I would really appreciate your thoughts on what the "correct" pricing is for segmented bowls. This is really making me crazy, since I've now done a few shows and my results have not been that great. On the accessories/sculpture page on my website, www.woodcon.net,are three bowls that you can use for reference in making your comments. I have been pricing my bowls in the $150 to $250 range depending on size and how complex the design is. I am trying to resist the feelings of defeat, but it's getting to me and I don't know if this is just not an area customers care about, is it the economy, or who knows! Let me know what you think, I really do appreciate it.
This sounds harsh, but please know I mean it to be helpful. The "click to get a larger image" does not seem to work (I'm using Firefox) so my comments are based on the smaller images.
To me the segmenting is fine, but the bowl shape does not cry out either as an elegant artwork or as a particularly utilitarian bowl. All three are too linear for my taste, not enough swell in the sides for the base (or too much base for the diameter, which amounts to the same thing). The two on the left are nearly can shaped and the one on the right has nearly straight walls, like a funnel. Work on your shape and your prices will be more appealing.
I suggest you look to Richard Raffin and Dick Sing's books on bowls to get a sense of what I mean. Also see http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/russ2.shtml, Russ Fairfield's piece on bowl design.
Again, please take this in the spirit it is intended, not as commentary on your turning but as hopefully helpful criticism. I am sure others will now wade in as I have opened the gates. I am sure some of the successful segmented bowl turners among us will have far more helpful comments than my attempt. I am equally sure others will see fault with my comments - such is the way of growth.
----------------------------
Overheard at Berea College
Student: "Professor, how do I become a master turner?"
Thanks for your observations, but what I was asking for was about pricing, not on the design aspect. The issue that I am facing is that I have had many people admire my bowls, including the ones I am showing on my site, yet getting the sale is inconsistent. These are meant to be functional with food safe finishes.
The prices seem high for the size and relatively simple designs. Around here, I'd have a hard time getting more than around $75 to $100 for that size of bowl.
As for people admiring but not buying...that's pretty much standard. Lots more lookers at shows than buyers.
Also...people around here seem to be more attracted to solid wood bowls than segmented ones. Not sure why...I don't think most people appreciate how much more time and effort go into a segmented piece.
I won't comment on price, it makes no difference what I think it is worth.
To sell anything like our work, maybe several hundred, maybe a thousand people have to see it. We aren't selling necessities of life, so first it has to visually appeal to someone, and secondly they need to be inspired to buy it. Everyone that sees it might compliment you, but closing a sale is an art by itself. If you tell them they can eat popcorn out of it, they then need to decide on paying $250 for a popcorn bowl. Nothing is consistent when selling pleasure items like decorative woodturning.
Howard, looks like you're in the New York City area where interestingly such items typically sell better and for more money that they here 3-4 hours north n the Albany area, I'd say keep marketing them at shows and eventually the public will want them on your terms. I'm always amazed how many commissions and sales I generate long after the show circuit is over and the public seeks me out, but then again I don't do realistically do this for a living only as my passion like most of us here on this great site.
