A question for other knifemakers...

Everything is negotiable--if you feel you have something to gain (i.e. a sale for a maker, a reduced price for a buyer, etc.) by negotiating.

If you feel that your knives are priced right for their place in the market, then it's up to you to decide if you'd rather go home with your knives or cash, depending on how well things go at a show.
 
I generally price my stuff waayyy tooo lowww as it is. I explain to the customer how my knives are made and the expenses that have gotten me to where I am. And then, ask them if they would work for less than $4/hr.
 
It sounds to me like most people aren't charging enough for your knives. We not only have to be good craftsman but good marketers and salesman as well.

I'd rather go home with cash in pocket than a case full of knives that didn't sell because I priced them too low to negotiate a price.

The issue is not about honesty or integrity. It is about selling. If I have to raise the price of a knife so that I can lower it during haggling, then that's what I'll do.

If you are only making $4 per hour on each knife then either your prices are too low or you spend too much time on each knife.

I recall reading on here once that there are two ways to hurt a knifemaker: 1. Hit cold steel, and 2. don't charge enough for your knives.
 
I really like Bobby's post.

IMHO, a knee-jerk reaction that comes off as rude or snobby isn't going to help you out. A simple and polite answer has always worked well for me.

I don't do gun shows anymore because there were too many negatives compared to the positives.... but I can see where there is much more of a "flea-market mentality" at them compared to knife shows. So while I won't haggle, I do understand the notion that it may be expected/necessary at a gun show.

Just FYI- my typical response is always something like this:

"I appreciate that you are interested enough to ask, but I make these knives one at a time from raw materials... ALL work, from start to finish was done with my hands. These aren't something that I just grab off of a shelf and mark up--- the price you see covers the cost of materials and a little for my time and skill required to make them, so I simply can't haggle with you on them. But thank you for asking."


Most people get that. They may not buy the knife, but they will better understand your position.
 
Tell them if they buy it right now... You will throw in a $40 sheath for free :)

Here is a little idea that has worked for me. I was at a gun show sitting at a friend table selling a few knives. I ended selling the 4 knives I brought and what really pushed them over the edge in making the decision is I would pull out a 2x5 block of Stained Oak with leather glued on top for a strop. I would tell them if they bought the knife I would give them the Oak Strop board for free and that really help them make up their minds.

A quick lesson on how to strop their new knife went a long way. I would offer to load it up with compound if they wanted. It was a great idea and they really felt they got a deal and were taken care of.
 
AVigil said:
Tell them if they buy it right now... You will throw in a $40 sheath for free :)

Here is a little idea that has worked for me. I was at a gun show sitting at a friend table selling a few knives. I ended selling the 4 knives I brought and what really pushed them over the edge in making the decision is I would pull out a 2x5 block of Stained Oak with leather glued on top for a strop. I would tell them if they bought the knife I would give them the Oak Strop board for free and that really help them make up their minds.

A quick lesson on how to strop their new knife went a long way. I would offer to load it up with compound if they wanted. It was a great idea and they really felt they got a deal and were taken care of.
Click to expand...

Now that's a great idea right there!! I have piles of Ash & plenty of leather, could make a bunch in no time.

As for my post above, yes I do spend too much time per knife 'cause I'm never satisfied!! However, I use $4/hr because it makes them think. ;):)
 
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