CP = expensive?

I don't visit this site very often, but I've noticed that lately, the homepage only shows patterns in the higher price range. What's going on? In any case, I think that's weird?!?!

What do you mean by “expensive”?

In general, I think the patterns on the German market are cheap on average—maybe even too cheap—when you compare them to the English market. And when you consider what individual authors are left with after all their expenses are deducted, it’s sometimes surprising that such detailed and lovingly crafted patterns still exist. For most authors, it’s the joy of designing—rather than profitability—that drives them.

The homepage generally displays the most recently released and most popular patterns. If these happen to be the “higher-priced” ones, it means they’re currently in higher demand. And I’m glad to see that the authors’ work is being recognized here and that people are willing to pay a little more for good patterns. Because this way, there will continue to be plenty of new patterns in the future.

But if you browse around, you’ll also find plenty of affordable patterns here, and there’s definitely something for you too. And I certainly didn’t mean to imply that affordable means bad. I just wanted to point out that it would be nice if customers were willing to pay a little more on average, because that’s the only way to ensure the quality of the patterns in the medium term.

I agree with MyBatzi.
Ultimately, only a fraction of the selling price actually reaches the authors.

I also can’t compare these prices to books or magazines, which may have relatively large print runs.

I find it hard to strike a balance between “a price that’s right for the customers” and “I don’t value my own patterns because I’m selling them for just a few cents.”

We’re usually talking about small amounts here—under 10 euros—while people are often less stingy when it comes to other things.

No, it’s cheap. In terms of prices, CP is the cheapest sales platform I’ve ever come across, and I think many designers here are selling their work below its true value, simply out of fear that they won’t sell anything at all otherwise. I also think this is a very “German” phenomenon. In the English-speaking world, there are many who say they won’t even pull out their credit card for amounts below a certain threshold because it’s not worth the hassle for just a few cents. So perceptions of what’s cheap or expensive can vary widely and may also have something to do with valuation—that is, the value one assigns to something.
Please don’t get me wrong; right now, there are actually a few new patterns that are priced on the higher end, and when you compare that to what you’re used to, it can certainly seem expensive. Also, a discussion about prices says nothing about quality. To stick with crafts, you can get excellent yarn for 2 euros, but you can also buy yarn for 20 euros and be absolutely furious because it has knots and has been eaten by moths.

CP isn’t expensive at all. There are often discount offers, too. But the sellers’ work has to be compensated somehow, so people are happy to spend a little more on those great patterns.
The value for money is really top-notch.

So I don’t understand Hirtshals’ comment.

Well, I have to say I don’t really get that comment either.
There are plenty of affordable patterns here that are really good, too.
And whenever I’ve bought a more expensive one, it’s been worth every penny.

  It’s not just the work that goes into the pattern. If you ever have a problem with a pattern, the authors help right away. Most of the time, I’ve gotten a response in less than an hour.

So I’m grateful to every author for the great patterns.

Best regards, Sandra