What are you really saying when you ask for a discount?
We all like offers, and I mean we all really like offers especially in these tough times. I like to look for discounts in stores and even look for specials.
Looking for sales and specials the store, the artist or the vendor offers is great, but bargaining prices is not ok, is rude in many cases.
The people that is offering you a service or the artist that has created the beautiful painting you so much want also has bills to pay, just like you and the price he/she has come up with is not thought out of the top of her head, it depends on the quality of the product, the service he/she provides, the years and popularity of the artist, in the case of art related products of course, the costs of doing business and many, many other factors.
I get approached many times by customers telling me how much they are willing to pay me for so and so painting and that I should be thankful for that, or the gal that calls me just to tell me she has found another artist willing to do the same painting she wants to commission for a ridiculously low amount of money but that she likes my work and wants to me to paint it for the same ridiculously low amount. Many times I have a really hard time trying to answer in a polite way other times I just try to explain why my prices are the way they are. Many customers who have never worked for themselves have a hard time understanding why we charge what we charge and in this case I try to explain what if their bosses would tell them they can’t pay them their salaries. Many times I ask them if they bargain in such a furious way with their dentists, grocery stores, or gas stations as well. Many understand the point and many of course not, but nonetheless after a while it gets impossible and frustrating to deal with. Some customers have the perception that because you work for yourself and you own the company there are no costs related to doing business or that we might get supplies for free or something…. nothing farther than the truth.
So you know where I’m coming from please watch this video which explains without much explanation why is not ok to just approach your vendor or artist with the price you are willing to pay, rather than accepting their rates. Be well, and next time you want to buy something think about what’s behind the scenes that you don’t see, so that product or service can be provided to you.
2 Comments
That pretty much hits the nail on the head. I am always meeting people like this in my Trade and as an Artist.
If they want it they will pay for it.
May 29, 2009
@colin
Hello Colin! and thank you for stopping by my site.
I completely agree with you. Funny is many have no remorse in spending $300-$1000 for a pair of designer’s shoes but for some reason have a hard time paying the price for valuable art.
Please visit again!
Manuela./
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May 29, 2009