Haggle

Reflections on a fair way to price my art works and why I support price negotiation.
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Without price negotiation “price” is accepted to exist as a god-like, solid and absolute value assigned by the seller.
Any negotiation of price is potentially accompanied by embarrassment and/or loss of face, loss of honour, loss of respect, on the part of the buyer to the seller and to themselves.
The price is the same for all.

Another way is;

A suggestion of price is offered by the seller, this price sits at the upper level of what they believe the buyer is willing to part with.
The buyer has the choice to accept this price or, without self judgement or judgement by the seller, to suggest a price which they can pay and are happy to part with based on their actual personal financial situation.
The buyer also knows from the initial proposed price offered by the seller an upper value assigned to the thing being sold.
This they will take into consideration when making their suggestion.
Perhaps the value assigned by the seller is so far above the buyer’s means that they decide not to continue, or they can take courage and suggest an amount.
This may be accepted by the seller or another price proposed closer to the buyer's suggestion.
A flexible pricing structure is created negotiated fairly based on both sides.
More effort is required for this form of exchange but I believe that the result is fairer and a stronger relationship is formed.

By placing what is desirable at a value completely out of reach to most people, this ultimately benefits a wealthy minority and aids a culture where all want is set artificially at absolute and inflexible value.

Value is not inherent.
Value is assigned.
By who?

The price is generally set specifically aimed at the societal group which can afford this price and so reserves this content for a tiny minority.

Is this a system which will reward innovation and risk-taking-potential in the arts?
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It would seem rather that this system rewards the replication of what has succeeded previously and also what panders to the fantasies and tastes of a minority.