I don't have a clue about pricing.

[Mary Sparrow]

... keeping my prices at a point where I didn't feel like I was ripping off my friends. But that isn't paying the bills.

I have always been worried about it until now and I realize that I am not getting the same consideration. Here is an example:

I just did a portrait of a friend's children. He happens to own a computer sales and repair shop. I am in desperate need of a really nice computer.

We have been friends for EVER, like siblings. When he approached me about his portrait, I gave him the price list, he chose to do one that would come to $2,900. Because I am such a wimp, I IMMEDIATELY told him I would do it for half! He didn't even ask.

Then I mentioned that I needed a new computer, when I told him everything I needed he said it would retail around $1500. So that is what we are trading for. You see where I'm going with this... I cut my price in half, he trades for his retail price, I don't know what the markup is in computers but I'm assuming maybe half... So he has managed to get a $3,000 portrait for what? $7-900?

This type of thing has happened to me often and I'm too much of a wimp to say anything.

I need someone to sit me down and give me a lecture, make out a price list for me and tell me to STICK TO IT ... any volunteers?