Haggling ok with artists at craft show, farmers' markets?

[Anonymous]

FYI haggling in countries where it's the norm has the "fair" price already built into the original asking price, and both the buyer and seller know how to play the game and where they're really going to end up, even before the haggling begins. So the initial asking price reflects this.

But that's not the case in the US. And I agree with the PP above, haggling is not normal in most Western countries either, except in very specific circumstances (some light hearted bargaining at flea markets perhaps).

[Anonymous]

Maybe it's the word "haggling" that people are going objecting to? I think it's fine to say "Its a beautiful piece, but I don't know if I can swing $190 for it. Would you consider $175 in cash?" I don't see how that is insulting at all. I'd feel worse hawking my wares at markets and shows every week and not seeing a single sale or offer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The problem is that craft is extremely time consuming and from a production/cost analysis pointless. Craft people do the work because they love the work, but it always feels like a built in donation. For example: I cast gold, standard markup is 300%. 100 for material, 100 for time, 100 for profit. Well when you buy something from the mall the time spent on manufacturing that item was less than a minute. It was designed on a computer, carved in a printer, cast or stamped out of a laser and polished in a mill. Instant bling and close to 200% profit. Lots of room for the annual sale of 50% off. For me to make the same thing (I don't) would take a minimum of a week working all day every day and I only price at double the cost of materials because I'm not charging anything for the time. For you to ask for a discount is naive and insulting.

But the selling price is not calculated by your formula. The selling price is what the buyer is prepared to buy. If you take your pieces to the market, and two months later, nothing sells, then the market is telling you that you've priced this too high, regardless of whether it's 300% or 500% or 1000%. So, I dunno about naive and insulting. Naive is trying to haggle with a top-selling artist whose pieces are selling like hotcakes. If you don't fit this description, then it's not naive. Insulting, meh, people can insult me with money all day long. If you don't have any other offers, it's not insulting.

[Anonymous]

I've walked away from a table at an art/craft show becase the amount of cash I had in my wallet literally was smaller than the asking price. I told the seller how much I had with me, they said no, I walked, and they called after me. I got my painting.

If you see an absolute must have and you think the price is fait, pay it. But otherwise I think a counteroffer (not a long drawn out haggling session) is par for the course. Even in fancy galleries there is some bargaining.

[Anonymous]

I don't get why anyone thinks it is insulting to the seller to haggle. They can always say no to an offer of a lower price.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here - surprised that the vast majority are saying "no way." Price on one piece I'm looking at is $225. I was assuming he would welcome an offer of $200 with that kind of pricing, especially given that prices are not actually listed or displayed!

I would go with $200 cash. Admire some of his pieces, then approach him about your favorite. "I love this piece's use of _______. I am really interested in buying it; would it be possible to purchase it for $200 cash? If not, do you have a business card? Thank you for your time."

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I don't get why anyone thinks it is insulting to the seller to haggle. They can always say no to an offer of a lower price.

When you haggle with someone, you are inherently devaluing their work and the time that went into it. Next time you're thinking of haggling, look at the price, think about how many hours might have gone into making it, the likely out-of-pocket costs (both for the materials and the stall cost for the show/market), and then calculate the hourly rate you're suggesting their time is worth. Most crafters at craft shows and markets are already making peanuts on an hourly basis, when you try to drive the price down further, you're basically telling them their time and talent are worthless.

[Anonymous]

If I say no to you then someone else with more money will come along. Happens all the time.