Over the last 2 days my neighbors had a yard sale. It was a chance for me to try and sell a few bowls without it costing me anything, although it might not be an ideal setting. The first 2 bowls I sold were Oregon myrtle shallow bowls with lips or edges. Women thought they were "so cute". I had both what I would call rugged bowls and more artsy bowls. People in Oregon are kind of a tough breed (except in the city)and that's the type of bowls that sold. In the city I suspect the more artsy bowls would have done better. I did sell a few pens in the mid price range too. This the first time I have every even tried to sell a bowl, and many people who did not buy them gave me some great compliments, maybe as good as a sell in a way. So now I can buy a few more tools I need, and it gave me a good idea what people like here for the future.
I admit I all terrible at marketing, I would starve if I had to do it for a living. Maybe the best part about turning bowls is I get the wood for free, so no cost if they don't sell. I give some away just to have room for more and have more fun.

Scott:

May we ask how you priced them?  I'm going with (diameter plus height) times $7 for once turned ash bowls for a neighborhood art show next month.  Additional charges for black walnut, bradford pear, striking symmetric grain, beads, striking warping, and deductions for tool marks, checks . . .

Hope to find a strategy to gently pull opinions out, rather than settle just for "nice bowl but just looking."

I had a huge box of my first practice bowls from  spalted alder and spalted maple and they were odd bowls kind of thick and heavy. Since they would have ended up as firewood I priced them at $10.00 each. I sold 7 or 8 and was happy. Some Oregon myrtle bowls that were nice but the bottoms a little less than what I was happy with(people thought they were fine)at $25.00. I sold 2 of those. The other nicer Oregon myrtle from $40.00 to $60.00, I only sold one. They were all small bowls. Since I have fun making them I almost feel guilty taking money for them, almost. My pens go for $20.00 for a cheap slime line kit to $60.00 for kits that cost around $10.00. I have a few more expensive pens I may never sale and I keep them all in plastic tubes. If I make any more pens I might get some more fountain pen kits, I sold for $50-$60. There is a wood turner store close here and does not sell his bowls etc for a lot of money. I would rather price things cheaper, especially when the wood is free and make a few bucks. Since I turn every day the bowls add up and I will never sell all of them.
And if I  make a little money from what is a hobby, it can't get much better than that. Also I give  a few to charity auctions and people who can not afford them.

That is true and is why I have a range, many people here make minimum wage, I don't want only the wealthy to be able to buy my stuff if they choose. Besides, I am not very famous yet. (not that I ever will be) If I were to pay for a show both prices and quality of work would be higher.
I looked at this as kind of a test to see what people like and what they might buy.

That sounds about right, 2 to 3 inches deep. I rarely measure bowls. When I consider these where bowls I was learning on I think I did ok. Some of my bowls I am turning now from Oregon myrtle and cherry I will try to sell for $25.00 to $35.00 for a small bowl. It comes down to what people will pay. As my work gets better (I hope) and I make bigger bowls I hope I can charge more.

I have sold a few bowls here in MS. I understand why many turners will say to a customer make me an offer before giving them a price. I had just finished a 14" x 6" Sweetgum bowl and was in the process of telling this lady that professionals charge $10 per inch plus more for a deep bowl. She asked what this bowl would sell for and I said about $150.00 and I was just about to tell her what I would take when she said that's fine I will take it. I almost talked myself out of a great sale. The $10 per inch thing I stick to if the bowl is a very good bowl. Well turned and finished I mean. If they say it is too hi priced I will ask them what would you give me for it? Then we can haggle over the price. If what they say is too low I just counter with a little higher price. It works sometimes.