Pricing stategy

[kengillam]

There have been several threads on other Forums about the low prices being obtained for our work. Many people feel that the 99cent or 99p UK listing is harming the perceived value of what we do. I am not going to list at that price as it means that I'm paying people to take my work. Lots of others also agree that we should up the start prices to a minimum of 4.99 . By the time you pay the fees plus postage particularly for me sending from the UK it just isn't worth it at silly prices. Anyone else agree with this? Ken

[darklingemily]

I agree with you Ken, but I cant justify the thought of making others list higher...Although it would be a welcome change for the art market, i think that everyone has their own motivations for pricing. I like to price mine within range of the living; having my art in loving homes is more important to me than sales, so I feel like if I price it out of range of those looking for a bargain, I am usually safe from the dread that my little physical thoughts are being abused or neglected, not cherished. 😉 Still, though, i hardly ever get paid to cover all the time I spend on a particular piece. Someday I will work up to that, I am about halfway there.

[nechtan999_1]

That's one of the reasons I have decided not to do anymore theme weeks - I'm tired of giving my work away. I won't list any lower than 9.00 starting and I am considering starting some higher next time I list.

[nechtan999_1]

Ken, I have noticed an across the board higher postage on items coming from the UK. Is postage expensive there?

[uniquelychelle]

I think the theme weeks are a really good idea for a number of reasons, but I won't participate in them either if the requirement is to start them at a set low price. LOL I wish I had been doing this a bit longer and got more feedback so that I could justify a 9.00 starting price. Is there an average length of time that it takes to become 'established' on here so that you can ask a better price (9.00 being a better price but really still incredibly low for original art) and have a reasonable chance of getting a bid or two, or is that just the dumbest question I have ever asked:) Michelle

[jmkmini]

Michelle, your work is beautiful. I think that justifies starting at $9.00. I lot of people start at that price. Judy K:x

[uniquelychelle]

Does anybody sell ACEO's at better prices off Ebay, can I ask that question here, I know the purpose of this group, but well, curiosity killed the cat you know:):):) I'm wondering what a reasonable retail price would be, I know a lot of artists use $x per inch for pricing bigger works but what about ACEO or even miniature sizes, does that same rule still apply? Michelle

[uniquelychelle]

Aww thank you Judy:) I am pretty insecure about my art (as in no-one but my immediate family knew I am an artist until last October and I have been doing it all my life). As much as I would like to start higher and it is really lovely to hear you say that, it would shatter my confidence to not get any bids at all. I really am very thankful that I have sold seven ACEO's since the first one I listed two weeks ago, so I can't complain too much, especially as I am seeing ACEO's/mini's playing a big part in my future direction which I hadn't actually planned on (but now I am addicted:) Michelle

[artistjillian]

I have participated in 99 cent theme weeks as I find them fun. But do admit that I did collages. But even so, one in particular took me hours. But the fun was worth it. I won't list below a certain price myself. But, believe that everyone should be allowed to choose. I will admit that I totally cringe at the 99 cent pricing (or lower), as well as some slightly higher, too. I know it all comes under competitive bidding and so forth, but I just don't like people to even imagine in any way that art is 'cheap', that we are trying to give it away, and that any sale at any price is a bonus. I always maintain - treat your art and show it in the most professional way, and others will come to value it too, as the unique masterpieces they all are. I see no real solution, as there cannot be any restrictions, there will always be new people who come and list potentially at low prices. I have seen some new people list at 99 cents just because they joined during theme week and thought that was the 'usual' start price. I wish that pricing could be higher, but realistically there is no way to control any of that. ~Jillian

[katat0nik]

Many new ACEO artists will start their prices low (too low), and of course they'd like to eventually raise their prices, but are not sure when to do so. I think you should set some goals for yourself (ie: I would like to start my ACEOs at $xx. I will NOT start them below $x.) Then gradually start raising prices (do it now) until you reach your goal. I started raising my prices early on, because after lurking in the group & reading tons of great advice from Jillian (thank you Jillian!) I came to respect ACEOs as serious, collectible art - and I think we should all treat our art with respect - don't sell it for the same price as something you'd get from the 99cent store. You must know that your time, effort, creativity, & talent are worth much more than that. Jillian is right - "treat your art and show it in the most professional way, and others will come to value it too, as the unique masterpieces they all are." When you raise your prices, you might not sell everything, but at least you'll feel better about yourself when you do sell something, because you'll be letting your little masterpiece go for a more reasonable price. The only time I start my ACEOs at 99cents is for theme weeks/contests only (and maybe a charity auction). These contests can give you good exposure - but I understand why some would prefer not to participate. You may get new buyers through theme week, but your art could easily sell for a price lower than what you'd like (it's happened to me several times!) But I think the exposure is worth it...jmho:) Jane

[october*moon]

Michelle, like you, I was afraid my confidence would be totally shattered if I didn't get any bids at my 9.99 price (a couple of months ago) so, in desperation (after 3 days with no bids) I lowered the price to 5.99 (the price I've stayed with since) and immediately got bids....If I had just "hung in there", I might have gotten my price before the auction was over, but at the time I really just needed to see bids! Often I've gotten final prices of well over the 9.99, yet I'm still hesitant to start higher...I plan to gradually ease a bit higher as I get more art sales under my belt, though. I agree with Jane, too...I'm just going to have to deal with not always getting my price for a while (when I get the nerve to finally raise it! :-)...and tell myself that the right person just didn't see it yet if I don't get bids! Anne >^..^<

[bethypam]

Oddly enough, I don't think anyone but an already established artist should start their auctions low. Only someone who is sure enough of their buyers should risk that. I also don't think being established can be measured in terms of time. It probably makes a lot of sense to keep track of your own stats as well as the general ACEO stats. I would think there has to be some level of unique bidders for your work, or a point where you have a certain number of bidders following you consistently from week to week, that will tell you that you have enough of a clientele to demand more. Since I am not an artist, I don't know what other forms of feedback are available. I'd say if you know you can earn more and do it more consistently off eBay, it only makes sense to ditch the greedy so-and-so's! I would like to see even more people present some display and storage alternatives that would raise the bar for collections. I tend to think that keeping collections in trading card albums as a long term storage/display solution for collectors won't enhance the prices artists get for their art cards because it makes them seem a lot less unique. I know many of you create, seek out, acquire and offer as many ideas and alternatives as you can. I know that the dissatisfaction many artists feel with their prices comes from a complex set of problems, but this seems like an area that could use some work and might help remedy the situation. It's too bad there aren't more collectors in the groups. It would be nice to know how they are currently handling their collections and how it makes them feel about the value of what they have and what they'd be willing to spend in the future. I think including the WIP's is a great idea, both in the groups and in the auctions, because then buyers can see how much work goes into creating an ACEO. I think that is lost in the sheer numbers available. I don't think a lot of buyers could possibly realize how much time and effort it takes to create even a small work of art. I have opinions on the general value of art cards as a collector. I know what I'd be willing to pay keeping in mind how I choose to display them and the options I know are currently available. It might not be what a lot of artists would hope they could achieve with their ACEOs but I guarantee you it is also -NOT- 99 cents!

[bethypam]

Just throwing this out there because I don't know where else it fits. I decided tonight that I'm not going to bid on any more theme week ACEOs. The longer theme week has gone on, the grouchier people have been about prices. I feel bad for artists but I only have control over what one person bids, and that's me.

[artistjillian]

bethypam, as with everyone, be it the bidder or seller, you must always do what you alone are comfortable with. I am trying to present some more ideas for presentation/collecting, but busy at the moment, but hope to soon. Thank you for your ideas, and input. Lots to consider. :) ~Jillian

[jmkmini]

What does theme week have to do with pricing? I didn't think there was a price thing associated with theme week except at Nibblefest. Judy K:x