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Pricing of Origami models

Posted: July 27th, 2017, 12:59 am
by NeverCeaseToCrease
Hello,

I was recently participating in a summer class that involved taking the subway train to field trips for about 20-40 minutes, which I have spent most of the time folding. One of my classmates noticed this, and challenged me to fold him a helicopter. It took me about 30 minutes to design and fold (but only 20 minutes to fold another model at home) and when I finished, I presented it to him and negotiated a deal.

Image
The model was folded from a 23cm tracing paper, which costs about 10 cents per sheet.

Based on the model, the paper, and the time, how much do you think I should have charged him? (USD)

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: July 27th, 2017, 2:20 am
by HankSimon
For a sample model with standard paper, as opposed to a perfected artistic model with Origami paper, I would say that $5 - $10 .

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: July 27th, 2017, 4:13 am
by NeverCeaseToCrease
Pretty good estimate, considering that I worked for half an hour and minimum wage is a little more than 10 dollars an hour. Keep in mind though, that I was selling this to a 15 year old.

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: July 27th, 2017, 10:15 pm
by Gerardo
In the particular situation you're mentioning I would think about a symbolic cost instead of its real worth. Your knowledge and experience, besides the fact that you originally created the model by comission, costs. Know what I mean?

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: August 7th, 2017, 1:10 am
by NeverCeaseToCrease
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention: I only made $2.50 dollars.
It's better than nothing, at least...

If any of you feel like you want to become $2.50 dollars richer then the crease pattern can be found here: goo.gl/dgrYb1

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: September 24th, 2017, 2:28 am
by ahudson
Pricing art is hard. There is no single right answer, and how much art sells for depends much more on the attitude of the buyer than on anything else.

In my experience, very few people are willing to pay any significant amount of money for a piece of origami, unless it's affixed to something practical (like a greeting card or earring), or unless you use special materials to make the piece more durable.

I've sold pieces only a couple of times. Usually, it's a balance between what I think they'll be willing to pay, and how much of a pain in the butt it would be for me to fold another one.

Re: Pricing of Origami models

Posted: September 24th, 2017, 2:41 am
by Gerardo
Very good answer ahudson. I concur :).