so incredible high that it doesn't make sense to buy there.
I'm curious to hear the feedback of your *ehem* volunteers and what you're going to do next... ;O)
Hugs
Birgit
I was thinking about it this morning as I was sitting in my gray living room, listening to all the raindrops hitting the windows... All I really need to find the sunshine is an airplane! Then I could just fly above the clouds and bask in the sun for a while before I had to delve back into the gloom. If I had spent as much time on flying lessons as I have minis this past ten years, surely I'd have my pilots license by now, lol! Tell Magica de Spell I'd never dream of getting her into trouble, so I won't ask again until I am a fairy.
DeleteI didn't come upon your amazing work and blog until after you'd stopped selling on Etsy, or I'd have surely gotten a few BiWuBeärs by now! Etsy does seem like the logical platform given all the circumstances, but selling seems like less and less a good idea as I learn more! I am having doubts that my brain is capable of handling the business side, though the creative side is no problem!
If I ever do hang a shingle, sticking to the US sounds like great advice! There is so much to know at first without biting off more than I can chew. And maybe just starting off with digital files might be a good way for me to start small and learn. I am open to yes, I am open to no, I just want to be sure I have a good idea what is ahead either way.
Jodi, your items and displays look fabulous. As far as advice on selling (or not) goes, I’m clueless. However, I have been known to purchase an stl file or two. I’ll continue to send you feedback on my finishes as I try them. Best wishes on the whole endeavor.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sherrill! The digital files might be a good way to start and to determine if I can handle all the business responsibilities before I take on more. I have a volunteer who has said she will test my Cricut files and tutorials for me, and if you would also be interested in doing that, I could feel confident moving that direction. I used to give classes for coworkers on Access and Excel, writing the class manuals for them, but this is a whole different animal. If my directions and photos aren't clear, they are no good to anyone. But designing is so much fun, and with so many folks getting Cricut machines now, I'd love to share!
DeleteFantásticas todas tus creaciones. La cocina ha quedado espectacular !!!!!
ReplyDelete¡Muchas gracias Eloísa! Me alegra saber que te gustan todos los minis de cocina!
DeleteThanks Terri! I'm happy to know you liked the way the photos came out!
ReplyDeleteI had a Shapeways shop for several years, but by the time they add their markup, things are so pricy. Plus, they had a minimum shipping charge of $9.50. Unless you filled the box with minis that was ridiculous since most minis under 16 oz cost $3.85 to ship. So I really doubt I'd go through all the time and trouble to set up mu items there again.
Momof8Minis on IG has a unique way to sell where she makes batches of things and announces them from time to time. That might be more my comfort level. Thanks so much for your good advice!
Hi Jodi! My, you have ben busy!! I have been busy as well, although not with minis, hence my absence from the blogs for a while. I have read through the comments about whether to set up a shop or not and certainly there are lots of good pieces of advice. If you do decide to go for it I think Birgitte's advice about staying in the US to start is good advice. I did pause for a moment though when you were talking about your experience with Shapeways and how, once their mark up was added, things became very expensive. Here's the thing - as a retired certified accountant I feel pretty safe in saying that one of the biggest mistakes made by a person new to the retail business is underpricing their items. There are many things to take into consideration - not the least of which is production time, cost of materials, cost of overhead including, utilities, a portion of the cost of your home, if that is where your production facility is, and I am sure a few other things. THEN, you need to set up, right up front, both wholesale and retail prices, because, at some point some company may ask to act as a distributor of your products. That means you have to cover all of your costs, plus your desired profit level, plus the level above this which will become the retail price. That way, if you are selling wholesale, you will still get the profit you desire and your retail price will be the same as your distributor's retail price. You can find lots of examples online to help you figure this out. I hope I didn't scar you!! Stop thinking about it for now and just enjoy the weekend! Hugs - Marilyn D.
ReplyDeleteThanks Marilyn - this is great advice! I still tend to get great sticker shock these days when I see the price of handmade miniatures. Not that they aren't worth that for the skill and effort that goes into them, it's just that I'm at an age where that much money used to go so much farther. I'm just getting old, I guess, and will soon be complaining to my kids how expensive the heating bill is, lol! 😁
DeleteWow, you've been real busy!! About your questions: >>Would it be helpful to list the kitchen minis on eBay? Say one group of the painted minis and one group of the unfinished minis just to measure interest and pricing?>> This sounds good. I think it's always best to measure the actual interest.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly right, Millimari! If there is no demand it does not matter what the price is! It may be prudent to start really small, with files maybe and some things that don't require a great deal of labor, then read the tea leaves.
DeleteWow, Jodi!!! Just plain WOW! When you do a project you really get it done! (Not a skill I possess... apparently! Lol!) The dish sets and cookware and accessories in plain and colored all look amazing! And your "test kitchen" is so cute... I would never have the heart to undo the set-up! Lol! I wish you great happiness and fun in whatever you decide about selling things... I have pledged myself to keep my hobby just for play... (but I have a full time job! Lol!). I always look forward to seeing whatever you are up to! Keep up the wonderful creativity! :):)
ReplyDeleteThanks Betsy! I'm glad you like the minis and the kitchen! It feels really great to have accomplished this goal, and now I am looking forward to getting back to following creativity and not a rigid schedule! As for selling or not, I am going to let the idea coast until after the holidays. I seem to make better decisions if I allow myself time to ponder all the angles. I truly enjoy my free time, too, and the freedom to do with it whatever takes my fancy at the moment That will play a large part in my decision. Right now I am really looking forward to getting back to the Willowcrest kitchen!
DeleteTodo el conjunto es maravilloso.
ReplyDeleteCada pieza y el color elegido para ellas es fabuloso.
Has realizado un trabajo precioso y su presentación es magnífica.
Un saludo
¡Gracias Mariana! ¡Fue como una terapia de color probar tantos colores divertidos en estos minis! Estoy feliz de haber terminado este objetivo y ahora estoy listo para regresar a la cocina de Willowcrest y su paleta de colores vintage tenue.
DeleteWOW, OH MY WORD, I love seeing what you have been doing, and you never fail to impress. Its all gorgeous, I think they would fly off the shelves :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks Polly! I appreciate your support and enthusiasm! I wish I had new stuff to share, but there's been no mini time lately. :O(
DeleteThese are fantastic!!!! Great job! And your show kitchen is awesome!!! I’m lol be keeping an eye out for when you start to sell!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am happy to know that you like them! As for selling, I'll keep you posted about my decision...
DeleteWonderful pictures and 3D items.I really like items and their colors. They are unique pieces, impossible to find elsewhere. I could say that you can do anything and everything, my compliments!
ReplyDeleteThank you Faby! It is a tremendous blessing to have the ability to print 3D minis as an idea happens! I hope soon that every miniaturist will have a 3D printer in their arsenal of mini assets!
DeleteLove it all. Can’t wait to buy some of it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Wanda! There has been no mini time of late, so all the progress toward a decision has stopped. Hopefully, I'll get back some mini time in the near future!
DeleteThese are so adorable! Thanks for putting them in a scene to let us know just how perfect the scale is! Waiting for the complete listing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Grandmommy!
DeleteI built my first dollhouse in 1992 and thought I had seen it all until I ran across your blog. I'm in the process of building the Beach Bungalow for my granddaughter and have picked up so many great ideas from your blog. Love your 3D kitchen items.
ReplyDeleteI've just started exploring the world of 3D (thanks to my son-in-law) and was wondering which 3D printer you were using and the type of paints you use on your products?
Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge and talents!.
Thanks JD! I'm so glad to know you are finding useful bits for your project! I had so much fun with my Beachside Bungalow! It was a great and customizable kit!
DeleteI joined the Beachside Bungalow Facebook group while doing mine, and it was fun to swap ideas and get inspired. If you're interested, here's the link:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1062843250879938
As for my 3D printing adventure, I have 2 Qidi machines. I find them amazing, easy to learn on and I like that they are totally enclosed so when not in use, are safe.
I use both acrylic craft paint and spray paint for plastics (like Krylon 2X) on my prints, and I find with a little prep and careful application, they come out great. I use a spray sealer in whatever sheen I need and find it protects the paint job well.
Best of luck in your adventure! The uses for 3D printing in our mini hobby are mind blowing!
Thanks for all the information on 3D printing and the Facebook recommendation. I am definitely going to check it out.
Delete