When pricing your handmade products, it’s tempting to use the word “affordable” to attract budget-conscious customers. After all, everyone loves a good deal, right? But in reality, calling your product affordable could actually be hurting your business - and your customers’ experience. Here’s why it’s a mistake and what to do instead.
1. “Affordable” Is Completely Subjective
What’s affordable to one person might be out of reach for another. A $50 handmade candle might be a casual purchase for one customer but a major splurge for someone else. When you label your product as affordable, you risk creating an emotional disconnect.
Imagine a customer who has been saving up for one of your handmade rings. They’re excited to finally make the purchase, feeling like they’re treating themselves to something special. But then they see you describe it as “affordable,” and suddenly, the magic disappears. Instead of feeling like they’re indulging in a luxurious, meaningful piece, they feel silly for spending money on something that was supposed to be inexpensive.
By calling your product valuable, high-quality, unique, or luxurious instead of affordable, you allow your customers to appreciate it as something worth investing in.
2. “Affordable” Doesn’t Help You Get Found Online
If you’re selling handmade products, chances are you’re listing them on Shopify, Etsy, or your own website. That means SEO (Search Engine Optimization) matters - because if people can’t find your products, they can’t buy them.
Here’s the problem: Nobody searches for “affordable jewelry” or “affordable candles.” Instead, they search for things like:
✅ Handmade gold necklace
✅ Soy wax lavender candle
✅ Custom name bracelet
✅ Luxury scented candle
When you use descriptive, keyword-rich terms, your products have a much better chance of showing up in search results. “Affordable” isn’t a keyword that helps you rank. Worse, it might attract the wrong audience - people looking for mass-produced, cheap items rather than someone who truly values handmade craftsmanship.
3. Your Prices Should Support Your Business, Not Undercut It
Many handmade business owners start out pricing their products too low because they worry people won’t buy them if they charge more. But here’s the truth: if your prices don’t give you a healthy profit margin, your business won’t survive.
When you factor in materials, time, packaging, shipping, and platform fees, your pricing needs to reflect the true cost of running your business. Calling your products affordable encourages the idea that handmade goods should be cheap, which ultimately hurts the entire handmade community.
Instead of racing to the bottom with pricing, focus on these three things:
✔️ Quality – Emphasize the craftsmanship, premium materials, and uniqueness of your products.
✔️ Branding – Position your products as exclusive, limited edition, or heirloom-quality rather than focusing on price.
✔️ Ideal Customers – Market to people who appreciate and value handmade, rather than those looking for bargains.
What to Say Instead of “Affordable”
Now that we’ve covered why “affordable” isn’t the best choice, here are some words that will elevate your brand and attract the right buyers:
- Handcrafted with care
- Luxury meets meaning
- Timeless and made to last
- Custom-made just for you
- A special keepsake to treasure
By using words that highlight quality, craftsmanship, and uniqueness, you’re helping customers see your products as worthy investments - not just another purchase.
Learn How to Price and Market Your Handmade Products the Right Way.
If you’re serious about growing your handmade business and attracting the right customers, pricing and branding are key. In Naptime Enterprises, I walk you through how to set profitable prices, position your brand effectively, and reach customers who are willing to pay for the value of your work.
Want to make your handmade business truly thrive? Start today with Naptime Enterprises!
