Price tags or no price tags?

Rose Monzyk February 24, 2011 at 2:14pm

Personally, I like a small price tag because if I don't see one, I'm too embarrassed to ask. I don't want the artist to think that price is my main consideration. I don't use $. I just use eg. 289- I'd like to hear what others think.

Lauren Lasa February 24, 2011 at 1:18pm

Thanks everyone! I am ABSOLUTELY going to put price tags on my art. Thank you all so much for your feedback!

Janet Romans February 24, 2011 at 11:32am

As a customer, I hate it when there are no price tags.

Look at it from a shopper's perspective: you really like a piece of art, but as it's unique and new to you, you have no idea what it would cost. If there's a price tag, you know the cost - maybe it's reasonable to you and you'll continue to look and perhaps chat with the artist. Maybe the piece is way out of your price range and you can look and appreciate, but you don't get your heart set on something you can't afford. You may comment about the beauty of the work, even ask a few questions, but there's a limit to your interaction, as you know full well you're not about to buy - at least not today.

If you have to ask for the price, you've engaged the artist in a different way - "what will it cost for me to take this home?" That's fine if the customer has the wallet to support the sale, but what of the customer who loves your work, gushed all over it, but really just can't pay that amount? How does he/she gracefully exit THAT conversation?

Munks February 24, 2011 at 10:54am

If you want to sell it, then put a price tag on it.

If you want to display it and not sell it, then don't put a price tag on it.

If you want to put a price tag on it to display it and not sell it, then go to Midsummer Arts Faire in Quincy, IL

Amy Furgiuele > Munks February 24, 2011 at 3:59pm

Sorry you had such a bad time at it, Munks, but the Quincy show is one of my favorites to do! The organization treats the artists wonderfully and I've always had really strong sales. I think it's a great show to do and promote it when I can! Perhaps this is a case of the wrong material being at the wrong show... Any show is bad if you're not where an audience who appreciates your work will be!

Larry Berman February 23, 2011 at 9:42pm

read this thread:
http://www.artfairinsiders.com/forum/topics/price-tags-or-not?

Larry Berman
http://BermanGraphics.com
412-401-8100

Lauren Lasa > Larry Berman February 23, 2011 at 9:46pm

Thanks so much, Larry!
- Kevin Williamson > Lauren Lasa February 24, 2011 at 9:34am
  
  I have better luck when I price stuff. Seems like people are afraid to ask.
  - MICHAEL ALAN STIPEK > Kevin Williamson February 24, 2011 at 9:51am
    
    I have a friend who paints egg tempera, which is an extremely time-consuming media. For years he didn't put up price tags - and he would spend a lot of needless time explaining whys and why nots. Finally, he has had really nice etched tags made for each of his originals (about a $5 investment for a $1100 and up piece). He found out that if someone who walks into his booth and looks at the price tag, then walks out, the artist saves unnecessary time with a no-sale. Those persons who saw the price and wanted to talk were more than likely to purchase something.
    
    I use my business cards as price tags next to my framed pieces. It helps to eliminate the looky-loos who are just cruising for deals or cheap stuff. After someone looks at the price tag, I can chat it up with him/her and sometimes a sale happens. Then, I give the buyer the business card with the price on it - which they can use for insurance purposes or just tape on the back, next to the Limited Ed. certificate of authenticity.

Forum

Price tags or no price tags?

Replies