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Seeking advice on buying (negotiating over) art

post #1 of 19
4/13/08 at 8:24pm
Thread Starter 
I am a relative newcomer to buying art. I have bought a couple of large mixed-media pieces that I love direct from the artist, a set of three drawings from a gallery, and a nice etching from another gallery.

I have bought a few antiques in the past as well, and have had no problem negotiating the price. But when buying art, I have always paid the asking price.

My question is, is bargaining "done" in an art gallery? And if so, how does one go about it?

I have seen a very nice small bronze that I really like at a pretty major art gallery here in Atlanta. It is just the thing I have been looking for to suit a particular place in the apartment, plus I really like the piece itself. But it's a good deal more than I can afford. How do I go about trying to negotiate a better price?
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post #2 of 19
4/15/08 at 9:51pm
Thread Starter 
Bumping in the hope that one of the worldy-wise SFers might have some advice for me...
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post #3 of 19
4/15/08 at 10:13pm
Explain to the dealer that art pricing is an abstract and completely goes against the narrative of the intended piece. Discretely and with cash in hand I think you could negotiate it down to something reasonable.
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post #4 of 19
4/15/08 at 10:27pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by TintinATL View Post
My question is, is bargaining "done" in an art gallery?
It can be, but it's harder - just try regular bargaining techniques and get a feel for the owner's personality. If the pieces are expensive (thousands and up), then the trump card is to offer to pay in cash. I've had many times where I've been asked to leave when I start suggesting it though, and on one occasion I was nearly thrown out.

Quote:
Explain to the dealer that art pricing is an abstract and completely goes against the narrative of the intended piece.
Yeah, sorry. That's not going to work.
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post #5 of 19
4/15/08 at 10:33pm
A friend of mine prides herself on the fact that she has never, ever paid the list price for a piece of modern or contemporary artwork. She has bought things in almost every major city in the US and Europe but not all of the things are expensive. When they quote her a price, she stares back at the sales person and asks, "What is your collectors price", and waits. They ALWAYS quote a lower price.

Good luck!
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post #6 of 19
4/15/08 at 10:34pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post
When they quote her a price, she stares back at the sales person and asks, "What is your collectors price", and waits.
That's so badass that I'm stealing it.
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post #7 of 19
4/15/08 at 10:43pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by robin View Post
That's so badass that I'm stealing it.
Nice. Can I use that to buy Corbusier from Casinni or Capellini?
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post #8 of 19
4/15/08 at 11:02pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnapril View Post
Nice. Can I use that to buy Corbusier from Casinni or Capellini?
Now that's a different ball game!
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post #9 of 19
4/15/08 at 11:10pm
Well, my friend used it to to buy artwork by unknowns and also pieces by artists that hang in MOMA NYC and SF MOMA (among other museums).

If you act like you are part of "the club" you just might get the "club" price. My friend is smart, sharp, pleasant but not a babe or a show off. Part of it must be in your attitude, I imagine.
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post #10 of 19
4/15/08 at 11:10pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post
When they quote her a price, she stares back at the sales person and asks, "What is your collectors price", and waits.
Good luck!

I'm going to say this the next time I go to buy a car.

And a home stereo. And groceries. And...
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post #11 of 19
4/16/08 at 7:07am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by pocketsquareguy View Post
When they quote her a price, she stares back at the sales person and asks, "What is your collectors price", and waits. They ALWAYS quote a lower price.

I love it! Definitely going to use that!
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post #12 of 19
4/16/08 at 7:32am
Dress well but in an eccentric manner. Art people get intimidated by such things.
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post #13 of 19
4/16/08 at 7:35am
If you are sincere and honest about your interest and what you can afford, say so! they will either deal or not - I have always known what I can afford for something - weather its worth more is totally up for grabs, I have been surprised many times with the comeback "we may be able to work something out". Good luck!!
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post #14 of 19
4/16/08 at 11:07am
Quote:
Originally Posted by LabelKing View Post
Dress well but in an eccentric manner. Art people get intimidated by such things.

Black suit?

Jon.
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post #15 of 19
4/17/08 at 12:36am
Quote:
Originally Posted by imageWIS View Post
Black suit? Jon.


Something like that - with a large yellow butterfly bowtie.
The more educated curator might think you're a relation of Matisse.
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