Bowl Pricing Formula

[John Kananis]

Hi all, I'm doing a small show next weekend and I'm trying to figure out a good formula for pricing my bowls. I've come up with the following:

Width x height x 5 for most things and then if the wood is exotic or is embellished, I change the multiplier from 5 to 6 or 7 (7 would be exotic wood with inlay for instance).

Am I on the right path here? More? Less? Idk.

Edit: I'm in NJ if that is a variable

 

[Alan Weinberg]

Lots of threads discussing this if you search, even recent ones . . .

 

[John Kananis]

Thank you for the input, Alan. I did do a search and came up with mostly requests to price individual pieces, one on hollow forms and a few threads that I thought would be fruitful but then they trail off. Not saying I'm a search ninja or anything so maybe my search terms aren't correct.

Lots of threads discussing this if you search, even recent ones . . .

 

[Alan Weinberg]

https://www.aawforum.org/community/direct-messages/bowl-price.14100/

Post in thread 'Bowl from customer supplied wood'

Sep 16, 2025

Think of a reasonable price and double it.

• Alan Weinberg

• 

D

Post in thread 'Pricing formulas?'

Tuesday at 11:22 AM

First off, selling something you've made can be one of the greatest ego boosters ever.

But, a pricing formula? HUH? Are you selling for the ego boost or the income?

If selling for reasonable income for your effort that's easy.
Shop rate*hours + profit margin + cost of materials including maybe a 20% markup on material cost = selling price.

If the calculated selling price is out of range for your market go elsewhere or improve your efficiency to lower your shop hours. Another option if you can't make enough at your chosen profession is to teach.

It's about that simple.

• Doug Rasmussen

• 

R

Thread 'What would you price would you suggest for this turning'

Sep 19, 2024

I had a lot of interest in my turnings but I not sure what they are worth, or what price to ask! Wondering how to price this out
I really don’t keep track of the time since I build these a few hours at a time I’ll cut a glue sometimes then leave till the next time nothing on tv.
I am new to selling art work !
Thanks for your help!

• Robert Lindstadt
• Replies: 43
• Forum: Woodturning Discussion Forum

 

[John Kananis]

Thank you for the assist, Alan!

 

[John Kananis]

I read through the links and although they offer good insights, there was nothing definitive or specific about a general plan to price.

I'm trying to come up with a blanket formula not price the Mona Lisa lol. Here's a portion of what I have. There's also a bunch of boxes, some other, better sized walnut bowls and spindle work like Christmas tree, snowmen, stoppers, etc but I'm just trying to figure out the bowls.