Comments on: Following up with potential art buyers

By: Miranda

Miranda — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 16:29:57 +0000

Thanks for using my question, Alyson; this is something I’ve been wondering about for awhile. I seem to get many more inquiries than I do sales. I’d like to be able to turn more of that interets into actual commissions! It sounds like I’m on the right track, judging by other people’s responses. I usually respond once, maybe twice. I really like the idea of asking these people permission to add them to my mailing list, though. I might try that next time!

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 23:04:08 +0000

Sari and Christine – Thanks for your advice. Good ideas and comments. I will call and mention these things. I like that thought – until you get a down payment – it’s “shopping”.

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:08:14 +0000

Elizabeth:
It’s difficult to know what may be happening in your client’s financial world. I would not confront………but I might send a note saying how much you were looking forward to working with her & offering to renegotiate the cost (if that is appropriate for you) You should always ask for a down payment on a commission—and until you get a payment from a client, they have not committed themselves to anything but “shopping”.

By: Sari Grove

Sari Grove — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 22:07:50 +0000

E.- my 2 cents worth- drop the price you quoted (first in your head), call her up & say “I sensed you were iffy about the price, so how about this? $$ —-better price?…

By: Elisabeth

Elisabeth — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:55:49 +0000

Such a good topic for me right now as I am considering moving past a client who initially was so interested that she had me come to her garden to take photos for a commission. We agreed on a price and everything. Well at least I THINK we agreed on the price. I think this person is very indirect and wouldn’t tell me if she disagreed with my price. Which is annoying. Since I am just starting out, I could really use this commission but I am frustrated because she is not following up with me and has broken a follow up appointment. Should I let it go or confront?

By: Sari Grove

Sari Grove — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:43:29 +0000

I find out who they are…More about them, if I can…If I have their name or email address or a website or their physical location, I try to research that before doing anything…Then I decide how to operate…Ok, like if it was a man & his wife was Not interested, I don’t pursue ’cause then I am causing a fight…if it is a recent widow with some cash in hand it’s a no ’cause they are going to need that & I don’t exploit grieving people…If it’s a guy who is interested in me & not the art, it’s a no cause I’m happily married…If it’s a repeat inquiry from a collector, I am a raccoon…I pursue using any & all my abilities & technologies- I love collectors…If it’s a commission request, I sit on the fence- I don’t do commissions, but I am always interested in hearing people’s ideas, dreams…Mostly, I have found if someone inquires & doesn’t follow-up, it’s a price thing- so if I decide to get back to them, I have already pre-decided that I am going to have to give them a deal…If I’m desperate I’ll pursue, if I am flush, nah…(much less desperate than, say, last year)…

By: Rebecca Collins

Rebecca Collins — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:53:32 +0000

I find this is an area of huge loss for me as I never have time to follow up when a potential client drops the ball on a portrait commission. If they have sent in actual snapshots by e-mail with questions I always follow up with an e-mail of course, but if they never get around to placing an order I often let them slip through the cracks.

I should start a file folder for all these assorted dropped ball people and do a mailing once a month with a discount promotion or something to offer a gentle nudge incentive.

By: Christine

Christine — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:48:54 +0000

I do a follow up and if they are not already on my mailing list, I ask them if I may include them.

By: Zachary Brown

Zachary Brown — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 11:57:14 +0000

I pursue mildly. Usually an e-mail follow up without any pushy language.

By: Tina Mammoser

Tina Mammoser — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 22:21:56 +0000

I agree, generally one follow-up – two in a very very rare circumstance (like a very specific request about commission, location or event) if it warrants it. But otherwise my data protection policy is that I don’t keep contact details unless they opt-in so I won’t continue to contact them.