So I have a bit of a situation that I've been debating how best to handle, and I thought that some of you may have some good insight or suggestions. So the short version is that my father in law has asked to purchase 10 of my "more artistic" flies, intending to frame a couple and use a couple as gifts. While I'm obviously happy that he enjoys them to that level, it does put me in a bit of a thorny spot as far as "selling" them to him. He has asked for a quote, knowing just how wildly expensive some classic flies can be (from more experienced, and well known tiers of course).
Part of me feels that I can't really see charging him any substantial sum of money, and I really would prefer to simply give him some of my flies. On the other hand 10 flies of that type is a fair bit of time, materials, and certainly effort on my part. Money is always tight, and I sometimes cringe at just how much $$$ I spend on this crazy hobby. For every 1 good one that I would feel could merit making the cut, there would likely be 5-10 flies that just weren't quite up to standard... for any myriad of reasons. Which makes me more inclined to charge something for the flies. Just having a hard time coming up with a cash amount that would feel right.
Options would range from simply covering the costs of some of the more pricey materials, to putting a price that reflects, to some degree at least, the level of pride that I feel in the flies. I think that I've posted enough of some of my better flies that many of you have an idea of what I am capable of producing; which is to say, while far from the level of some of the more respected tiers here I do feel that I create a few which have some real heart and soul in them and every now and then something special comes off the vise.
I thought I might post my sentiments here, in part, because I would imagine that many of you may have already faced similar situations. I also have tremendous respect for the artistic talents, technical skills, knowledge, and experience level of so many of you here. I would value your thoughts and/or personal experiences ...
Thanks,
JB
Part of me feels that I can't really see charging him any substantial sum of money, and I really would prefer to simply give him some of my flies. On the other hand 10 flies of that type is a fair bit of time, materials, and certainly effort on my part. Money is always tight, and I sometimes cringe at just how much $$$ I spend on this crazy hobby. For every 1 good one that I would feel could merit making the cut, there would likely be 5-10 flies that just weren't quite up to standard... for any myriad of reasons. Which makes me more inclined to charge something for the flies. Just having a hard time coming up with a cash amount that would feel right.
Options would range from simply covering the costs of some of the more pricey materials, to putting a price that reflects, to some degree at least, the level of pride that I feel in the flies. I think that I've posted enough of some of my better flies that many of you have an idea of what I am capable of producing; which is to say, while far from the level of some of the more respected tiers here I do feel that I create a few which have some real heart and soul in them and every now and then something special comes off the vise.
I thought I might post my sentiments here, in part, because I would imagine that many of you may have already faced similar situations. I also have tremendous respect for the artistic talents, technical skills, knowledge, and experience level of so many of you here. I would value your thoughts and/or personal experiences ...
Thanks,
JB