Snappy, but sweet responses to “how much does that thing cost?”

[diane-michaels]

This isn’t a new topic to the old forums, but thought I’d start a new thread in this new forum.

I know, not too many people in this world are scintillating conversationalists. Overwhelmed with the desire to say something about something new to them, people are prone just to say the first thing they can think of. But seriously, without introducing themselves, or asking what time the concert is, to start a conversation with “How much does that thing cost?” I got it from two or three people before I had even uncovered my harp at last night’s concert. One of them didn’t even stay for the concert – he was on his way out when I was wheeling in.

One of my stand-by lines is “This is my briefcase. It doesn’t really matter, I just can’t go to work without one.” But when I’m sick of being easy-breezy in my answers, I can’t help but hear my mom saying, “A lady doesn’t discuss money.” Good policy, mom, but saying those words would really separate me from my audience members with its prissy, snobby inflection.

So, what do you say when you don’t want to say how much?

[Ray Pool]

While I was playing at The Waldorf = Astoria and was asked that question about my gold Lyon & Healy 26, I would give a big smirk (obviously not a sincere expression) and scrunch up my nose and say “I’ll tell you how much I paid for my harp if you’ll tell me how much you paid for your house.” They would roll their eyes and change the topic. Nobody ever told me their end of the story. Ever! –Ray Pool

[Sherri Matthew]

Somewhere here on the HarpColumn I remember reading a response I’ve used several times now and it’s worked for me: “it was a professional investment in my career”. If they persist (happened a few times) then I just say, “enough that we had to do it on the installment plan. Beyond that, I don’t care to discuss figures.” Then I get into a quick educational seminar about the history, care and feeding of wire harps and that usually discourages that line of questioning.

[Maya]

I usually respond with, ‘Think the price of a car.’ because I’m not too bothered about people knowing & rather they did before they start pawing at it. Otherwise, ‘How much does your car cost?’, ‘A fair amount’ or simply ‘A lot’ will suffice.

[kimberly-rowe]

Not very creative but I usually find that just saying “a lot” puts a quick end to the conversation.

[kreig-kitts]

I’m afraid it’s not for sale.

[Sylvia]

I just tell them the current price at which the insurance company values it.

[darth-mom]

How much does it cost?
“More than the minivan I drive it around in!”

[kay-lister]

I just tell them “It’s a car”. They usually respond “W O W”!

😉 Kay

[jennifer-buehler]

I use the car analogy too. I explain that, just like a car, harps need regular maintenance.

[galen-reed]

The first $5,000 was the easiest to part with… And, if needed, “The second $5,000 was harder to part with….” They can go figure from there. One tech averse friend actually went and started searching the internet to find out though, and did.

[jessica-wolff]

I like Ray’s answer.

[Angela Biggs]

I tell them, “More than I have. This harp was a miracle.” If they are actually interested in the instrument, I’ll tell them *everything* they want to know (and more), and if they still want a number after that, I’ll give it to them. 🙂

[evolene_t]

I’m awakening this post that is old by several years, because I’ve encountered the same problem. Perhaps people have new tips to give!

I really that this issue must come up often for pedal harp players. Saying “it’s a professional tool” is a great answer when one is a professional musician. But what about amateurs that don’t intend to make it their profession?
My Celtic harp fetches in the average prices, not expensive as lever harps go. That still seem to shock people, since a lever harp is in the 1000€ – 5000€ ballpark, and probably the same in US$.

People here in France can get quite uncomfortable about money (so why are they asking for the price then?! 🙁 ) The latest disagreeable remark came from someone who has a whole room of their house dedicated to a 1970’s pop-rock band, and this illustrates the fact that different people have different tastes and are willing to save and spend money for different items. (I would never tell them how to live their life or rearrange their house…)

I personally saved up for two years for my harp. But I get really uncomfortable answering this question, especially if I’m in public where someone could act irrationally. Any tips? Is it better to be vague? To tell them “none of your business” even though some people might be genuinely interested for themselves? Even simply putting the price “in the thousands” seems to set some people off…

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by evolene_t.

[Biagio]

I suppose it depends on the harp and the venue;as some have suggested, asking that of an expensive harp during a concert might be considered rude. On the other hand, and especially in a less formal setting, the person might be genuinely interested. In the latter case I see it as an opening to encourage another harpist.

So I usually start with another question: “It depends on a lot of things; are you interested in learning to play?” If the answer is “No, just curious” it is easy to politely decline to answer. If “Yes” or “Maybe” – now that’s an opportunity!

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