Quote:
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Originally Posted by Debra Jones
It used to be hard for me to avoid the urge to keep discounting, but the client who sees what they want appreciates the simple and direct answer. I am much more comfortable with explaining my pricing is increased with added content... AND sticking with it!!
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It is
so hard for me not to offer to paint portraits at a discount for friends and acquaintances. My main purpose of painting people is because I enjoy painting people, and I am still building my portfolio. Yes, I do like being compensated for my work (otherwise I would be painting for free), but it's more important for me to paint portraits that people enjoy and get those portraits in people's homes so I will get more commissions.
Rereading my post makes me sound like the worst business person ever. Why not just lower my prices if I think they're too high? Well, I would probably want to discount that! I must somehow think it's the 'friendly' thing to do.
I think this gets back to the main problem of being an artist who has a hard time valuing my own work. Hmmmph. I can certainly see how it would be better to have ONE price list and stick to it, I can see how it would be too complicated to offer this person or that person a discount, but maybe NOT that person a discount. This doesn't sound professional at all. (Michele, I have learned so much from your professionalism, you're probably cringing right about now.)
So, are there any reasons to offer a discount to a first time customer?
Joan