I think it really depends on who you're targeting. If you target young moms with kids, and sell them as toys, then the price must be low.  If you target puppet teams (churches, schools, performers, etc.) you can get much more.

A lot of the "mass" market is made in China.  I cannot compete with their prices, but they cannot compete with my quality.  Many professional puppet teams have told me they won't buy the mass produced because (a) they want something different from what everyone else has, (b) they are hard to manipulate, and (c) they prefer to support local artists.  Our own team will not touch the mass produced ones, they hate them (manipulation issues)..

I cannot compete with their prices, but they cannot compete with my quality.

Who wants lead in their puppets?

Glad to hear that your local teams are more understanding - more work for you!

Na - good point! LOL

thanks u guys! i just found out how to check my replies! lol you taught me alot on the topic!

def. factor in your labor & your supplies. you can either start with something simple -- sell it really cheap -- not to shortchange yourself but just to gain some popularity -- then go a liiittle more elaborate and slowly bump your prices up. or the reverse -- start pricier, see how much people are willling to pay, and then work your way down.