Is the Price too HIGH? Buying Native American Art
Gallup, New Mexico has two types of Wholesale Businesses for Native American Art
If you are driving across the country and find yourself in the middle of nowhere with an almost empty tank of gas and you come across a service station (the only station for hundred of miles) you pay their price. Their price per gallon could be significantly higher than you just paid 300 miles ago, but you are happy to have the service and fuel. Now, we know that you would never pay that price if you had another lower cost choice. However, this gas station has the luxury of exclusivity. When it comes to Native American art in Gallup, New Mexico business is fierce and prices are driven down by competition.
Box stores compete on prices and their business models depend on beating the competitions price. We have all heard the marketing phrase, “everyday low prices”, and the mega stores deliver. It is what has taken the once common corner market out of business. Plus, it has also taken good paying blue-collar jobs out of the country and overseas to developing countries that promise much lower labor costs. Yes, these blockbuster shopping empires provide huge employment, but at what costs?
Native American art runs on a different model, but the consumer is always looking for the best bang for the buck. Gallup is the source for authentic Indian jewelry and serves as the wholesaler in this industry to the rest of the world. Popular tourists destinations take the turquoise and silver bought here and share it with those who are drawn to uniqueness of this historic First American art. This wholesale market creates two types of wholesale businesses in Gallup.
Businesses that offer something a little Different can have HUGE Paybacks
The first type of business is one that creates a catalog style of jewelry. Whether they have craftsman that work in a shop like setting, or commission work that the artist takes home, the style of work is repetitive. This wholesale business makes a product that has been proven to sell and the style of the piece is the same over and over. Much of the inlay work you find through out the Four Corners is an example of this type of business. Customers are drawn to these businesses because they have sold the work in the past and can expect similar sales in the future, and the prices stay within an expected range.
Perry Null Trading is the second type of wholesale business which sells original pieces of art. Both businesses are selling authentic handmade crafts, but a certain unknown comes with this style of wholesale. First, our prices can be very different from piece to piece. This results from an artist making something that just has something special about it, whether it be the uniqueness it captures or the materials used. Understanding these differences from piece to piece comes from being educated, and the type of wholesalers that shop at businesses like Perry Null Trading are looking for original works of art. They are engaged in the trends and artists in this industry.
Another thing to consider when buying from this second type of business is to understand no mass production is taking place. Silversmiths don’t have the luxury of getting big discounts for buying in bulk. Most of these artists are one man or woman operations where the piece is made by hand from start to finish. Like all businesses the craftsman has to offer their work at a price the store can turn around and sell at a markup the customer finds agreeable. It is a balancing act that is required to keep silversmiths making art and business afloat to keep selling to the market.
The Land of the Navajo, Zuni & Hopi artists is an inspiring one. You will find many silversmiths who live in the traditional ways of their ancestors. Being removed from the hustle and bustle of the city many artists are inspired by their natural surroundings. Many times you will find the shapes and colors of the Four Corners in our local art. Imagine the workshop where a silversmith sets at a bench, handmade tools surrounding them, a dirt floor and the heat of the fire to shape the silver. This is the art you will find at Perry Null Trading Company.
Perry Null Trading sells Native American art at the RIGHT Price
Like all businesses that are actively engaged in their product we understand what we do. Every year we have customers return to fill their showcases with the one-of-a-kind pieces we sell. Our continued desire to offer a variety of today’s top artists and desired materials gives a wide variety of Native American art. If you are a Native American art gallery and haven’t shopped with us it is time to join our satisfied list of wholesale customers. It is a very easy process and we will fill your showcases with original works of art.