Cheap competition is everywhere — but it is NOT your enemy
If you create handmade products, you’ve probably experienced this:
You spend hours designing, crafting, refining, glazing, photographing…
You use high-quality materials and pour your heart into every piece.
And then you see someone online selling something similar for half the price.
Your brain instantly goes into panic mode:
“How am I supposed to compete with that?”
“Are my prices too high?”
“Maybe nobody will buy from me anymore…”
But here’s the truth:
Cheap competition is not your threat — because they’re not even playing the same game.
1. Nobody creates exactly what you create
Even when products look similar, they are never the same.
Your handmade piece carries:
• your artistic style
• your technique
• your experience
• your material choices
• your process
• your story
• your creative energy
These things cannot be duplicated.
People don’t buy objects.
They buy authenticity, emotion, and connection.
2. Cheap competition attracts a completely different customer
People who want “the cheapest option” are NOT your customers.
Low-priced shops usually attract buyers who:
• don’t care about craftsmanship
• don’t value originality
• shop impulsively
• compare only by price
• don’t appreciate handmade processes
• never become loyal customers
And that’s perfect.
Because your true audience wants something else:
• quality
• uniqueness
• artistry
• the story behind the product
• authenticity
• long-lasting value
• a human connection with the maker
These are the people who return and buy again.
3. In handmade, VALUE sells — not the lowest price
Customers who appreciate handmade are happy to pay more when they understand what they’re getting.
Value comes from:
• showing your process
• explaining your techniques
• revealing the materials you use
• sharing the story behind your work
• communicating your brand personality
• demonstrating true craftsmanship
When customers understand the value, price becomes a secondary factor.
4. You don’t need to defend your price — just explain it
Instead of saying:
“I know it’s a bit expensive, but…”
Show them what goes into your work:
• how long it takes to make one piece
• how many steps are involved
• why you chose certain materials
• how your design is unique
• what makes your process different
Transparency builds trust.
And trust builds loyalty.
5. Cheap competition is actually GOOD for you
Surprising but true:
Cheap competitors filter out customers who were never meant for you.
They attract buyers who don’t value handmade.
They leave you with buyers who DO:
• high-quality customers
• long-term supporters
• people who appreciate craftsmanship
• customers who connect with your story
• people willing to invest in art
• those who return again and again
These are the customers you WANT.
6. What to do when you see someone selling cheaper than you
1. Never lower your prices
Undervaluing your work hurts your confidence and the handmade market.
2. Improve your presentation
Better photos, clearer descriptions, and storytelling increase perceived value.
3. Highlight what makes your pieces different
Explain your technique, materials, and unique artistic approach.
4. Focus on building a brand, not competing on price
Brands create loyal customers. Discounts do not.
5. Stay in your lane
Cheap sellers are not your competition.
Your customers choose you for YOU.
Final message
Cheap competition does NOT threaten you.
Cheap competition simply attracts cheap customers.
And those customers are not your audience.
You create value.
You create originality.
You create art.
And art has its price.