Bennuaine doesn't make your typical glassware and we think everyone will benefit from knowing where their money goes when they purchase one of our stems.
As of late 2021, Europe - where our glasses are produced - recorded a 400% increase in natural gas pricing. In 2022, it continued to increase. Gas is the primary power source of the furnaces that melt glass and need to be run 24/7. In addition to gas prices, the nature of something being made by hand means that a lot of human effort goes into the production. Additionally, a significant portion of product ends up going in the recycle bin because it doesn't meet quality standards.
On top of production, some of the other notable costs are freight (getting the product to us), import taxes, shipping (we subsidize some of the cost to get the product to you), packaging, credit card transaction fees, and marketing. And of course, after the sale, taxes.
At the end of the day, a single glass provides significantly less profit than the cost to produce it.
Our promise to you is to keep prices as fair as possible, while staying dedicated to the quality you want and deserve.