Pay what you want...

Comment by Cassandra of Pooknflip on September 21, 2011 at 11:19am

This is a very interesting concept!  I wonder what would happen...

 

Part of me thinks that those who visit shows have a general appreciation for the arts and the artisans behind the works that they see and love.  Therefore, I would speculate that they would offer the same, if not a higher price than the artists' set price.

 

However, the other (more realistic?) part of me thinks that perhaps the majority of people who visit shows, although they may love what they see, have absolutely no idea how much time, material, work goes into a piece and offer something much lower than they should based on the "big box store" mentality that seems to be running rampant these days... :(

Comment by Richard P Sullivan on September 21, 2011 at 11:44am

I am wondering if an art show offered this as an alternative to application fees and booth fees what might happen?

Comment by LC Neill on September 21, 2011 at 11:57am

Ha ha Richard.  It would be nice to decide the fee after the event was over.  ;D

Comment by Jim Parker on September 21, 2011 at 12:00pm

Richard, in the case of art shows, it would likely produce similar income streams. Artists are, by nature, generous and honest. I think application fees would level out to a fair average, probably similar to what you're already getting. Booth fees might swing more, based on the artist's ability to pay, perceived value of the show, its patrons, advertising and booth placement. Announcing booth spaces BEFORE collecting funds might increase revenue for those spots known to be good, and decrease revenue for those dark, dank, dusty corners of the show.

All theoretical, of course. It's an interesting model to think about.

Comment by Layl McDill on September 21, 2011 at 12:14pm

Interesting concept.  If you went this way I wonder if you would loose the perceived value that is added to art work when the price tag is there.  I'm no psychologist but there is something about how some art patrons WANT to spend a lot on a piece of art.  Why this is I don't know but I have seen it happen.  If the art buyer set the price themselves I wonder if they would loose something either a feeling of "I got a great deal" or "This piece is expensive and I now own it".   Certain markets might really be great for this... maybe it would depend on the personality of the clientele.

Comment by geri a. wegner on September 21, 2011 at 12:30pm

I couldn't do it.  I am not educated enough in different processes to know what something is worth.  I already have enough difficulty trying to understand how you all price things.  I buy what I like that I think is worth the price being offered.  

 

Comment by Jim Parker on September 21, 2011 at 12:48pm

The way that Panera does it is interesting. Briefly, they list "suggested prices" on the menu board. The cashiers will take your money if you have credit card, but cash goes into a donation box. The "suggested price" is key.

Slashdot had a similar discussion regarding gaming software. One notable point; being present to describe the benefits of the work and possible valuations is important. This model won't work well over the internet, for example, not easily. Although Propellerheads is testing those waters.

Another key factor is size of audience. In order for this to be a viable model, there needs to be a sizable audience, and one that values what you are selling. 

Comment by sandhi schimmel gold on September 21, 2011 at 2:18pm

marketers know about "perceived price points" - we all decide how much we are willing to pay for an item before we even check the price. Let's say you see a sweater on a rack. In your mind, you've already decided - you'll buy it if it is $39.99 or less. If it is more, you don't buy. If it is in your target range, or lower, you will. Everyone of our customers do the same things. With many of them hurting financially, or at least watching their spending - their price point is probably a lot lower - credit card or not.

Comment by sandhi schimmel gold on September 21, 2011 at 2:25pm

I occassionally institute a "Price-Line" marketing tool. When I am approached by a customer who begins a conversation with "how much do you really want for this piece" or the "you'll only get half this amount if you sold it in a gallery" or other bargaining verbiage, I have a technique that works. I will tell the customer they can "Name Their Own Price" just like Price Line.

Now, I use Price Line to book hotels all the time. I use the Name Your Own Price tool all the time. I always get a bargain, but sometimes I get a luxury hotel, some times I get a not so great place, and not such a great savings...but - there is a trick. You have to put in your credit card # FIRST. Once you do, you can't back out.

So - when I get a customer who wants to "bargain" I tell them they can name their own price. But, they have to LITERALLY hand over their credit card first.  Just like price line, if I accept their price, they HAVE to buy it. I can also refuse the price, and they can try again. I have sold items this way.

Comment by Gary Haynes on September 22, 2011 at 4:55pm

Since I started this on the other thread I actually tried this at my last show of the year.  I filled an outside wall with my items that I won't do again. All good images on canvas.  If someone was interested I simply said, 'It's my last show of the year and for anything on this wall I'll let you make me an offer.'  If they asked I said that most of the images were originally $300.  People seemed shocked and couldn't comprehend that they REALLY could make an offer.  I sold 4 pieces this way.  Average was $150.  Don't have to haul them anymore.  Customer was happy, I was happy that I made 3x costs rather than 0.

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