Carol Jackaway on thu 14 aug 97
Hi All,
I have a question about the price of mugs at retail shows. This year I
have seen many production potters selling mugs for $5.00. This seems
unbeleiveably low, but is this a price that most potters sell their mugs at?
I am a hand builder and paint scenes on everything. My mugs start at $10.00
and go up to $18.00.
Thank you,
Carol Jackaway
Carol's Clay Fantasies
Parkside Pa.
CoilLady
Lyla on fri 15 aug 97
At 10:52 AM 8/14/97 EDT, you wrote:
>----------------------------Original message----------------------------
>Hi All,
> I have a question about the price of mugs at retail shows. This year I
>have seen many production potters selling mugs for $5.00. This seems
>unbeleiveably low, but is this a price that most potters sell their mugs at?
> I am a hand builder and paint scenes on everything. My mugs start at $10.00
>and go up to $18.00.
>Thank you,
I too, have a pricing question, I have not been selling for very long and I
have no idea how to price mugs, bowls, pitchers, etc.. like Carol, i have
seen prices all over the place. is there any scale out there with
explanations, real or imagined, that someone can share with me so i can have
a better idea about what is fair, unreasonable and ridiculous (ridiculously
cheap and ridiculously expensive)?
Kenneth D Westfall on fri 15 aug 97
My mugs haven't been $ 5.00 for 10 years and they were too cheap then at
$5.00! I sell them for $8-$14 for a 12-14oz mug, wheel-thrown with pulled
handle(still too cheap). Now how many mugs does it take to buy a new
car??? :-)
Kenneth D. Westfall
Pine Hill Pottery
potter-ken@juno.com
Don't get stuck in the mud pies K&T
PATSYCATS on sat 16 aug 97
Dear Carol,
I usually see hand made mugs priced from $10-15. The only reason I can
think of to underprice mugs is that they make good kiln filler.
Patsy
ken tighe on sat 16 aug 97
Five bucks is a ridiculous price for a hand made ceramic mug. If 10-12
bucks is more realistic for you, and you have confidence in your work,
ignore the cement-head who charges so little. If your mugs are slow to
move at your own price, emphasize other forms. Consumers will spend 15-20
bucks for a small pitcher the same size (or a tad larger) than the infamous
12 buck mug and feel like they got a steal. .......Kenneth
Akitajin \"Lee Love\" on sun 17 aug 97
Maybe $5.00 mugs are "loss leaders" for some people. I make
oribe style pickle dishes as my loss leaders. Also small incense
burners and toothpick holders that I will often use as test tiles, but
sell the numbered test that turn out.
The other thing that is important to me is if some child or young
person comes through my studio during a crawl, I want them to be able to
take something home with them, even if they don't have much money.
Warren MacKenzie has a "children's shelf" in his show room were
there are usually a collection of little pots that only cost a buck or
two. There is a sign on this shelf that asks the grown ups to leave
these pots for children. This is part of eductation the public about
pottery. That child might become a potter someday or go into some other
creative area & if even if they don't they will a least be interested in
owning and supporting hand made work.
lee
~
Lee in St. Paul, Minnesota U.S.A.
http://www.millcomm.com/~leelove/ikiru.html Come see my pottery.
On Sat, 16 Aug 1997 08:18:57 EDT PATSYCATS writes:
>
>I usually see hand made mugs priced from $10-15. The only reason I
>can think of to underprice mugs is that they make good kiln filler.
>
>Patsy
>
Carol Jackaway on wed 20 aug 97
Hi Again,
Well I was at a very reputable show this weekend and everyones mug prices
were in the $10.00 and up range!!!! This has restored my faith. I hope I
don't see any more $5.00 mugs :( !
Carol Jackaway
Carol's Clay Fantasies
Parkside Pa.
Deborah Thuman on fri 22 jun 07
I was going through the e-mail and happened on the Williams-Sonoma
major sale and I started thinking. I've been to fine cooking shops, and
I've seen some expensive ceramic cookware - Emile Henrie for one.
Has anyone used the prices found on line and in the fine cooking shops
to price their utilitarian pieces? Or had a catalog handy so that when
someone started objecting to a price said customer could be shown just
how reasonable the price of your piece is?
Deb
http://debthumansblog.blogspot.com/
Victoria E. Hamilton on fri 22 jun 07
Very good idea! Hmmmm....
Thanks,
Vicki Hamilton
Millennia Antica Pottery
Seattle, WA
-----Original Message-----
From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of Deborah Thuman
Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 12:06 PM
To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
Subject: [CLAYART] Pricing question
I was going through the e-mail and happened on the Williams-Sonoma major
sale and I started thinking. I've been to fine cooking shops, and I've seen
some expensive ceramic cookware - Emile Henrie for one.
Has anyone used the prices found on line and in the fine cooking shops to
price their utilitarian pieces? Or had a catalog handy so that when someone
started objecting to a price said customer could be shown just how
reasonable the price of your piece is?
Deb
http://debthumansblog.blogspot.com/
____________________________________________________________________________
__
Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
melpots@pclink.com.
Lois Ruben Aronow on fri 22 jun 07
I hope not to start another mass produced/slipcast/handmade debate. BUT -
there is no comparison to something that is handmade and something that is
mass produced. They are made for different reasons, and they are bought for
different reasons.
If your customer objects to your price, simply smile, say "that's the price"
and move on. People will try and nickel and dime you all the time if you
let them. If YOU don't value your work, THEY won't value your work.
No one has any reason to justify how much they price their work. Comparing
it to mass produced, factory made wares is a deadly mistake.
....lo
Customer: "I can buy 6 mugs at target for the $40 you want for this one"
Me: "Go right ahead."
**********
Lois Aronow Ceramics
Brooklyn, NY
www.loisaronow.com - New and Improved! Shinier! Stronger! Lasts longer!
Tastes Better!
www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> Deborah Thuman
> Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 3:06 PM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Pricing question
>
> I was going through the e-mail and happened on the
> Williams-Sonoma major sale and I started thinking. I've been
> to fine cooking shops, and I've seen some expensive ceramic
> cookware - Emile Henrie for one.
>
> Has anyone used the prices found on line and in the fine
> cooking shops to price their utilitarian pieces? Or had a
> catalog handy so that when someone started objecting to a
> price said customer could be shown just how reasonable the
> price of your piece is?
>
> Deb
> http://debthumansblog.blogspot.com/
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
Lois Ruben Aronow on sat 23 jun 07
I didn't mean it as a diss. If I don't often get hagglers. I have never
ever had anyone question if my work sells. Maybe I have been fortunate
enough to attract a polite lot. One little old lady did stand in front of
my booth at the Philadelphia Museum and yell out "This is all wrong" while
waving her hands frantically. That was pretty funny - more embarrassing for
adult children who led her away than for me.
On the few occasions where I was being haggled, I will politely tell them
that the price marked is the price, and no, I can't "do better" on it. I
don't feel an artist owes anyone - potential buyer or not - an explanation
on pricing. If the price is the "make or break" for them buying the work,
the were never customers to begin with, and THEY are dissing the work.
...Lo
**********
Lois Aronow Ceramics
Brooklyn, NY
www.loisaronow.com
www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> David Beumee
> Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2007 9:20 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Pricing question
>
> Lois,
> It is very tempting to diss an ignorant customer, but at the
> moment of a question such as "does this stuff really sell?"
> or "do you really do this ALL day?" etc., it feels good to
> look them straight in the eye and say: "I've dedicated my
> life to this work. Many of the techniques and glazes you see
> are my own. To ask any less as a price for this piece would
> be a disservice to me and to my work." That way you do your
> education job and don't risk losing them as a customer.
>
> David Beumee
> www.davidbeumee.com
> Lafayette, CO
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Lois Ruben Aronow
> >
> > I hope not to start another mass produced/slipcast/handmade
> debate.
> > BUT - there is no comparison to something that is handmade and
> > something that is mass produced. They are made for
> different reasons,
> > and they are bought for different reasons.
> >
> > If your customer objects to your price, simply smile, say
> "that's the price"
> > and move on. People will try and nickel and dime you all
> the time if
> > you let them. If YOU don't value your work, THEY won't
> value your work.
> >
> > No one has any reason to justify how much they price their work.
> > Comparing it to mass produced, factory made wares is a
> deadly mistake.
> >
> > ....lo
> > Customer: "I can buy 6 mugs at target for the $40 you want
> for this one"
> > Me: "Go right ahead."
> >
> > **********
> > Lois Aronow Ceramics
> > Brooklyn, NY
> >
> >
> > www.loisaronow.com - New and Improved! Shinier! Stronger!
> Lasts longer!
> > Tastes Better!
> > www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf
> Of Deborah
> > > Thuman
> > > Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 3:06 PM
> > > To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> > > Subject: Pricing question
> > >
> > > I was going through the e-mail and happened on the
> Williams-Sonoma
> > > major sale and I started thinking. I've been to fine
> cooking shops,
> > > and I've seen some expensive ceramic cookware - Emile Henrie for
> > > one.
> > >
> > > Has anyone used the prices found on line and in the fine cooking
> > > shops to price their utilitarian pieces? Or had a catalog
> handy so
> > > that when someone started objecting to a price said
> customer could
> > > be shown just how reasonable the price of your piece is?
> > >
> > > Deb
> > > http://debthumansblog.blogspot.com/
> > >
> > > ______________________________________________________________
> > > ________________
> > > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> > >
> > > You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> > > subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> > >
> > > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> > > melpots@pclink.com.
> >
> >
> ______________________________________________________________________
> > ________ Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription
> > settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
David Beumee on sat 23 jun 07
Lois,
It is very tempting to diss an ignorant customer, but at the moment of a question such as "does this stuff really sell?" or "do you really do this ALL day?" etc., it feels good to look them straight in the eye and say: "I've dedicated my life to this work. Many of the techniques and glazes you see are my own. To ask any less as a price for this piece would be a disservice to me and to my work." That way you do your education job and don't risk losing them as a customer.
David Beumee
www.davidbeumee.com
Lafayette, CO
-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: Lois Ruben Aronow
>
> I hope not to start another mass produced/slipcast/handmade debate. BUT -
> there is no comparison to something that is handmade and something that is
> mass produced. They are made for different reasons, and they are bought for
> different reasons.
>
> If your customer objects to your price, simply smile, say "that's the price"
> and move on. People will try and nickel and dime you all the time if you
> let them. If YOU don't value your work, THEY won't value your work.
>
> No one has any reason to justify how much they price their work. Comparing
> it to mass produced, factory made wares is a deadly mistake.
>
> ....lo
> Customer: "I can buy 6 mugs at target for the $40 you want for this one"
> Me: "Go right ahead."
>
> **********
> Lois Aronow Ceramics
> Brooklyn, NY
>
>
> www.loisaronow.com - New and Improved! Shinier! Stronger! Lasts longer!
> Tastes Better!
> www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
>
>
>
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> > Deborah Thuman
> > Sent: Friday, June 22, 2007 3:06 PM
> > To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> > Subject: Pricing question
> >
> > I was going through the e-mail and happened on the
> > Williams-Sonoma major sale and I started thinking. I've been
> > to fine cooking shops, and I've seen some expensive ceramic
> > cookware - Emile Henrie for one.
> >
> > Has anyone used the prices found on line and in the fine
> > cooking shops to price their utilitarian pieces? Or had a
> > catalog handy so that when someone started objecting to a
> > price said customer could be shown just how reasonable the
> > price of your piece is?
> >
> > Deb
> > http://debthumansblog.blogspot.com/
> >
> > ______________________________________________________________
> > ________________
> > Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
> >
> > You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> > subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
> >
> > Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> > melpots@pclink.com.
>
> ______________________________________________________________________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your subscription
> settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at melpots@pclink.com.
claystevslat on sat 23 jun 07
Hi, Lo --
(High low?)
I get that even though my prices are low. I sometimes take it as a
challenge and make the complainer try a few radically different mugs.
I try to 'fit' the mug to their hand (right or left), drinking style (i.e.,=
if
they keep their elbow at their side or raise it, if they rotate at the wris=
t
or with the arm, etc.) and find something that really works for them.
Then I ask them if they think they could find something that personal
and well adapted at Target at any price. No one has ever said yes.
And I do sell a few mugs that way. It does take time, but if it's quiet
it's a way to amuse myself any maybe make a small sale.
-- Steve S
--- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, Lois Ruben Aronow wrote:
>
> I hope not to start another mass produced/slipcast/handmade debate. BUT =
-
> there is no comparison to something that is handmade and something that i=
s
> mass produced. They are made for different reasons, and they are bought =
for
> different reasons.
>
> If your customer objects to your price, simply smile, say "that's the pri=
ce"
> and move on. People will try and nickel and dime you all the time if you
> let them. If YOU don't value your work, THEY won't value your work.
>
> No one has any reason to justify how much they price their work. Compari=
ng
> it to mass produced, factory made wares is a deadly mistake.
>
> ....lo
> Customer: "I can buy 6 mugs at target for the $40 you want for this one"
> Me: "Go right ahead ...
Bonnie Staffel on sat 23 jun 07
Hi, yes, I did this myself for many years as my customer base was also
knowledgeable about such other commercial items. My only question here =
is,
if you are selling from your own gallery, then you can do it. However, =
if
you are at an art fair, the ambiance is different unless your set up is =
in
line with your prices. The quality of your work should also reflect the
price. When you are selling from your own gallery, you have established =
the
stability of being in business, where the art fair is transient. This =
is my
opinion. =20
It is a tough call.
Bonnie Staffel=20
http://webpages.charter.net/bstaffel/
http://vasefinder.com/bstaffelgallery1.html
DVD Throwing with Coils and Slabs
DVD Introduction to Wheel Work
Charter Member Potters Council
sacredclay on sat 23 jun 07
Steve, that's a great way to try it. I will see if I can do that
without being too sarcastic. Usually my first response is, "What I make
today from that mug will put food on my table for my family." No,
that's too New York. Must learn manners! Must learn manners! Kathryn in
NC
> And I do sell a few mugs that way. It does take time, but if it's
quiet
> it's a way to amuse myself any maybe make a small sale.
>
> -- Steve S
>
>
Lois Ruben Aronow on sun 24 jun 07
I'm real happy to talk to people if my booth is not busy. My general line
is "feel free to touch. I make it for everyday use, so you should pick it
up and see how it feels". Getting the work into their hands is 50% of the
sell, and because my work has a tactile glaze, touch is very important.
I will rarely try to hand someone a piece, preferring to tell them it's OK
to touch. Just my thing.
Contrary to my previous post, I believe I did actually once tell someone to
buy the 6 pack of mugs at Wal-Mart if that's what they wanted. Honestly,
mugs are the thing people buy when they want a piece of your work but don't
want to spend any real money. I don't feel it's worth my time to spend 20
minutes trying to convince a customer to buy what is essentially a loss
leader.
Ironically, I raised the price of my single mugs this year and not only did
no one bat an eyelash, but they seem to be selling in pairs again. Go
figure.
...Lo
Who despises making the booth fee one mug at a time.
**********
Lois Aronow Ceramics
Brooklyn, NY
www.loisaronow.com
www.craftsofthedamned.blogspot.com
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Clayart [mailto:CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG] On Behalf Of
> claystevslat
> Sent: Saturday, June 23, 2007 1:04 AM
> To: CLAYART@LSV.CERAMICS.ORG
> Subject: Re: Pricing question
>
> Hi, Lo --
> (High low?)
>
> I get that even though my prices are low. I sometimes take
> it as a challenge and make the complainer try a few radically
> different mugs.
> I try to 'fit' the mug to their hand (right or left),
> drinking style (i.e., if they keep their elbow at their side
> or raise it, if they rotate at the wrist or with the arm,
> etc.) and find something that really works for them.
> Then I ask them if they think they could find something that
> personal and well adapted at Target at any price. No one has
> ever said yes.
>
> And I do sell a few mugs that way. It does take time, but if
> it's quiet it's a way to amuse myself any maybe make a small sale.
>
> -- Steve S
>
>
> --- In clayart@yahoogroups.com, Lois Ruben Aronow wrote:
> >
> > I hope not to start another mass produced/slipcast/handmade
> debate.
> > BUT - there is no comparison to something that is handmade and
> > something that is mass produced. They are made for
> different reasons,
> > and they are bought for different reasons.
> >
> > If your customer objects to your price, simply smile, say
> "that's the price"
> > and move on. People will try and nickel and dime you all
> the time if
> > you let them. If YOU don't value your work, THEY won't
> value your work.
> >
> > No one has any reason to justify how much they price their work.
> > Comparing it to mass produced, factory made wares is a
> deadly mistake.
> >
> > ....lo
> > Customer: "I can buy 6 mugs at target for the $40 you want
> for this one"
> > Me: "Go right ahead ...
>
> ______________________________________________________________
> ________________
> Send postings to clayart@lsv.ceramics.org
>
> You may look at the archives for the list or change your
> subscription settings from http://www.ceramics.org/clayart/
>
> Moderator of the list is Mel Jacobson who may be reached at
> melpots@pclink.com.
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