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Here is a little note you are free to laugh at, memorize, copy, modify,
enlarge and put on an easel, place in a counter top binder to turn to when
The Chiseler shows up – and he/she will, or whatever. I have not used the
written form but have covered this topic several times in conversations. I
have given out Xerox copies of garage sale listings from the Friday
newspaper. They get grumpy when you do that.

A polite note for my bargain hunting friend.

You are at an Arts Festival.

While in some situations, when products and merchandise are offered at
an outdoor venue, it is customary to offer to pay less than the marked
price - third world bazaars, garage sales and flea markets are typical.

The fact that you are here at my booth at this moment requires a basic
level of understanding regarding my talents and skills, my time, my
investment in materials and equipment, the necessity for me to pay for
housing, food, clothing, utilities, gasoline and car maintenance, insurance
for all of my pursuits and personal property, providing sufficient
allowances for emergency expenses, taxes, entry fees, advertising and
marketing costs, office expenses (such as the computer upon which this
note was composed), ALL medical and dental costs as I am a sole-
proprietor, educational expenses including books and trade publications,
travel, etc.

Add to the previous expenses all costs required for the care of other
members of my family. Place all of this financial information within the
context of U.S. and local economies instead of economies of
underdeveloped nations where workers are paid forty dollars a week, or
less.

If you find others here who choose to discount their prices that is their
choice. I am giving you this note because you have asked twice for a
discount. My prices are firm. You will not find art made by me offered by
anyone else.

Sincerely,

Marshall R. Hansen