Threads on pricing here have featured the same illogic as some responders in the thread on
I price my work at a premium. I figure there is only one person who does what I do, so I have the opportunity to price my one of a kind work at the level that will provide enough to justify my making more one of a kind pieces.
Ray
the thread:
I quite often when doing one of the more time consuming segmented piece spend up to 30 hours or more. Going by the figures in the first post over at WC (which seemed reasonable the way he explained it) of $38 an hour would mean I would have to sell at $1,140 or higher. Now thats comical.
Bob, Naugatuck Ct.
Bob
What would you sell your 30 hour piece at?
Ray
Hi Ray, I don't sell turnings as of yet and don't have a good answer but I would have a real hard time trying to justify a price that high. I can understand people wanting to make a good hourly wage but it isn't realistic for segmented turnings. When I do start selling I think pricing would have to be determined piece by piece.
Bob, Naugatuck Ct.
Strange, amusing, illogical & amazing discussions define our beloved and despised ng, so in this tradition:
Is it "in sure and certain hope" that a hobbiest enjoying an adequate income while turning poor things must offer them for sale at prices comparable to that charged by turners who depend on selling good things for their livelihood? I mean why feel a need to protect the prices of anyone, if we really believe market, venue, geography, position of the planets or a particular turner's ability and notoriety decide. I've urged that everyone charge so as not to demean the craft nor undercut colleagues. I'm becoming less sure. As woodturning matures, progresses, diverts, evolves, worsens, abandons its roots, sins or whatever be your take, there is separation into groups of 'high & hazy, low & lazy and middle & crazy' artists/crafters who sell or offer to sell. With this separation comes isolation of one group from another, and with this there seems less need to protect,
Some who sincerely love the hobby go into full time business to enjoy the lifestyle, but lifestyle counts for nothing at the checkout counter. Why must anyone offer a mundane piece at a price that likely won't ever sell just to 'protect' a hobby or someone's business, not to mention their lifestyle? I am unsure, but I still wince at seeing a decently made chain pull offered for 75 cents at the local flea market/craft show. Illogically, Arch
Fortiter,
It's only worth what somebody will pay for it and who knows you might just get it if it really strikes some rich persons fancy. Let's not compare the needs of the crafters like me and those who are trying to make a living turning, its apples and oranges. I could dump a bunch of 12" bowls for $10-20 and be money ahead since I mostly turn with free wood and turning is a hobby not an occupation. I wouldn't want to do it because IMO it isn't fair to the people trying to a reasonable level of compensation for their work. It's not that different than cheap imports killing the manufacturing industry. Billh
May we presume that you won't be paying top dollar for your next tool to protect the highest-cost producer and highest margin retailer?
I forget which segmented turner does it, but I saw a website of one who makes short runs of about 20 or so. This would allow some duplication which would allow reasonable prices and reasonable profits.
Derek
George inquired, "May we presume ...." ********************* No. Sorry George, that would be presumptuous. ;) Arch
Fortiter,
I love woodturning, but I'm afraid I would face a certain death by slow starvation if I tried to make a living selling my turnings. When I do sell a piece in a gallery, I would like to receive a fair price for it. I'm certainly not out to undercut anyone who turns full-time.
In pricing my work, I try to strike a balance between "what the market will bear" and what others might charge for a similar piece. Until I get a lot more proficient, (read faster) I won't try to apply any kind of hourly rate. One of my boxes or bowls is not worth twice as much simply because it took me twice as long to turn it as it would someone else.
Barry
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