I decided to participate in the Scrap Bin Pattern Bundle hosted by Becky from Patchwork Posse. I’ve never done that before, and I was curious to know how it works. Today I’m going to make my usual half-hearted marketing attempt, then get to the fun part – how this has worked and how I feel about it.
The Scrap Bin Pattern Bundle
The Scrap Bin Pattern Bundle includes 13 patterns from 13 designers. So far, so good. It’s $19, and you get all 13 pdf patterns. There is a broad range of project sizes and techniques, so there will be something for everyone here. The two I’m most excited about are from Swan Amity and Nicole Moore. These look like fun projects I could really dig into. I rarely use other people’s patterns anymore, so finding a couple I want to play with is exciting. My Color Catcher pattern is in there, too.
I particularly like the math – Color Catcher is usually $10. It’s like buy two, get 11 free.
Are you sold yet? You can get the bundle here.
The process
Okay. Now for the part that I was really interested in sharing – the process. I’m not going to share actual dollar amounts or sales numbers – I feel like that is more Becky’s story to tell. I’ll give you an idea, though.
I saw Becky’s post in the Quilt Pattern Designer’s group on Facebook. This group is a great resource for designers – I’ve been a member for years and always find it to be interesting and useful. Becky was looking for scrappy quilt PDF patterns to include in a bundle. The theme, scrappy quilt, worked really well for me, as did the timing. I was just wrapping up the Scrap Success Summit, and was expecting a few hundred new followers in my various social feeds who were invested in using scraps.
The way this one worked was I give Becky the pattern file, she puts the bundle together, hosts the bundle, manages the money, and generates content for promotion. Then, for every sale I generate I get a commission. The risk is that I could potentially contribute my pattern and make zero dollars. I always weigh these gambles pretty seriously – I don’t love working and not getting paid.
What ultimately decided me was actually my experience with the Scrap Summit. That one was another gamble – potentially I could have made zero dollars, but it ended up paying off. So, I knew my audience is interested in scraps, and is growing. Plus, sending out 7 emails after submitting a pdf file is not much work.
My biggest struggle through all of this is that I hate selling my stuff. Like, seriously hate it. I have notes around my desk reminding me that when I send out an email I’m not harassing my list. People on there want to hear from me, or they wouldn’t have signed up. I just can’t get past the idea that I’m harassing people by showing up in their inbox. Also, rapid fire emails pushing one thing feel like desperation to me, and that is absolutely not how I like to show up.
The flip side is that I understand the logistics of marketing. People need to see something multiple times before they buy it. So, for this one I bit the bullet and just sent out the daily emails. I can’t bring myself to send out three for today, though. I just can’t do it. So, if you were on the fence, go ahead and buy it now. I’m not going to nag you all day long.
The results
Now – the really fun part. So far I have persuaded 18 people to buy the scrap bin pattern bundle. I made more money per sale than if I had sold 18 copies of my pattern on Etsy, so I consider this a win. More importantly, I now know how pattern bundles work. I live to know how stuff works. For each sale, the person generating the sale gets the larger portion of the purchase price. The organizer gets a chunk of every sale, too. Her costs cover transaction fees and all of her hosting. I like the model – kind of like a blog hop, although we were cautioned about giving links to other designers. That is because the link you follow to the bundle is the person who makes the money. So, if you followed a link to Swan’s website, then decided to buy the bundle, and used her link, I’d make nothing. I don’t love the unfriendliness required of that strategy. I don’t have a solution for making it more fair, but it is something to ponder.
So, what did you think of the Scrap Bin Pattern Bundle? What do you think about bundles in general? Good idea, bad idea? Does the marketing turn you off? I’m honestly curious. I have only ever purchased one, but I never mind when folks are selling them. I think making a relatively small purchase and getting 13 patterns could be a little overwhelming, honestly.
I rarely buy patterns in a bundle because there are usually only one or two out of all of them that I like plus I prefer paper patterns and not pdfs. Since I don’t have a printer it’s kind of a hassle. That said, I do like your patterns and have bought a few.
Thanks for your support, and I can see why PDF bundles don’t work as well for you.
i really loved your class on kawandi. i’m not a big bundle gal. i guess i would rather purchase one item at a time, cause i tend to over extend myself. But this is just me. I have a kawandi issue now trying to sew the fabric pieces into a zippered pouch. I have to make them without folding the edges under. so far, i’m getting obsessed asked.
Ha! I currently have a Kawandi issue, too!
First I so apppreciate the explanation for how this works. When I buy a pattern, especially yours, I want the money to go directly to you. I don’t mind buying a bulk patterns, if I get one good one. I understand the concept that the designer has to get paid for all of the work. As for marketing, when I see your emails I jump to them because of your sense of humor. There is always something that makes me laugh. Your outlook on life is refreshing. Thanks for be so straightforward and being the Dizzy Quilter.