When I first started making collage, I was experimenting and not spending a lot on framing, although we did do the dust cover and wire hanger thing on the back. I had people ask if they could buy the work without the frame which was not possible because of how they were finished.
I moved on to better frames with backs held on by clips, no dust cover. Now when they ask to just buy the work I could do it.
Then I started framing better. Double mats, spacers for the shadow, etc. My husband sold two out of the frame while I was away from the booth which was OK, but it got me thinking.
The bagged works have just a single mat and a backing board. Should we be selling the double matted, spaced stuff for the same price? I don't know if people want them out of the frame because they think they can frame it cheaper or if they just don't like the frame. If they ask to remove the work from the frame, should we charge more for the extra mat and the spacers or just suck it up and say thank you?
Any advice?
Replies
i think if you've already framed it and then take it out of the frame, you should not charge the same price as an unframed piece. You already put the time into framing, so you have to account for that in the price you charge (aside from the extra mat and spacers). So, if it is $100 framed (double matted and spacers) and $50 unframed (single mat no spacers), if you take apart the $100 piece, charge $70 (or whatever you think your time and extra meterials is worth). I assume you don't just add the price of the frame when you price a framed piece versus the unframed piece.