I've seen so many posts/comments lately about how Company A is "overrated and overpriced", or "I would never pay that much for Company B". Granted, I'm a college student, so I definitely understand not being able to afford or wanting to spend that much, but is there a way to be tactful about it?
Starting a business is not easy, even an online tshirt store like Pretty Natural Divas. Being able to produce products cheapily while still profiting is not easy either. In the "Natural world", many products are made with all-natural and organic ingredients which we know are not cheap, so yes, it's going to cost more for that. The company should not be to blame for that. You're penalizing a company for believing in bringing you quality ingredients.
Contrary to popular belief, unless you have tons of orders coming in, you can't really get a discount on the ingredients/tools needed for your products from your manufacturer. For example, in the tshirt business, one good white t-shirt is a good $15 or so (This is why we offer very few colored shirts... the cost of those are ridiculous and you guys would beat us up for selling them lol). You don't get a discount on your order until you order like, 20 shirts. For small businesses like us, most times you're not ordering 20 shirts at one time, so you have to beef up how much your shirts costs just to repay you for costs from the manufacturer.
I would love to see people either...
1) support Black-owned businesses wholeheartedly because they recognize the economic strength and potential of our community
2) not support in silence and keep it moving, rather than tearing down an entrepreneur that's striving to make their dream come true
As a company owner, of course you strive to provide your customers with low prices, but sometimes you don't have the resources or network ties to sell a $2.00 tshirt even though you try. Does that mean that people
If the prices aren't for you, don't buy it and keep it moving. Don't drag down a Black-owned business, that we as a community need to support and uplift more, just because the prices don't work for you. This is completely contrary to the idea of support Black-owned business.
Jane Carter explained it best to me when she said that though the price point that most Black women pay is $7, does not mean that everyone wants a $7 product chock full of chemicals, as opposed to a more quality product that's worth a little bit more...
You pay for what you get, and as my mother says, you get what you get and you don't throw a fit.
I TOTALLY agree with you and you couldn't have said it better. I don't see many people running around here complaining about Paul Mitchell, Kera Care or Mizanni's prices for their products. Either they buy them or they don't. Murmuring and complaining is not the way to go.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that you posted this! I am in total agreement! Why do we do this, tear down a black business because they may up their prices, or they may cost a little more than mainstream products, etc. It's hard working running a business and keeping the customers happy while still trying to eat and have a roof over your head. I don't think people realize how demeaning and destructive it is to blast a company or small business because of pricing. This deters others from reaching out to the business and in turn, destroys the company's (or small business') name and reputation. Love this post!
ReplyDeleteSo true! I have launched a company selling 100% natural shea butter blends and can attest that it is not cheap. Luckily this is not my primary gig, so I can make orders as they come in, when they come in. Many have commented that they 'love' the product, yet feel that it's pricey. My thought is, "It's worth it!" Most don't bat an eye when spending money on relaxers that do nothing but harm the hair, yet balk at paying for something that can improve their hair's health. All I can say is stay true to your business model and the quality of your product. Don't be tempted to cut corners. Eventually the business will come...
ReplyDeleteI think that even as business people, we have to present options to the markets that we're selling to. Im not saying that you should cheapen your product but make it so that it is. You can buy shea and other butters and essential oils online and still be able to balance quality with price. I know a hair company called Amazing Botanicals that produces quality products at affordable prices. I was fooled into believing at one point that I had to pay $58 for some Miss Jessie's Baby butter-cream, that wasn't doing anything for me! We should cater to our own market, make affordable products. Simple
ReplyDeleteAmen sister! Preach it. So true.
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly where you are coming from. Natural cost more. That's the bottom line and there must be some upcharge in order to make a profit. That's business. I have the same issue. I upcharge over the manufacturer's price but I don't get outrageous. I price the products based on a few things:
*What other retailers are charging balancing that with:
*What I feel the product is worth.
Good post!
ReplyDeleteI agree with this. Our folks have this erroneous idea that the using "black card" means they shouldn't have to pay full price for things.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cultural issue based on a time when we COULDN'T do business in the major market and sold our services and products within our own communities.
While I definitely support (own and operate) black business, I do find myself getting annoyed when people complain about the prices of things...as if it doesn't cost the same amount of money to keep a business up and running.
We, as business owners, need to maintain the value of our business. I believe in percentage discounts under certain circumstances, but i DO NOT agree with undercutting the price of my services (I own a hair salon).
People FIND the money for the things that they find value in, yes, even in this recession. While its not necessary to over shoot the market prices severely (to alienate your target market), but it is necessary (for those of us who support families on our black business income) to make enough money to cover operating costs
Whoohoooo!!! Very well said!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with your general point, but a part of me can't help to disagree to an extent. I think many of us are willing to pay extra for black-owned businesses, but at what point do prices become too much? If I see a good number of companies that make products with natural ingredients and they're selling products for cheaper than your product that is full of fillers (or the same natural ingredients as a less expensive company), why should I be willing to pay more than $30 for your 8 oz product? You can't help but feel cheated. If you have no problem shelling out cash for some of these pricier products, then more power to you, but at what point do these prices reflect the actual quality of the product, rather than the company's hype? What some women may have an issue with is WANTING to support certain businesses, but not being able to because of the high prices. I honestly think that if certain companies decreased their prices even a little bit, a lot more women would feel OK spending their money to support these businesses. People do spend money on things they value, but it does get to a point where you feel like you're being taken advantage of. There needs to be a balance of quality products for not cheap, but affordable prices.
ReplyDelete@OnyxRose- I am in no way endorsing paying $50 for a product. Some products are garbage and, well, costly lol.
ReplyDeleteMy main thing is, if a product is not for you, it's not for you and keep it moving. There's no need to verbally bash a company because the prices of their products don't work for you. Though there are some exceptions, most companies work hard to make a product, regardless of price, and with the rise of social media, it's so easy to hurt a company by bashing them, when that's not necessary.
--Jameka
That I do agree with. Great post.
ReplyDeleteNice job!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat post-LOVE the site :)
ReplyDelete