Comments on: Art Marketing Action: Finish Off the Sale & Follow Up

By: Fabrizio Van Marciano

Fabrizio Van Marciano — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 03:16:46 +0000

I definately feel that Certificate Of Authenticity makes their purchase extra special. All the information is provided for them for future reference. It certainly pays if you have the time to design them yourself and print them to stick on the reverse of your artwork, thanks for sharing.

By: Sheila Mahanke Barnes

Sheila Mahanke Barnes — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 04:10:24 +0000

Yes, I thought you might say that about the copyright statement. I see the simple straightforward wording as one more way to open a conversation with the buyer. If I explained it fully on paper, I doubt the buyer would read it, but the one-line statement in bold is hard to miss, and I ask if there are any questions about what’s stated on the invoice.

As for the too-legal looking language of “right to exhibit,” yes, I doubt I would phrase it that way, but I think there may indeed be circumstances where it would be good to have this in writing to avoid misunderstandings later. I think it is part of being professional, and that most buyers would appreciate it. No surprises.

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 23:09:04 +0000

Good idea, Alyson. I might write a blog post of my own about it.

Thanks.

By: Alyson Stanfield

Alyson Stanfield — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:41:05 +0000

Kathy: Thanks for finding me!

Miranda: Happy to be of help.

studioartdirect: I’ll check it out. Thanks for the link.

Philip: One of the keys I’ve found is to not think of it as a chore or taking up time, but to approach it with sincere gratitude. Hey, I see another post here.

Sheila: That’s fine, but most people won’t understand what it means that you own the copyright. I think you have to explain further than that. Also, the “right to exhibit” really only means that you might ask for the piece to be exhibited. If you’re good at maintaining relationships, this will be a time that is mutually beneficial. For instance, many people don’t want to loan their art for exhibit during the holidays. I think legal-looking language about “right to exhibit” is unnecessary and gets in the way of a stronger relationship. Just my opinion, but this could be discussed or brought up at a later time. It shouldn’t get in the way of a sale.

Fiona: Shipping art is different from handing it over. I think it’s fine to include the Thank You note with the shipment. Might seem funny to ship it without it, but then again, it might just work!

Patricia: I’m not an attorney and don’t know your work that well, so it’s best that you do some research on this. I know that one-of-a-kind jewelry probably has better copyright protection than production lines.

By: Patricia C Vener

Patricia C Vener — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 22:54:31 +0000

Very, very, timely. I do have a question: do I retain copyright on my art jewelry images and designs even if the new owner owns the piece of jewelry? I have been assuming that I do.

I am very definitely going to memorize this list.

Thank you.

By: kathryn

kathryn — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:33:10 +0000

Alyson~ this information is so useful..thanks!!

By: Fiona Purdy

Fiona Purdy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 04:04:13 +0000

I always send a thank you card with the artwork if I’m shipping it. Maybe I should send it a week later instead?

By: Sheila Mahanke Barnes

Sheila Mahanke Barnes — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 03:02:50 +0000

I use a bill of sale modified from one I found in a book of legal forms for crafts which suggested the copyright information be included there rather than in a separate document. Just above the signature of the purchaser (verifying receipt of artwork in good condition) I simply state in bold letters: Copyright and reproduction rights reserved by the artist.

There’s also a contract of sale form that includes wording granting the artist “right to exhibit” i.e. an agreement with the buyer to borrow the work for an agreed upon time frame for certain kinds of exhibitions. Something to think about…

By: Philip Koch

Philip Koch — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 22:50:58 +0000

Follow up with your collectors is huge.

One of the biggest fears all humans share is that we will be forgotten. A note, card, announcement with a hand-written hello message on it shows at least you haven’t forgotten the collector. Yes it does take up lots of your time, but keep at it and it will pay off. With my own career I’ve seen this happen again and again. It isn’t efficient, but it works a whole lot better than not doing it.

By: studioartdirect

studioartdirect — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 21:32:03 +0000

Great info. Thank you. I wanted to share with you a recent video I found YouTube: How to create a portable/interactive fine art portfolio on an IPhone or ITouch. http://studioartdirect.wordpress.com/

Great info for those with a techi side.