Hi all,
Recently, I posed a question in our community about the pricing of custom-made miniatures, and the responses were both insightful and thought-provoking. The discussion highlighted several different perspectives, and I'd like to share them here to spark further conversation on the topic.
A key theme that emerged is the understanding that when we pay for custom miniatures, we're often paying for more than just the item itself.
Many people mentioned that pricing includes the time spent perfecting the craft, the skill required, and the material costs. One community member put it this way: "Spend 100 hours on a dollhouse, what's it worth? A dollar an hour? Two? Would you work for that?" Custom work takes time and talent—both of which are reflected in the price.
There was also recognition that overhead costs play a significant role. Another member pointed out that beyond materials, there are utilities, tools, and the workspace to consider.
A custom maker has to keep the lights on, pay for heat, and maintain the tools needed to create each piece. These overheads often add to the cost, and it's easy to overlook them as buyers.
Another sentiment shared was that custom miniatures are a luxury.
==> A Luxury Dollhouse by Aida Pravia
One person described them as "a luxury to have in your collection but also a way to support living artisans," emphasizing the value of supporting skilled makers.
Another echoed this by saying, "Custom pieces are expensive due to the craftsmanship of the work. I commission pieces from time to time & I expect to pay 3-20x more than an off-the-shelf facsimile."
On the other hand, there were also opinions about affordability. Some shared that while they understand the value, custom miniatures are simply out of their price range. "If it's too much, I won't pay the high prices," one person said, voicing the perspective that even with the understanding of skill and time, budget is a personal factor for many.
Personally, I think both sides have valid points. Custom miniatures are indeed a luxury—they represent the maker's time, skill, and dedication. But I also understand that not everyone can justify the expense, and that's okay too. I believe it's ultimately about finding what brings you joy, whether that's investing in a one-of-a-kind artisan piece or finding a more affordable option that fits your budget.
I'd love to hear more thoughts on this. Do you feel the prices are fair given the craftsmanship involved? Are custom miniatures something you'd splurge on, or do you prefer other options?
I wish you happy collecting!
Lizzy
