Marble Coasters and.....

Why do i want to buy these marble coasters? I have no need for them. But somehow, when viewing this display- I need them! While grouping smaller related items together, it creates and draws you in- to touch and feel, and really get hands on with the item. The display is 'hand'  level and very accessible. It is also right next to the cash wrap at the store- therefore lots of easy to buy items are available. The varied price points are tempting too- while the $200 throw with the pom poms- so cute, I know, but a tad out of my price range- the $28 coaster set is a tad more in line with my bank account. Yup, I bought the coasters...... and the cheese platter.

Who You Are?

We all try to 'find' ourselves and figure out our path. Our likes and dislikes. But I want to learn about you! East Meets Beach readers and subscribers! Let's learn more about you!

As East Meets Beach is new, so our our readers. You live in the US, and a few of you (4 to be exact) live in Canada! Welcome!

I appreciate all of your pageviews and please continue with your comments and please tell your friends (share, like or re-post) this blog to your followers! East Meets Beach is for you!

My First Bag

Creating a handbag is not an easy task- style, size, weight...... along with the fun details and embellishments all while keeping a classic style. These are all characteristics I want a bag to encompass- and be cute of course! I love the raffia like material, and the linen delicate ties at the top. Keeping it all classic and neutral- My ideal bag would be 8"L 3" W by 5"H - include a handle made of pearls (real but let's be realistic- for cost reasons, they will not be the ones found under the sea). Cost for the materials will be approx $30 per bag. Time to produce 2 hours at $15 per hour: $30. 20% for profit= $12. Estimated Price plus Profit $72, Estimated Retail Price for Bag : $89

Not All Sleeves Are Created Equally

Age is just a number- we have all heard that before. Well, the same applies to sizes, or does it! Small, Medium, Large..... what size do you wear? Well, I'm a 2 or 4 in one brand, a 6 in another brand, and in that European maker brand, I am an 8. That is quite the run of the gamut for sizing, While rifling through my closet, I found that I have a variety of sizes, and guess what, they all fit me in one way or another (or why would I buy them). However, you would think that a size Small in one brand fits (hooray)- thus I buy all of the Smalls in every color of the same item. Only to get them home, and surprise, they do not fit the same way. How and why is this possible? Is this quality control? I tend to find the lower the quality, the higher the variance of size difference vs a more consistent size with the higher the price of the product. This seems to make sense as a higher quality garment will have most likely more care, time and checks and balances in the design and production process. Which made me wonder- is it better to sacrifice style or quality for a size?

The Cost Of It All....

Silk Pocket Square: $15.00

Ribbon: $5.00

.35 hours @ $15= $5,25

Total production cost $25.25

$5.05= 20% Profit

Total cost plus profit: $30.30

Estimated retail price:  $35

While taking a step back from the product, and really realizing the quality, I would like to use, and then making sure the product would have a significant price point is eye opening. I want to use silk, but as it is a pricier fabric, that is also a challenge. The production is the easiest part- and I found that the main price point would be the total cost of the materials. It is also a new way to think about how small that actual 20% profit is. While $5.05 is not a lot per product per profit, if you market the product well, you can see an increase with sales and that small 20% profit will increase in time.