LOL I could charge 9.00 for the one I just made and still make at least 4.50 in profit. I use the huge econo size skeins of yarn that are cheaper. I can get at least 4 of these outfits out of one of them.....and maybe some odd and end things like bibs or booties. I only know that from the pattern making part. You make it up, see something needs worked on once you try it on, then make it up again. Unless it's a fairly big set, like I said it doesn't require very much yarn. Bitty baby is a small baby doll. I'm really trying to watch that as it's the profit part I need.
I like your Business Hat Trinity. And I think you're right about the whole n.99 thing. I remember being taught that in school way back in HS or something. Society has been trained to think of it as "cheaper", when in a way it actually isn't. You're idea on inventory is a really good one. And as I've said the prospect of custom orders intimidates me. I'd like to stay away from it if possible. I may be PMing you to death. I know squat about a small business.
I was also thinking a Specialty set for each season. Like a xmas outfit, easter dress, 4th of july outfit, halloween, autumn, and a birthday set. Other specialty sets (once I see if it sells well) would be like the Diaper bag set which would come with like an afgan, bibs, baby hat and booties, maybe a cardigan (other contents are just too hard to find like bottles ect) , a Bath set with a hooded towel, wash cloth, robe and slippers and Nichole found where I can pick up mini rubber duckies wholesale. Now especially these last two would NOT be cheap as each set would have a lot and the diaper bag one is a lot of work (but fun to make & Aubrey has envious friends lol )
Right now am thinking the Lilac breeze one I posted, maybe a spring cardigan set which could come in a variety of colors, and an easter dress outfit with some of the infant hats, booties, and bibs on the side. So that would be 3 outfits (including the one for the season's holiday) along with the hats, booties, and bibs. I can easily use the pattern I made for Aubrey's doll xmas 2010 for the cardigan set......and I don't think the dress pattern will take long to make, I've already written the pattern for the Mary Janes. Does that sound like a good starting inventory? Or too much?
buddy making matching outfits for the dolls and their girls might have to be something special I do down the road. Not that it isn't possible, cuz it is.....especially with sweaters and such, it's that the child's part takes considerably longer to make. (the bigger it is, the more time consuming it is) And they'd have to be size specific as I've not run into many patterns for sm, medication, and large. But Aubrey is already requesting this, so I'll be doing it eventually, even if it's like a super special item or something.