I know everyone likes a bargain. And how is a buyer to know whether you are flexible in your prices? I try not to be insulted. (A friend of mine had a piece listed for $1600. A surgeon asked if she would take $800. Imagine if the tables were turned, would he operate at half price? ) I tend not discount unless two or more pieces are involved. Last week, a woman from mainland China came in to my studio. I was at home. My studio partner called to say that the woman was very interested. She wanted a discount and would be back in a half hour. Times are lean in my studio. I agreed to a 15% discount. Two hours later the woman returned and insisted on talking to me. She wanted a 25% discount and the piece removed from the stretchers. I said no thank you and left it at that. She did buy the piece. My partner had to remove it from the stretchers, no easy task.
It put me in mind of my children. When they were young and had to go to bed in 30 minutes, they would whine. I responded, okay, you have to go to bed in fifteen minutes. They caught on quickly. From now on, if I offer a discount and the client asks for more, I am returning to the full asking price.
This is so frustrating. Sorry that happened to you. I have finally adopted a NO donation to auctions policy, and NO discounts. Both situations have left a bad taste in my mouth a few times too many. Jackie
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