A First for Me

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fiferb

fiferb

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Mar 20, 2006
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Ninety Six, SC, USA.
I've never had anyone tell me that the price I asked for a pen was not enough and then insisted on paying more. :) The $35 pen I sold him turned into $50. [:p] And to think, I'm still amazed people want to buy something I make. [:I]
 
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Yep. I sold a cartridge pen recently to a coworker. She asked how much and I sheepishly told her a price and she didn't flinch at all. Wrote the check and I couldn't tell if I had given her the exact worth or had just underpriced it.

Congrats on the sale. I tend to feel the same way you do about folks buying something we make.
 
was talking with someone about a cartridge pen the other day (one of the nicer bullit nib ones with deer antler upper) and he was wondering what I would charge. before I could think of the costs in my head he says "$100". I was figuring closer to $80 for a nice Euro style.
 
I used to be rather sheepish about telling someone that I sold Euro's for $20.00. But I learned a few lessons from that - one being - don't undevalue your work. Percieved value is HUGE. Sometimes things with BIGGER price tags sell better than the same item with a lower price. Second, if the person recognizes the work and skill that goes into a good execution of any craft, they won't mind paying out for it. I had a guy just recently walk into my dorm room and tell me he heard I make pens and wanted to see them. So he looks at all my stuff, picks up a rhodium/22K Gent FP in Desert Ironwood and asks "How much?" Keep in mind this guy is a student and even a few years younger than me. I said, "Well, you picked the most expensive one - I sell those for $100 or more." He didn't even blink at the price and just pulled 5 twenties out of his wallet. Then two more guys came by within a week and bought stuff from me. I don't push the lowest price - I push the best quality.
And, Bruce, I know you have that quality! Take Sandee someplace nice to eat [:D]
 
Originally posted by Tuba707
<br />I used to be rather sheepish about telling someone that I sold Euro's for $20.00. But I learned a few lessons from that - one being - don't undevalue your work. Percieved value is HUGE. Sometimes things with BIGGER price tags sell better than the same item with a lower price. Second, if the person recognizes the work and skill that goes into a good execution of any craft, they won't mind paying out for it. I had a guy just recently walk into my dorm room and tell me he heard I make pens and wanted to see them. So he looks at all my stuff, picks up a rhodium/22K Gent FP in Desert Ironwood and asks "How much?" Keep in mind this guy is a student and even a few years younger than me. I said, "Well, you picked the most expensive one - I sell those for $100 or more." He didn't even blink at the price and just pulled 5 twenties out of his wallet. Then two more guys came by within a week and bought stuff from me. I don't push the lowest price - I push the best quality.
And, Bruce, I know you have that quality! Take Sandee someplace nice to eat [:D]
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Dang, Joel, sounds like you are the best pusher in the dorm!! [}:)][;)][;)]
 
I never cease to be amazed at the prices you blokes get for your work! I have had several people tell me the have seen pens at XYZ Markets for MUCH LESS than mine - despite them telling me mine are the most beautiful they've seen. My answer is normally "OK go to XYZ Markets and buy one, or even two!"
Even some of my fellow turners raise an eyebrow when I talk prices.
Last night I was at our annual club show. The Qality of the work was outstanding and so were the low prices. And this is from blokes who consistentlt win top prizes in shows Australia wide and in international competition! I shake my head in wonder!
 
My dentist, who has worked on my mouth since I was 6, am 37 now, bought two slimlines and a letteropener, he asked what I charged, I said $15 for each, he hands me a check for $60, and told me, charge more, it is worth it, and you deserve it

Rick
 
A few months ago, I sold a segmented cigar to a woman from church. I told her the price was $45 and she handed me a check for $60. I didn't even look at the check until I got home. I ended up giving her a compact in bloodwood that she had been eyeing, as a thank you gift.
Rob
 
Thanks for the comments everyone. I think I need to clear a couple of things up.

Al, how about I take you and your wife to dinner if you come visit?
Way to go Bruce! Ummmmm why not just send that extra $15 you weren't expecting ... my way.
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Yep, had the same thing told to me on numerous occasions, right Joel?
Good job! I've had several customers tell me I don't charge enough, but never one that insisted on paying more.
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Chris, Thanks but this wasn't the first sale, just the first that anyone wanted to pay more. I think I'm over 200 pens so far this year.
Congrats, Bruce! That first sale is so exciting. After the second sale it gets to be habit forming.
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