Lowering Prices

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Originally Posted by Natalie Hunsaker

Would it be fair (or necessary) to contact all the clients who paid more and offer some sort of equivalent credit toward a future art purchase?

Please, don't even think of it! And I think you have received great tips here.

And by the way, have you considered doing pastel paintings?

What about your daughter? Is she OK now?

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Thanks for your concern, Bonfim. My daughter (born weighing only 1 lb 4 oz) is doing better. She's definitely delayed, but we fully expect that she will grow out of most of her difficulties and lead a "normal" life--as far as "normal" can be defined, anyway. We are happy with her progress.

[Chris Saper]

Hi Natalie,

I would suggest you offer a time-limited discount to new clients as well as a discount for repeat cients. Got to give people a reason to act.

Glad to hear your baby is doing well - having worked 17 yrs at a children's hospital , then watching the amazing neonatal progress since, these little cuties just need some time to catch up

[Debra Jones]

On that topic, I just sent out thank you's to a list of old clients saying I was extending a miniature holiday portrait offering as a "Hang Over" Special. I also added a note of thanks for their former patronage and (I do the small ones, remember) a set value coupon.
I had one of the charity people get back to me about buying a demo piece and rounding up a few more for the minis and another send a photo of her newest show dog... no instructions, but she already had three of my pieces.
"Thank you" is a very strong selling tool!
dj*

[Natalie Hunsaker]

Thank you so much, everyone for your insightful comments!

Although I've also heard it is equally bad to offer coupons or discounts as it is to lower your prices (sales advice from non-artists), I must say that with so many people who I admire and respect telling me to go ahead with it, I definitely will!

Marvin and Chris--do you find that a lot of people take you up on your portrait vignettes and monochromes, respectively? Have you noticed an increase sale of these (in proportion to your finished formal portraits) as the economy has been slower?