A man came into the gallery to view my chairs. He said " I like your chairs' I am also a furniture maker. I make fine cabinetry." I was intriqued, tell me more. He went on to state that the only criticism he has for me was the fact that my chairs were priced too low and how can I expect people to value my work if I don't put a high price on it.
Now this is not a new comment for me I've had this conversation with many of my woodworking peers over the years but that's not to say it doesn't strike a nerve everytime it comes up. I fully understand the general logic, it's simple. Value your work and others will value it.
If I could control the buyers feelings for purchasing one of my chairs I would only have to sell one, because I value every chair and every chair is priceless to me. Striving everyday to be as real with this art chair business as possible, one's price cannot only reflect the makers perception but by the bigger picture; Reality 101
Price is defined in the following ways; makers value, economic conditions, enviromental conditions, overhead costs, gallery commissions ect, ect, ect. So if my price is too low but you love the quality of the workmanship, the style of the design and have the perfect place for it in your home but are struggling to purchase the chair because it's price is too low I say stop worrying about the price because I no longer want to sell my low priced fine chair to you........Good Day!
Now that I've got that off my chest let's talk about the new chairs I made this week. These are the first chairs in more than a month. It's not easy going from four chairs per week to two a month but I've got to eat!
This one I call "Silent Scream". Quite a departure from my other chairs but that was my objective. I am pleased with the outcome, it is priced at $475.00
I love this one, I call it " Orange Poppy" it's youthful spirit trancends loud and clear. I put it in the gallery window and within one hour stopped four people in thier tracks. Already a win in my eyes. I priced it at $375.00 knowing it was a great deal.
Thank you so for following me, see you next Sunday.
Peace,
Scott
Scott - I had a feeling you'd be blogging about the whole pricing conundrum! I love the cartoons, by the way. Maybe you need to hang a pen next to your chairs with a note that says - "if this price is too low for you, please feel free to add a zero and proceed directly to the cash register."
ReplyDeleteGood seeing you yesterday. Here comes March Chair Madness!
Gabriella, brilliant idea!!!!! It was great hanging out with you and Brian. Thank you so much for the help at the gallery. Good luck with your new space!!!
ReplyDeletePeace,
Scott
Hi Scott,
ReplyDeleteI think it was Annie Dillard -and this is not a quote- only my memory of what I once read- who said that, in the end, it is about doing the thing you do for the love of the thing itself. This came after she (as a child) discovered an amoeba under her first microscope. She was so excited she ran upstairs to tell her mother and father who pretty much reacted with a "That's nice dear." and went on with what they were doing. She went on to be scientist and mystic-like author, not because of their approval but because she had discovered and followed her own bliss.
I love to be creative but that pricing thing still eludes me. It seems arbitrary to me. Over the years my prices have varied and sales have been both good and bad. I am happiest when some one buys my art because they love it. I actually had three pieces that people paid me extra for because they felt I had them priced too low. Who knows?...
I gladly accepted it.
Thanks for the great story Jill.The thing I like most in this blog business is if something negative happens in my life and work I find once I write about it and get it out of my head it ceases to exist. A mind trick if you will. As I continue on the path of doing what I truly love to do it becomes easier to digest and access other peoples opinions. I consider it real artistic growth!
ReplyDeleteThanks for following Jill! :)