How do pricing variables work?

Pricing variables are the foundation of how MadeMay generates accurate quotes for buyers and matches them with the right artisans.

The concept

Different categories require different pricing inputs. A painting's price depends on medium, size, and complexity. A sculpture's price depends on material, dimensions, and detail level. Furniture pricing depends on wood type, size, and joinery style.

During onboarding, you set your rates for each variable in your category. When a buyer submits their project requirements, the system calculates an estimated price from your rates.

Variable types

Select variables: Options you either offer or do not. For example, painting mediums: oil, acrylic, watercolor. You set a rate for each medium you work with. If you do not do watercolor, skip it, and buyers requesting watercolor will not see you.

Number variables: Dimensions or quantities with a range you accept. For example, painting width: you might accept 8 to 48 inches at a certain rate per square inch. A buyer requesting 60 inches would not match with you.

Boolean variables: Features you either offer or do not. For example, "Do you offer framing?" If yes, you set a surcharge. If no, buyers requesting framing will not see you.

Pricing types

For each variable, you choose a pricing method:

• Base price: A starting amount (e.g., $200 base for an oil painting)
• Per unit: A rate times a measurement (e.g., $2.50 per square inch)
• Flat surcharge: An additional fixed cost (e.g., +$150 for each additional subject)
• Multiplier: A percentage increase (e.g., 1.5x for photorealistic complexity)

How it comes together

When a buyer says "I want a 24x36 oil painting, moderate complexity, 2 subjects, no framing," the system:

1. Checks which artisans offer oil paintings in that size range
2. Calculates: base price + (rate per sq inch x 864 sq inches) + subject surcharge + complexity multiplier
3. Adds MadeMay fee and Stripe fee
4. Shows the buyer a listed price per artisan

This allows buyers to compare artisans on an apples-to-apples basis for the exact same project specifications.