OK! Let's talk suit prices!!!! Over and over, we witness the shock people express regarding the cost of competition suits! No joke, they ARE pricey- but WHY??
We here at Crystallinibikini make each suit to your measurements. Each crystal is hand applied-labor intensive work. It can take 2-3 days to finish ONE bikini! So, there you have your labor costs, from patternmaking to crystallizing the final product
Materials incorporated into each suit are big time expensive. Spandex fabric with sparkle costs about $18/YD. Your crystal connectors average $10 EACH for the longer ones, $5-8 each for shorter ones. The major factor in determining what we sell a bikini for is the cost of crystals. There are a number of different quality stones out there. Top quality is Swarovski- ONE package of 1140 stones runs approximately $80-120 . Suits with complete coverage require 2-3 packages. We have clients that want Swarovski, and their bikinis are in the stratosphere.
For better affordability, we employ Preciosa crystals. A little less coin than Swarovski, but still crystal. These are from Czechoslovakia, rather than Austria. Still crystal, but a better price point. So, now you begin to see what it actually costs to produce a bikini!
Another factor not usually considered is TIME. Time is money. Most competitors email us numerous times, or spend a few hours in-store. The time we take to answer every email, and address every fitting, and sending fabric samples out is incorporated into each bikini.
With that all said, we are proud to say we have kept costs under control. Many Crystallini clients comment that our prices are reasonable, and quality is upscale.
Even so, not everyone's budget will be open to the pricier suits, no matter what. We do our utmost to offer a number of suits that are budget minded. Keep in mind, your'e not getting judged on how many crystals are on your suit! You CAN get onstage in a budget suit and walk away with a win.....
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