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!

Posted by Crafter's Delights at 11:00 AM
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17 comments:

  1. AscensionFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:07 AM

    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. DebsFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:15 AM

    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. Stephanie KilgastFebruary 25, 2012 at 11:44 AM

    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 :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Crafter's DelightsFebruary 25, 2012 at 1:29 PM

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

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  5. AnnaFebruary 25, 2012 at 2:20 PM

    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. IlonaFebruary 25, 2012 at 2:49 PM

    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. Indy_PoppyFebruary 25, 2012 at 3:43 PM

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

    ReplyDelete
  8. Crafter's DelightsFebruary 25, 2012 at 6:03 PM

    @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. coffeeaddictFebruary 26, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    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.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Cinderella Moments February 26, 2012 at 12:14 PM

    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. Crafter's DelightsFebruary 26, 2012 at 1:53 PM

    @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. Natalia's Fine NeedleworkFebruary 27, 2012 at 12:50 AM

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

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  13. earthlyjewelsFebruary 27, 2012 at 11:31 PM

    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. Crafter's DelightsFebruary 27, 2012 at 11:37 PM

    @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. Kikka NMarch 9, 2012 at 1:39 AM

    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. Crafter's DelightsMarch 9, 2012 at 6:48 AM

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

      Delete
  16. The grandmommyOctober 31, 2012 at 6:38 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete

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