Hola gorgeous goddesses!
Today I got an email from a beautiful soul who is starting on the path of selling her artworks, and wants to know how on *earth* to price them. Do you pull a number out of thin air? Work out your costs + projections – deductions + profits x headaches induced by lefty-brained logistics = perfect price?
And I started thinking about how this isn’t just about pricing artwork. This is about every time we need to put a number value on our work. You don’t have to be an artist to have this question. Maybe you’re a healer. Or a massage therapist. Or a babysitter. Or a designer. Or any kind of businesswoman, really.
So let’s circle… and talk Sacred Pricing.
The time I didn’t honour Sacred Pricing.
So, once upon a time, Leonie didn’t sell her artwork. She gave it away. Whenever anyone mentioned they liked her artwork, she gave it to them. Even relative strangers.
Why did Leonie do this?
Because she thought that was the nice thing to do.
Because she loved making the artwork, so she wanted to share it freely.
Because she was uncomfortable with putting a price on her gifts.
All the above is true. In fact, I gave artwork away up until four years ago. I felt fairly okay about the whole arrangement – but I had little bits of sadness about it. Like the part where I felt a little bit used up by it. And the part where I felt like I hadn’t honoured my paintings properly. And like I’d just given away my babies to families that I wasn’t really sure about.
I was starting to feel in my soul that maybe this wasn’t the right way to do it anymore. Like there had to be a better way for me, for my spirit, and for my art.
The words that changed me.
As they say – when the student is ready, the teacher arrives. One twilight, I was driving back from a labyrinth. It had been my first outing with my women’s circle, and I was bundled up in the back of a car with my two mentors in the front. {I’ll use totem names here, as I’m more comfortable with that today}.
Eagle Woman turned to the older Jaguar Woman and said “Leonie’s been having problems charging for her artwork. I told her you would be the right one to speak to about that.” Jaguar Woman is beautiful – silver white hair, wide blue eyes. She turns to me, and in her Scandinavian accent asks me “What is this problem Leonie? What are you charging right now?”
I blushed. And stammered. I tend to do this when caught off guard by honesty. “Ummm… nothing. I give my art away.” “And why do you do that?” “Because it’s… easier. I don’t have to think about it then. If people want it, they can just have it.”
Our headlights glowed along the stretch of road. We were driving through a large paddock, kangaroos and farm houses and old trees visible through the soft light. Jaguar Woman began to speak, and I listened.
“You must charge for your art. In everything – everything – there needs to be an exchange of energy. An equal one. One that fills me up. One that fills you up. If I give you a massage that nourishes and sustains and relaxes you, I ask you for money to nourish and sustain my life too. We must both be involved in the exchange, otherwise it is one sided. We must both be invested, so we both receive value. If I do not allow you to pay money for my service, I do a disservice to myself, but also to you. You must contribute too, in order to be fulfilled. You will value the things you pay for more. And my life will be better because I have helped your life be better. And your life will be better, because you have helped my life be better too. Everything – everything - must be an equal exchange of energy. It is sacred. Money is the manifestation of energy. Money is sacred too.”
Pricing to sustain and enrich you…
Since Jaguar Woman spoke those words to me four years ago, my mindset has been changed about money, and charging for my gifts and services. It is continually being tweaked, changed and evolved – as most things are in life. As we evolve, so do our attitudes and our insights about the things around us and in us.
My advice in pricing is this – price your services and products so that it sustains and enriches you. Price so that you feel happy selling at that price. Price so it feels like a true energy exchange – that what you are giving to another – they are giving the same value to you. Price so your life will feel joyful from it.
Leonie’s tiny bit of pricing practically…
From a practical level, make sure you include all your costs in, and then work out if the profit number sustains you.
I remember selling prints a couple of years ago. I forgot to work out prices of postage for the kind of tube I was sending. In the end, I lost $4 for every print I sold. That profit number obviously didn’t sustain me. 
Just remember – every sale has a cost. Write up a scratchy list of them, so you know what energy you are truly giving out and receiving in.
A little note on gifting.
I’m so not anti-gifting. What I’m into is giving when it feels conscious and energy-filled from both ends.
Sometimes I still *gift* artwork to dear friends and family – but now I only do it because I WANT to do it. Not because I’m uncomfortable with the putting-a-price part of it. Not because I think I SHOULD. I do it when it’s true for me.
Passing the talking stick…
Over to you, gorgeous goddesses, if you’d like to share your experience or questions about sacred pricing… All words are held in a container of love.
Just like you.
Big hugs,
_______________________
P.S. Writing it here because I’m oh-so-excited! A new website design and name is coming! And more gorgeous goddesses are joining us for the Creative Goddess e-course & circle. *squeeeeeeeee!*
{ 43 comments… read them below or add one }
this is a great blogpost Leonie! I have issues with pricing and always have. Reading your words was very helpful. Thanks so much.
Love, Violette
Dear Leonie,
Your article came to me exactly when I asked the universe for help; and for this I must say to you Namaste’, I am truly grateful to you for sharing this story. I am excited to begin your biz program very soon when the funds become available, I feel it is an investment of a lifetime. Your words of wisdom lift me each day as I recreate myself and career in the Healing Arts. Someday I would like to share my challenges surrounding this very issue with you and your tribe. Until then… I thank you for all that you do and celebrate your mission to humanity. Blessings!
Holding you in Divine Union,
Lisa Walker
Hi Leonie,
So, I’ve been really slack about keeping in touch. Sorry! I finished reading this blog and was instantly transported back to high school where you gave me a beautiful painting of a budding rose. I just wanted to let you know that I still have it and though it’s a little tattered from the journey over to Canada, it is now safely in a frame and every time I look upon it, I think of you and smile.
I hope that you are doing well, though it sounds very much like you are.
Miss you tonnes!
Sonia.
“You must charge for your art. In everything – everything – there needs to be an exchange of energy. An equal one. One that fills me up. One that fills you up.”
Oh, that’s really nice. What an awesome way to look at pricing. So many people struggle with charging people money for their products and services. When you look at pricing from the perspective you describe, it almost seems selfish NOT to charge them what your work is truly worth.
Just lovely Leonie
Deveena’s last blog post..Weekly Roundup: Stuff that made me LOL
A truly amazing and inspiring post. Thank you for sharing such words of wisdom – I immediately twittered about it! Couldn’t resist. Thank you! This is wisdom we can ALL use!
Kathy C.
http://SoulReaderBlog.blogspot.com
Kathy Crabbe – Soul Reader’s last blog post..Welcome & Sparkly Blessings!
Great post. While I share this info with my clients, I have a hard time practicing what I preach. lol. Money can be such a dirty word, but it shouldn’t be. Thanks!
Ah, pricing!
& left payment up to the student – again, empowering them.
I had to chuckle, reading this, as I’m a massage therapist, & remember wrestling with ‘charging’ for sharing my healing touch – fortunatly, studied massage & then practiced with my mentor, so charged ‘the going rate’ as soon as I recieved my license!
When I became a Reiki master/teacher, I remember wondering about charging – was living in community at the time (worker owned co-op), so picked a number (less than ‘in the world’ teachers charged), as ‘energy exchange’ is an import. part of the teaching. I always accepted barter (things I could use
One student grumbled at the price – & wrote a note to that effect on my poster! We talked personally & though she didn’t take that class, later she returned from a visit to her dad in Mexico with some lovely shawls, & I asked if she’d like to barter a shawl for my next class? YES!
I also ‘stumble’ more at pricing art – this is a lovely reminder it’s all the same
I was just having a nosey look around as I often do as I love your site, and came across this post. It fitted perfectly as I am starting to work with Reike in a practitioner role.
THANK YOU!
*giggle*
Great post, Leonie! I think a lot of people can feel uncomfortable putting a price on their services/goods, and you really hit the nail on the head of how we should be looking at it. I have a guy friend who is a massage therapist, and he said that when he first started, he priced it fairly low, and figured that would be okay. But then he found himself getting upset, feeling that he was not getting what he deserved from the people he helped. So he raised his prices to what he actually thought was fair, and now he’s very happy.
I loved this post Leonie… thanks
Andrew
Hello Goddess Leonie!
Today I am laying in my bed, sick because of thincking and worriying too much lately. I am going throug major changes… Buying our first house with my dear fiancé and relaunching my company as a place of healing your soul and finding your true self through creativity and coaching. I read your post with great interest. And I realized I am more and more comfortable now with the charging issue. The BIG challenge for me, and it took me years to see this, is to accept money in my life. Accepting to let it nourrish me. I know I had a big issue with that in a past life. I feel I made a promess of poverty and loneliness somewhere along the way. And I feel scared (a lot) of letting go of this… As I am writting I understand that is something important I am sharing today with you. I get pretty emotional right now. I delt with a piece of the loneliness part, healing my loving-receiving habilities and met my wonderful soulmate. I am so happy to live a sacred lovelife now. As for the money part, I know these next few days will be an important part of the healing.
Thank you Leonie,
and welcome to your beautiful baby mermaid coming…
xxxni
Hi Leonie,
I think this is an excellent post, especially for women, who are often naturally giving, and spiritual practitioners, who are also giving. It is important to HONOR ones self and one’s talents, with the flow of energy between people.
Thanks for this! I know several people I’ll be referring here.
Kara
Speaking of when-you’re-ready-the-teacher-will-appear…I was just discussing this very subject with my new office mate, who charges more (and more accurately) for her services, which are similar to mine. She told me to raise my rates. I was forced to confront the balky belief that if I just give everything away for cheap (or free!) then everyone will like me and I will be a Good Person. What a hindering belief! Thanks for your post which affirms what the Great Spirit wants me to know…energy MUST be exchanged! Free has its place, but not in my practice!
ooooh, I love the way your mentor phrased the theory of sacred pricing + money as an energy exchange. Truly lovely.
Oh I’m SO sharing this one
I’ve met with this little hurdle before too, and still sometimes wrestle with it.. It really comes down to what we believe we’re worth. Charging less or even nothing is saying that you don’t deserve as much or anything for your time/touch/creativity. These things are such treasure, and must be shared for equal exchange. It’s also a little about being ‘liked’ for being cheaper, but really we’re respected more (which is more important) by Ourselves then others, for pricing in a self sustaining way. Strong boundaries are important here too, as sometimes if I’m having an off day I may bend on my prices..
Also if someone tries to talk you down, it’s just their own stuff about lack thats coming through, you’re just the trigger.
I get told all the time my hugs are golden and healing, and that I should charge for them.. Which seems a tricky thing, but again its energy, like a massage, its healing touch… by donation perhaps? hehe time shall tell… xxx Amelia
I have read this and heard this before but you put it so wonderful Leonie – Thank you!! Just the boost I needed as we’ve just began a new pricing structure.
Flowing Fluidly,
~Namaste
This post just smacked me in the face! In a good way. It took me forever to show anyone my art and then when they said they liked it I was so grateful I just gave it to them. “Oh, if you like it, go ahead and take it.” My husband told me I was not giving myself enough credit (I still don’t) so I thought about just getting the price of my materials back so I can continue but that doesn’t seem right either. I’m still not ready to sell anything but I’m saving my work for when I can. Thank you so much for your insight.
I really needed to hear this. I love my work with social media and promoting nonprofits and philanthropy, but I stopped doing it because when I freelance, I put all of my love and efforts and energy into it (that’s just how it is when I work), but I was underpricing myself and then also having to chase people for payments, so the balance of energies becomes so enervating. I destablize my own love of something out of not honoring the energy enough.
Also, since I am commenting, I have to tell you that I just signed up to receive your posts by e-mail and guess what? You know the words you have to put in to prove you’re a person? Mine was Lioni (that’s about as close as you can get).
~ Maya
I attend births as a doula, and for a while, I felt uncomfortable charging much for my services. I quickly realized that there was a tremendous cost to offering this service, not just in myself, but all of the adjustments and support my family does so that I can do this work. When I saw their sacrifices for me, I felt that I had to charge, out of respect for them…then it grew into respect for myself. We often don’t realize that others are supporting us so we can do our work, so everyone need to be compensated somehow. We never work in isolation, even though it might feel that way sometimes.
I really love this post, and I think it’s especially pertinent to pricing and business goddess stuff – but it also really spoke to me on another level, about relationships in general. I’ve been going through some stuff lately, and working it out bit by bit, slowly, but the quote from Jaguar Woman really nails it on the head, “In everything – everything – there needs to be an exchange of energy. An equal one. One that fills me up. One that fills you up.” In everything, not just business. And that’s what’s been dampening my inner light lately – I’ve been spending too much energy trying to connect with and/or help/take care of certain people in my life, and it’s totally not an equal energy exchange – so that’s why I’m so drained and down lately. I had kind of come to that realization on one level, but this post really crystallized it for me. (And also helped me realize that, while it is really “nice” of me to keep making stuff for people for free, I need to be more mindful of when “free” is an equal exchange, and when “free” means I’m not valuing myself enough.) Thanks for posting. xoxo
Great post!
I have a lot of trouble pricing my work. I use recycled materials – plastic bags and cups, paper, wire and so on. There is no monetary outlay on my part. BUT my work is extremely labor intensive. I took me two months for one of my works this year, although most take less time.
I do need to “rehome” some of my works of art, because my house is filling up!
Wow. I am SO struggling with this right now. Being told that my prices were too high for the service I was offering, but at the suggested price I feel kind of insulted. So definitely an internal battle going on here for sure. Equal exchange of energy….
Such good advice dear Leonie!
I’ve also been guilty of the underpricing in my past – and I felt so stupid when I realised it would cost me money but felt too afraid to change it. I used to angst about having people call me for our coaching sessions and so I attracted people who thought that I should pay… very stressful.
When you get beyond that, it’s very empowering. Now I’m stretching myself to accept even MORE money for great work!
xx Denise DT
I love it when something comes along just at the right time. Just as I was feeling icky at the thought of charging for my services, I came across this post.
Thank you Leonie. I feel so much better about the whole concept of pricing and charging now.
Leonie,
This post is fabulous and is what I need:) thank you!!!
YOU are a GIFT to this world!!! SO grateful to be in alignment with your Magnificence!!!! I love & appreciate you Leonie, as well as your circle and your adorable family.
<3
Pricing is SO hard, and in my opinion, one of the hardest things to do when you’re in any kind of creative field. But looking at it as an EQUAL exchange of energy really helps to keep things in perspective, and realizing that I have to respect my creativity that I was given enough to charge a fair price for my work. Thanks
I facilitate wellness workshops. I spent over $200 on advertising recently to have a class. I was charging $160 for a 16 hour workshop. Not one person signed up. I lowered the price to $40 and 7 people signed up. Now I am losing money on the materials and gas and advertising costs much less my time. I decided I wanted to have the experience of teaching the class more than the money, so it ended up costing me money to hold the class. I have struggled for 7 years to exchange money for services and I have not broken even yet. It is a challenge.
Beautifully said! Thank you!
I asked for the universe to send me some wisdom over this very issue.
Creatively channeling the best art pieces I’ve ever done but always struggling over what to charge. Thank you for being that ray of light through the doorway. I’m feeling an ‘ah hah’ moment.
Just signed up for the year and loving the e-book so far, I am STILL struggling with pricing and feel I need to overhaul how I am selling myself. I look forward to the rest of your book and looking at your website!
Namaste
Rebekah
Thank you for this post! It really opened my eyes to reconsider what I have been charging. I need to honor sacred pricing and charge gracefully, not out of fear!
Hi Leonie, I just found you a couple of days ago… I have started on my journey by downloading the free e-book and will take it from there. It’s good to see this conversation is still going after 3 years! I’m now adding my bit… there are other wonderful business goddesses out there talking about pricing and for me the best so far are from the dynamic duo over at Ink & Spindle: http://inkandspindle.blogspot.com.au/2011/09/formula-how-to-price-your-wares.html and also the Etsy forum from May this year: http://www.etsy.com/blog/en/2012/etsy-success-the-art-of-pricing-for-profit-workshop/ – hope this additional info helps out lots of people who have been stuck on how to go about this. We all deserve to be paid what we are worth!
Hi Leonie,
I can confirm your mentor’s words: “You will value the things you pay for more. And my life will be better because I have helped your life be better”. I used to charge less, and often felt “used” and unhappy. Now I trust myself to negotiate and receive a true living hourly rate, and my clients never question it! It’s wonderful how that happens.
Greetings from Germany,
Moira
Great blog post and wonderful beautiful website, love the way you write and all the gorgeous colours! Just downloaded my calendars and e-books for next year and can’t wait to start using them!
I love this! I started selling my art this summer and I got so much flack from people for the prices I was asking (and I was charging considerably less than I wanted to). Although there were several lovely, kind patrons who paid happily for my pieces, I found myself stammering through justifications of why I was charging what I was charging to more people than I would have liked to. I noticed I was getting arguments from a few fellow artisans that “you can’t expect to be paid for your time” as well as from a handful of would-be purchasers, I ended up with a little emotional battering over that whole thing and no real strategy about how to approach pricing my work fairly for everyone. Then I found you and this beautiful piece on sacred pricing! This is my takeaway: “You must charge for your art. In everything – everything – there needs to be an exchange of energy. An equal one. One that fills me up. One that fills you up. If I give you a massage that nourishes and sustains and relaxes you, I ask you for money to nourish and sustain my life too. We must both be involved in the exchange, otherwise it is one sided. We must both be invested, so we both receive value. If I do not allow you to pay money for my service, I do a disservice to myself, but also to you. You must contribute too, in order to be fulfilled. You will value the things you pay for more. And my life will be better because I have helped your life be better. And your life will be better, because you have helped my life be better too. Everything – everything – must be an equal exchange of energy. It is sacred. Money is the manifestation of energy. Money is sacred too.” I love it! I love it! I love it! I don’t have a problem paying others fairly for what they do and offer and now I will extend that same principle to myself more easily. Thank you so much for this insightful offering.
This is a great post. I am always struggling to figure out how to price my creations. The materials don’t amount to a whole lot but my time to design, pick material and put it together often out weights what I feel I can charge. But I should draw a deep breath and nourish and sustain my life. I now realise that is why my business has not been as fulfilling as I want it to be. I get advice from people who don’t do what I do telling me not to charge to much or people will not buy. So I feel like I am giving my time away but how can I charge even as little as $5 hour for my time when a necklace may take 8 hours to make and the materials are only pennies? You have given me insight. Thank you for your work. I am currently working on your 2013 Biz planner and look forward to reading and studying more of your work.
You filling a very empty place in my life. Thanks again. Your are truly a goddess.
LOL Karen
What I think people need to keep in mind is that you are worth something!! Your time, energy, heart, all that you pour into your goods and services is worth something! Sometimes we have problems pricing our work because we actually have problems with self worth. You’ll know when your pricing is right because you’ll have a steady stream of customers, be happy (as Leonie says), and live comfortably! Price too high and you won’t have buyers….price too low and you’ll run yourself ragged and lose the passion for your gift!! Don’t forget what will work one year may not the next due to economics and the rising price of goods/services. So find what works that you can live with and remember to revisit and revise the pricing as necessary! All the Love and Light to you!!
What a wonderful piece of advise and something many of us in the spirituality, health and business world struggle with.
Thank you so much for sharing.
This is an excellent post. When I first started my business as an Emotional FreedomnTechnique Expert, Guided Imagery Specilaist and Coach, I was desperate to work with people. I wanted to let them see how much I could help them, I made the mistake of giving away a couple of Stop Smoking sessions for free. Needless to say, those that received them did not quit smoking. They placed no value on what I shared with them & did not use the tools I gave them. It was very frustrating for me and I am sure for them. I also charged a very low fee for those I did charge, just wanting to get clients in the door, this also was not beneficial. When I finally got the courage up to charge a fair amount for my services the success of my clients increased substantially! As did my sense of fulfillment and joy pursuing my passion of helping others. Thank you Leonie for this article, many entrepreneurs will benefit from it as well as their future clients and customers!
2013 seems to be the Year of me truly grasping the ENERGY of my Astrology business and creating a success of it, better than ever! This post has been exactly what I needed to hear – in a different way from most others.
I have honoured my time, energy and work that goes into the prep and then reading of the various Astrological charts (and classes) I create for my clients/students – by increasing my prices a year ago – and I felt truly comfortable with that increase – or so I thought until I read this post.
Now I understand WHY the clientele haven’t been knocking on my door this past year – because I haven’t been energetically honouring the SACREDness of the exchange nor of all that I do for my clients! Interesting the timing of understanding what I didn’t know I needed to know – Mercury Retrograde in my Sun sign of Pisces (still in its Shadow phase until April 9th) yet garnering more insights every day since it went Retrograde on my birthday in February.
I’ve been working on BOTH 2013 workbooks – thank you so much Leonie for your inspired questions and comments therein. You truly inspire all of us to keep on keeping on, moving up to higher levels of awareness and creativity!
Many Blessings,
Laurie
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Love this!!! dear Sister.
Thank you for all your uplifting Post!
I am feeling much better… learning to live as a Goddess! : D
Rainbow Hugs from here. <3
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