How much does this cost? What I disliked at the shows were the people who came around and asked the costs of clearly marked items like the spoons made from cherry. There was always clearly marked signage on costs, and larger items were labeled. Did this stop the questions? No.
Big Stuff
At boat shows, there was always a sometimes spirited debate about how much custom work would cost. Every project depends on how much research needs to be done and how large or complex the project is. If you want a nice portrait of Dad’s little Beetle Cat, or a Town Class sloop, it’s easy. The drawings and plans are available, I’ve carved the designs frequently, and I’ll just need to know the details. Easy.
If it’s great-grandad’s schooner It may be more complex. Got a photo, painting, or drawing that’s easy. Have nothing, and I spend time in maritime museums, online, and the clock is running. But people interested in that sort of work usually understand the costs. I’m a big proponent of keeping costs out in the open and providing updates.
The Small Stuff
I always made sure that there was at least one sign listing prices on spoons, spatulas, spreaders, and bowls. During the course of the day, things would get shuffled, and it was always the small stuff that needed rearrangement. Despite the time of day, you had to make sure that a cheerful and informative response was given to each query of how much it cost; one member of a couple might buy a spoon while another could order a large carved eagle. But also, every purchase was important, and from show to show, you’d often see the same people and get repeat business. Some excellent suggestions for products would come from these customers. So even if the question was annoying, your response was important.
It was in selling the small stuff, though, that my kids excelled. My wonderful sales force. They knew the details and enthusiastically hawked the goods. Importantly, they did not mind the “How much is this?” questions, no matter how often they heard them.
Like most booths at the shows, I made good money out of commission work, but the ready-to-buy items paid for show fees, travel, food, and accommodation. I used to do the shows often with the accompanying family of four starving children who came to dinner with large appetites. After a day of running around the harbor and staffing the booth, four kids can eat up a day’s worth of proceeds from cherry spoons!
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I know about the days profits being consumed 😂
It was worthwhile, though! Watching them “work” the show was always good for a laugh, and none of the other vendors complained about them.
I priced my paintings for the market. No one ever negotiated. I was glad about that.
spoons and such I did the same.
What do you mean by the market? I sell mine for $1.50 a sq in if framed (mat and glass) $3.00 a Sq inch
That’s one method and I never thought of it. I live in a pretty poor rural area. I paint this valley. No one has a lot of money for art, but they love my paintings. That’s what I mean by the market. I donated two to the local hospital a few months ago. They were thrilled. If i show my work, and someone expresses interest, there’s a price on it. Sometimes people will offer a little less. Sometimes a little more. I want them to enjoy my work — so? I’m not living on my income from art. if I were I wouldn’t live here and I wouldn’t price things as i do.
We all must do what is right for our situation. I live where there is a mix of people the rich want a deal and the poor when moved by one of mine never baulk at the price as they see worth in what I do.
❤️
P.S. I just looked at your site — I’m a painter and I think that’s a little different as far as the market goes. Your clients could ask for a certain size; mine can’t. In the case of a painting, it is what it is.
OH I am talking for my original watercolors. They go for $100-$600 right now 🙂
Beautiful work!
Thank you.
My best one after all of my shows was “Will you take $5” I laughed and said “This is not a yard sale, there is no haggling”.
Oh!!! You jarred loose a memory! The close of show bargain shoppers with their low, low, low offers. They think that you’ll accept a tiny offer because you don’t want to pack up and trnasport what you havent’t sold!
I haven’t thought of that in years. What creeps.
OH yes I was selling cards for 3 for $10 and they thought I was the dollar store. 🙂
It’s why, after I stopped doing boat shows, I pretty much stopped shows unless they are well juried. Too many bottom feeders, imports, granny crafts, and remanufactured junk. The legitimate craftspeople and artists have to put up with the bottomfeeders who inhabit that sort of show.
Yes so true.