How should I handle pricing when my customers are long-term friends?

Blame inflation and raise your prices by 20% if needed. It’s difficult when customers become friends over time, especially if you started at a lower price point, but you have to adjust. If your work involves one-of-a-kind pieces that take significant time and detail, you need to either charge appropriately for that labor or find ways to make the process more efficient—perhaps having assistants do 80% of the work while you add the detailed finishing touches. Don’t undervalue your work just because of long-standing relationships.

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Asked by an artist with long-term customer relationships · Answered by Patrick · Art Business Webinar · 2026-06-12