Off Cuts

[Walter Hall]

The larger/smaller cheaper/more expensive issue is an interesting one. It applies in the pen market too. I make more profit per piece from top end pens but it is the cheaper items that turn over regularly and pay the gallery rent.

To be honest it is probably why I began to specialise in pens, because that is what the public were buying from me . My gallery display does include larger items but it's the pens that keep me in business.

Walter

 

[Jenx]

However, I will get better with practice, :lol: :lol: :lol:
.

Yes, you keep practicing.. you'll get there in the end lol lol :lol: :lol:

Mark, as ever, .. I love these.
They're absolutely gorgeous. -- I was just showing these to the missus and the reaction was ' oooh yeeeesssss' ! ... 8) :lol:

Very nice... and very 'mark'.
Unmistakeable, and exquisite. :wink:

 

[mikec]

Hi Mark to my eye they are all beautiful and typically "Mark" as has been said.

George's comments are very interesting as they show what detail an untrained eye such as mine will miss compared to someone who specialises in this type of form. Having said that I would part with money for one of those !!!!!

I think the debate over size, large items as attractors and small items as "take it home" pieces is very close to the truth in my very limited experience with sales with my local woodturning club.

Please let us know when your DVD is ready!!

Regards,

Mike C

 

[mark sanger]

The larger/smaller cheaper/more expensive issue is an interesting one. It applies in the pen market too. I make more profit per piece from top end pens but it is the cheaper items that turn over regularly and pay the gallery rent.

To be honest it is probably why I began to specialise in pens, because that is what the public were buying from me . My gallery display does include larger items but it's the pens that keep me in business.

Walter

Hi Walter I did not realise that you walked the corridors of UKW. It's a great forum isn't it. ?

I think selling is such a complex issue and changes so much from area to area. And not only down to the area but also putting into that area what that particular market wants to buy. It is one I struggle with on a regular basis to try to work out a formula. I do not think there is one.!!

Mind you some of your pens are not what I would call cheap. Not expensive for the quality but not cheap.

 

[mark sanger]

However, I will get better with practice, :lol: :lol: :lol:
.

Yes, you keep practicing.. you'll get there in the end lol lol :lol: :lol:

Mark, as ever, .. I love these.
They're absolutely gorgeous. -- I was just showing these to the missus and the reaction was ' oooh yeeeesssss' ! ... 8) :lol:

Very nice... and very 'mark'.
Unmistakeable, and exquisite. :wink:

Hi jenx

Thank you for your comments. Well thank you to your good lady.

 

[mark sanger]

Hi Mark to my eye they are all beautiful and typically "Mark" as has been said.

George's comments are very interesting as they show what detail an untrained eye such as mine will miss compared to someone who specialises in this type of form. Having said that I would part with money for one of those !!!!!

I think the debate over size, large items as attractors and small items as "take it home" pieces is very close to the truth in my very limited experience with sales with my local woodturning club.

Please let us know when your DVD is ready!!

Regards,

Mike C

Hi Mike

Thank you for your comments. All form is subjective as George said. However he is right in that if you look at the one which is perfect it seems to float. Many people do not see such fine detail, they just buy if they like it or not and do not know why they may not like a piece but just don;t like it.

Sales is a difficult one. I have to say that I am biased to galleries, commissions and picking areas where I know people will pay what I deserve to get for my work. But even then it is a case of trying to work as fast as possible. To get the maximum return.

Of course if you do not need to make a living from turning then this does not really matter.

 

[Walter Hall]

[Hi Walter I did not realise that you walked the corridors of UKW. It's a great forum isn't it. ?

Mind you some of your pens are not what I would call cheap. Not expensive for the quality but not cheap.

Hi Mark

I have been lurking here for a while, but decided to start posting quite recently. I agree it is a great forum with a wide range of expertise, views and opinions. Friendly and properly moderated too which is more than can be said for some.

I do make cheaper pens too, I just don't see the point of displaying them on the forums so you will never have seen them. My basic slimlines sell for as little as £10 to £15 depending upon the quality of the plating and the materials used. As for the pricing of the higher end pens, that is based upon what I consider the materials, time and effort to be worth. As I have said elsewhere, I am fortunate in not needing to make a living from selling my work so if no-one buys them I will not starve, but neither will I sell at price that would undercut those who rely on turning for an income.

Walter

 

[Bill Mooney]

Hi Mark,
I like your pieces a lot, The spalted grain in beautiful & the finials set them off a treat, needless to say the shape & the finish is first class.
It's nice to see Walter here as well, small world.

 

[mark sanger]

Hi Bill

Thank you for your comments.

Yes it is good to have Walter here. I guess it is the power of the internet. Don't have to get out of my seat to talk to people from all over the world.