I have also pulled my instruments out of the stores they were in and am now selling only through my website and shop, resulting in lower retail prices now that there aren't consignment fees. I think my violins are worth more, but times are hard and my current inventory of violins are now priced at $1,500.00, with the exception of my Opossum Criddles, which will stay at $2,000.00. There are so many aspects to consider in any given marketing strategy, and I've decided that my Opossums are pretty special and that you will get a great value and uncommon instrument, and I'm not willing to sell them on the cheap. In fact, I may dedicate my whole production to these criddles and establish my niche in violin making. I started a 1/4 size opossum for my son, so look for some photos in the coming weeks.
In a deleted post I stated that I may have to get a REAL job, and that could begin this fall. A real job would allow me to continue in my luthery while providing income, which will also allow me to hold out for higher sale prices. So with that in mind, make me and offer on my existing inventory while I'm in the mood to deal.
I will be demonstrating violin making at the Damascus Artisan Expo on Saturday, June 13th.
If all this sounds like self-promoting shameless capitalism, that's because it is.