How to Price Crafts You Sell on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok
How to price crafts sold through Facebook, Instagram and TikTok: payment fees, shipping, pickup, deposits for custom orders, and one price list for DMs.
In this guide
Many makers sell through Facebook groups, Instagram DMs, TikTok and local pickup. It feels fee-free, but payment apps, shipping and time spent messaging still cost money. This guide shows how to set social media prices that match your other channels and protect you on custom orders.
- Social price = cost to make + profit, divided by 1 minus payment fees (often about 3%).
- Keep one price list so DMs get quick, consistent answers.
- Take a deposit on custom orders before you buy supplies.
- Charge for shipping or delivery, and set a pickup location and window.
Why social media prices drift
In DMs, it is easy to give a friend price or haggle. Each custom request also takes time to answer, mock up and change.
A price list, deposit rule and standard add-ons keep prices steady and save hours of messaging.
The steps
1. Find your cost to make
Materials, packaging, labor and overhead.
2. Add profit and payment fees
Most payment apps and card readers charge about 3% for goods and services. Divide by 0.97.
3. Make a price list
List prices, sizes and common add-ons in one image or post.
4. Set deposit rules
Many makers ask for 50% before starting custom work.
5. Add shipping or delivery
Charge real shipping, or a delivery fee by distance.
Worked example: social media prices
$20 an hour, 10% overhead, 30% profit and 3% payment fees.
| Custom tumbler | Bow set for kids | Candle three-pack | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Materials and packaging | $9.50 | $4.20 | $13.00 |
| Labor at $20.00/hr | 0.75 hr = $15.00 | 0.5 hr = $10.00 | 0.75 hr = $15.00 |
| Overhead (10%) | $2.45 | $1.42 | $2.80 |
| Cost to make | $26.95 | $15.62 | $30.80 |
| Plus 30% profit | $35.04 | $20.31 | $40.04 |
| Cover 3% selling fees (divide by 0.97) | $36.12 | $20.93 | $41.28 |
| Suggested price | $37 | $21 | $42 |
These prices are a bit lower than Etsy prices because fees are lower. Keep them close to your other channels so buyers don't feel you charge some people more.
Pricing mistakes to avoid
- Giving a new price in every DM. Use one price list so buyers get the same answer every time.
- Starting custom work without a deposit. If the buyer disappears, you keep the supplies and lose the time.
- Forgetting payment app fees. Goods and services payments usually carry a fee. Include it.
- Free delivery across town. Charge for delivery by distance or set a pickup spot.
What you keep on each sales channel
The same custom tumbler at $37.00 leaves different money in your pocket depending on where it sells. This uses the $26.95 cost to make from the example above, with Etsy's current transaction, processing and listing fees and Square's in-person card rate. Shipping, sales tax and ads are left out.
| Where it sells | Buyer pays | Fees | You keep | Profit over cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etsy (6.5% + 3% + $0.25 + $0.20 listing) | $37.00 | $3.97 | $33.03 | $6.08 |
| Your own website (about 2.9% + $0.30) | $37.00 | $1.37 | $35.63 | $8.68 |
| Craft fair, card reader (2.6% + $0.15) | $37.00 | $1.11 | $35.89 | $8.94 |
| Craft fair, cash | $37.00 | $0.00 | $37.00 | $10.05 |
On Etsy, fees take about 11% of a $37.00 sale. If a sale comes through Etsy Offsite Ads, add another 15% (12% for shops over $10,000 a year), so build that into your price if you're enrolled.
Social media pricing checklist
- Cost to make known.
- Payment fees included.
- One price list for DMs.
- Deposit rule for custom orders.
- Shipping or delivery fees set.
- Pickup location and window set.
- Prices close to your other channels.
Set prices for every channel
Type your cost and each channel's fees into the peach cells. The calculator shows a price for Etsy, your website, markets and social media.
Get the Multi-Channel Price CalculatorCalculators that help
- Compare channels: See which channel pays most. Use the Sales Channel Profit Comparison Calculator – Etsy vs Website vs Amazon Handmade vs Craft Shows.
- Deposits: Track deposits and balances. Use the Custom Order Deposit & Balance Tracker – Deposits, Balances Due & Overdue Orders.
- Custom quotes: Quote custom orders fast. Use the Custom Order Quote Calculator – Design Time, Revisions, Rush Fee, Deposit & Balance Due.
- Handmade pricing: Price any handmade product. Use the Handmade Product Pricing Calculator – Materials, Labor, Overhead, Retail & Wholesale Prices.
Common questions
How do I price crafts on Facebook Marketplace?
Price from your cost, add profit and payment fees, and keep it close to your other channels.
Should I charge less on social media than on Etsy?
A little less is fine, since fees are lower. Big differences can upset buyers.
Should I take deposits for custom orders?
Yes. Many makers take 50% before buying supplies.
How do I handle haggling?
Share your price list and stick to it. Offer a smaller option instead of a discount.
What payment app fees should I include?
Goods and services payments are often about 3%. Check your app's current fees.
Should I ship or offer pickup?
Both work. Charge real shipping and set a clear pickup plan.
Get every calculator in one download
The Lifetime Spreadsheet Vault includes this calculator and 320+ more for candles, tumblers, vinyl, resin, baking, crochet, laser and more. Pay once, and every future spreadsheet is included.
See the Lifetime VaultRelated guides
Lifetime Spreadsheet Vault
Stop guessing your prices. For every craft you sell.
- 323+ editable pricing spreadsheets in 29 craft categories
- Type your numbers in the peach cells. The math is done.
- Works in Google Sheets, Excel and Numbers
- Pay once. Every future spreadsheet is included.
