What to Say When Someone Asks for a Discount on Your Art
Jul 23, 2025
What to Say When Someone Asks for a Discount on Your Art
It happens more often than you think.
You’ve done the work.
You’ve poured your time, materials, energy, and heart into a piece.
And then someone asks,
“Can you give me a deal?”
“Is that your best price?”
“Would you take less?”
It can throw you off—especially if you're still working on owning your worth.
But here's the thing: you don’t have to justify your pricing.
And you definitely don’t have to discount your value just to make a sale.
Here’s how to handle it with grace, clarity, and confidence.
1. Know This: It’s Not Personal
First, take a breath.
When someone asks for a discount, it’s often more about their mindset than your work.
They may not understand what goes into handmade, original art.
They might be used to negotiating, or they may simply not know better.
But it doesn’t mean your prices are too high.
And it definitely doesn’t mean you should lower them.
2. A Simple, Respectful Response That Holds Your Boundaries
Here’s what you can say when someone asks for a discount:
“My pricing reflects the time, materials, and heart I put into each piece. I don’t offer discounts, but I do hope you find something you connect with.”
You’re not apologizing.
You’re not over-explaining.
You’re simply affirming the value of your work—with respect for both yourself and the person asking.
3. When You Feel Pressure to People-Please
If you’re someone who wants everyone to feel good and doesn’t love saying “no,” this part is important:
Discounting your work to avoid discomfort won’t build a sustainable business.
It creates a cycle where you’re constantly shrinking or bending to feel worthy of a sale.
But confidence is magnetic.
When you calmly stand behind your pricing, people feel it.
Even if they don’t buy right away, they remember your presence, your professionalism—and your power.
4. Alternatives to Offer (Without Discounting)
If you want to meet people where they are without lowering your prices, here are a few options that honor both your value and their budget:
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Point them to smaller, more affordable pieces (like mini prints or small works)
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Let them know about upcoming shows or special collections
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Offer a payment plan if that feels aligned with your business model
You’re still serving—but you’re doing it on your terms.
Final Thought
If pricing conversations make you feel uncomfortable, you’re not alone.
But they get easier when you remember:
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Your pricing isn’t random
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Your art holds value beyond the materials
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You’re allowed to stand in that truth, even when asked to bend
You’re not just selling art—you’re offering meaning, memory, and connection.
And that’s worth honoring—every time.
Want More Support Like This?
Inside the Collaborative Artisans Collective, we talk about the real stuff:
Pricing. Boundaries. Visibility. Confidence.
If you’ve been craving honest community and real tools to grow your creative business, you’ll feel at home here.
You don’t have to navigate this alone.
There’s a place for you here.
