Saturday, February 25, 2012

So This is What Cheap Labor Feels Like

I bought a miniature kit from a miniature manufacturing company beginning of this year to try to make some money since I didn't have a job at that time. I guess you could say I was pretty desperate. Basically, I have to make and package 100 sets of these little stationary sets to get paid $75, which I have 60 days to complete. You don't actually purchase the kit, you actually put a deposit on it, which you will be refunded once you complete the kit.  When I first ordered it, it sounded very appealing and I thought it was going to be a piece of cake.

The set includes 3 stationary papers and 3 envelopes.

I didn't start until this week because ironically, I got a job around the time I received the kit, so it wasn't urgent for me to start. However, now that I'm on my break from school, I decided it is time to start on it before the deadline or before I lose my money.

The kit comes with detailed instructions and I have to make everything neat and perfect. I made 8 sets and realized how tedious and miserable this process is going to be. There's a lot of cutting and gluing involved which means a lot of time spent on my desk bent over. Much back and neck pain; which also gave me a headache. I spent about 7 hours total to make ONLY 25 sets. I can't believe I have 75 more to go!! Ahhhh! So this is what cheap labor feels like!



I apologize for all the complaining, but this is the main reason why I haven't been doing my own crafting. Plus this is a good lesson; don't bite off more than you can chew. I need a lot of luck to finish this!

17 comments:

  1. Te comprendo muy bien, es desesperante el trabajr tanto y tan delicado por tan poco, que mal pagado esta!!!!
    besitos ascension

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  2. So glad you got a job, I too started a new job a few weeks ago and so know just how despondant you can be become especially in the present econimic climate - just think there is light at the end of the tunnel and good luck with your job.
    Hugs
    Debs

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  3. 75$ for 100 sets? You really were desperate :/
    I'd complain way more if I were you :(

    And no wonder real prices for minis always seem too expensive to customers.

    No, no, don't do that ever again.
    You needed 16,8 minutes to make 1 set.
    The minimum hour wage for USA is at 7,25$ (according to wikipedia)
    You did 3,5 sets in 1 hour. Which means that the very least would be to get 2,07 per set.

    You made 100 sets = 207$

    And we're talking minimum wage here.

    *giving a massage to loosen the tightness of bent shoulders*

    and yaaay for getting a job :)

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  4. Thanks everyone! @ Stephanie: it's really sad to see in numbers like that! lol!

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  5. oh dear, that sounds like a LOT of work! .....and a lesson to learn! I understand...have done "silly" jobs ,too, for far too little money! Good luck, try music and a good drink with doing the rest!!!! Best Greetings, Anne

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  6. Oh poor you, you must be glad that you have a new job, this is very bead: less money for so much work. I wish you luck, Amy.
    Hugs, Ilona

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  7. You'll never do that again. Making multiples of anything is always a chore.

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  8. @anna: Yes! Music really helps! Thank you!
    @Ilona: I'm so glad I have a job now, thank you!
    @Indy_Poppy: Yes indeed...it's never fun making things that's not meaningful.

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  9. yes, DIY is massively underpaid!
    and even when you price your work so that you're barely covering your expenses and time, people still give you an odd look.

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  10. I feel for you! Eat chocolate as a reward after every 5 complete. Could work?! Sending you some will power via internet. LOL!
    hugs
    Caroline

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  11. @Coffeeaddict: Totally agreed! People are not willing to pay money for well-made things anymore. It's sad!
    @Caroline: Lol, thats's a lot of chocolate! If I did that, I'll be 10lbs heavier when I'm done with this!

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  12. WOW, Amy, feel for you... Wish could help somehow. Anyway, very neat work, envy your patience, :))) Mini hugs, Natalia

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  13. oh no, that does not sound like fun. good luck and i hope you finish on time. And once your done, make sure to give yourself a reward like go for a spa and massage!!

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  14. @Natalia: Thank you! I wish someone could help me too, but I'm almost done!
    @earthlyjewels: ahhhh...massage sounds so good right now! Thanks for the encouragement!

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  15. Wow what a amazing work you have done and you still have waiting..
    The little envelopes and letters look so Cute!
    Hugs Kikka

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    Replies
    1. Kikka, my dear! Your comments always bring a smile to my face! Thank you! :-)

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  16. You know. I don't know if you can do this but you might do better selling them yourself. They are so cute. I would certainly buy a pack!

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