art show etiquette
while i can only speak for myself i think that their are some rules of pricing when it comes to artwork. a mug at an art show is more expensive than a mug at crate and barrel for a reason - it was constructed by american hands not foreign machines. that being said artists can price as they see fit. my price points consider materials and time plus the amount of kiln firings a piece may require. i have a high count of repeat buyers i love dearly, many of which have become friends. artists can therefore give price breaks where they see fit.
that being said if you are going to talk me down in price here are some rules to adhere by. first do not tell me my work is "not worth" a certain price. this is arbitrary and insulting. i sell work nationwide and make a lot more money out of ohio that in with higher price points.
also do not tell me the quality of a piece is not good. if it was not it would not be on my table. i won't sell anything i won't buy myself.
do not tell me you are in business and i should be more willing to come down in prices because that keeps customers. if an artist undervalues their work then others will too.
finally do not come up to my booth and tell me it looks like i haven't sold anything since yesterday as if i'm desperate for a sale. i bring more work than i can fit on a table. so when i sell something i fill the empty space.
i work in retail and i am a merchandiser. i understand how to deal with customers, customer service, and product placement. however art shows are not retail stores. and they are certainly not major corporate retail chains. you are buying a bowl. a bowl that is a bowl but that is also art. if you want deals hit the road to ikea.
i come down in price frequently. this is usually proceeded by kindness, compliments and respectfulness of the hardwork behind the creation of an art piece.
