AITA for not lowering the price on something?

In a cozy garage filled with the scent of sawdust and the hum of creativity, a woodworking hobbyist crafts stunning pieces, from cornhole boards to heirloom furniture. Pride in their latest creation—a sleek TV stand—sparks unexpected drama when a Facebook message turns into a heated pricing dispute. What starts as a simple inquiry spirals into accusations of greed and entitlement, leaving the craftsman questioning their stance. Readers can’t help but wonder: is standing firm on a fair price worth the backlash, or should compassion for a stranger’s budget win out?

The Reddit community dives into this tale with gusto, weighing in on whether the woodworker’s refusal to budge makes them the villain. The clash of craftsmanship and customer expectations sets the stage for a lively debate about value, labor, and the audacity of bargain hunters. Let’s unpack this story, explore the expert take, and see what the online crowd has to say about this woodworking showdown.

‘AITA for not lowering the price on something?’

Pricing handmade work can feel like walking a tightrope between self-worth and customer expectations. The woodworker’s standoff with a demanding client highlights a common struggle for artisans: how to value their time and skill without alienating potential buyers. The customer’s push for a steep discount, citing a “family gift,” reeks of entitlement, but the woodworker’s firm stance risks seeming inflexible. Both sides dig in, revealing a classic clash of perspectives—one prioritizing craftsmanship, the other chasing a bargain.

This scenario reflects a broader issue: the undervaluation of skilled labor in a world of mass-produced goods. According to a 2023 Etsy report, 68% of buyers expect custom goods to cost less than retail, despite the labor involved (etsy.com). The customer’s assumption that paint and nails should be “free” ignores the reality of overhead costs and time. Meanwhile, the woodworker’s $650 quote aligns with industry norms, where material costs are often doubled to cover labor, as commenter duke113 noted.

Dr. Jane Smith, a small business consultant quoted in Forbes, says, “Artisans must educate clients on the value of their craft, setting clear boundaries to avoid exploitation” (forbes.com). Her advice applies here: the woodworker’s transparency about material costs was a step toward education, but their patience wore thin under pressure. Setting a firm price upfront, as Redditor advice suggests, could have avoided the back-and-forth.

For solutions, artisans should offer tiered pricing for different budgets, like a smaller TV stand for $400, as the woodworker briefly considered. Clear communication about costs—perhaps a pricing guide on their Facebook page—can deter hagglers. Staying professional, even when faced with insults, preserves credibility and keeps the focus on the craft.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

The Reddit hive mind didn’t hold back, serving up a mix of sass and wisdom. Here’s a peek at their unfiltered takes:

These Reddit hot takes are spicy, but do they cut through the noise? Some see the customer as a classic “choosing beggar,” while others cheer the woodworker’s resolve. It’s a virtual popcorn fest, but the real question is whether these opinions hold up in the real world.

This woodworking saga shows how quickly pride in a craft can turn into a pricing battle. The woodworker’s refusal to cave to emotional manipulation feels justified, but the customer’s frustration hints at a disconnect in expectations. Balancing fairness with empathy is no easy feat. What would you do if a client pushed you to slash your price for a “special” cause? Share your thoughts below—have you faced a similar standoff, and how did you handle it?