Comments on: Iron Out the Details First for Your Art Sales

By: Cas

Cas — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 14:44:01 +0000

Thank you so much for sharing that. The advice people gave in the comments also helps a lot too. I imagine this is harder to do when they’re standing right in front of you, but I’ve been told that when asked for a price over the phone, to ask them for their phone number to give them a call back after you’ve “run some numbers” – and if they object, to tell them you want to make sure you give them an accurate quote and don’t over-charge them. I haven’t had an opportunity to put this into action myself, but I’d think it would help put them at ease, and also give you a chance to take a deep breath and accurately work out a figure without the immediate pressure of them waiting for you to do so.

By: Sharon Crute

Sharon Crute — Wed, 26 Jul 2006 14:47:03 +0000

Okay, I just have to get this off my chest. Last winter I produced the artwork for a poster and promotional material for a prestigious equine event held here in Ocala, Florida. In exchange I received a large exhibit space throughout the weekend festivities. I put the original artwork on an easel alongside the framed poster. On the day that I was setting up, I had the pleasant company of a member of a prominent local arts organization in my booth and she flagged down the owner/promoter. He came over and asked if I had sold the original artwork yet. I replied not yet, and he winked and said “we’ll take care of that!”. My companion got very excited and declared that she had helped me sell the original. Fine so far. The event ended with an elegant evening fund raiser and I spotted my booth companion and went over to say hi. She was all “high fives” and declared how she loved to help artists sell their work. I love it too! Kudos to her. I then spotted the owner/promoter who we “assumed” bought the artwork and thanked him for the purchase and asked where and when he would like it delivered. We organized a meeting the next morning. When I arrived the next morning he wasn’t there. One of his staff called him on his cell and he said to me: “…there must be some missed communication, I have no intention of buying the painting.” Shock and embarrassment are stating it lightly. If there was some confusion, why didn’t he say something at the evening event? But even that’s beside the point, I don’t care if it’s the Queen herself, I will always, always, get a deposit. What really stings is that I probably would have sold the painting as I had other interested parties throughout the weekend. I consider myself a pro and should have known much better. Anyway, I hope this helps someone avoid a similar situation.

By: Stacey Peterson

Stacey Peterson — Mon, 24 Jul 2006 20:02:33 +0000

I couldn’t agree more. When I do commissions, I write up a simple contract and have the person sign the contract and provide a deposit before starting the painting. Having the person sign the contract assures that we have both reviewed and agreed to the pricing beforehand, and that they have provided the appropriate deposit for me to start. If it’s in writing, there’s no confusion!