My items are very low-cost ($1–$5)—can I make enough money?
Low-cost items can be profitable when you design for volume, bundles, and smart upsells.
The Narrative
The Empathy
Your items are inexpensive, which draws people in, but you worry the totals never add up enough to cover your time. It feels like you are working hard for small sales.
The Education
Low-price items rely on volume and average order value. That means you need a steady flow of transactions or a way to encourage multi-item purchases. Bundles (3 for $10) and add-on upsells (pair a $4 item with a $12 item) increase the total without changing the entry price. You can also streamline production and packaging so the labor per item stays low. The key metric is profit per hour, not just per item.
The Solution
Build a price ladder: entry items at $3–$5, bundles that lift the average ticket, and a few mid-tier items for upsell. Track transactions per hour and average order value each show. If the numbers are low, adjust bundle pricing or add a "favorite pick" sign to guide shoppers to higher-value combos. With the right mix, small items can still power a profitable booth.