Comments on: For Artists. (And anyone else who sells stuff online).

By: Jeanne

Jeanne — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:27:57 +0000

This is just what I needed to get me to my next sale. I’ve had some success and TONS of “I want that.. maybe next summer.” or “hold it for me and let me know if you get an offer.” It’s frustrating. I’ve got a few pieces in a few places and the firms take 50% and keep asking me to lower my price and I tell them “I’m getting close to my COST in the piece.” Can’t help but think “why don’t you lower your percentage?”

I sent a personal note to one buyer with my art on it. I DO believe in doing that. He appreciated it and told me “I’m a big fan.” … probably my favorite compliment so far.

If you see something you like on my site, I’ll throw in the shipping because I just got what I needed from this article to paint today.
http://www.yessy.com/forsythedesign
Thanks for looking.

By: stacy di

stacy di — Wed, 20 May 2009 17:26:13 +0000

What a great perspective! As a independent stationer and blogger who supports indie artisans, I totally appreciate your insight.

I think the only way the small survive in a big-box world is by making personal connections with their customers…

I have bought many things by learning about them on Twitter, and by making online connections with other artists and crafters.

By: Jen M.

Jen M. — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:23:35 +0000

Terry, maybe start by putting in a sentence or two about where the photo was taken, why a particular composition struck you. I normally put in up to 3 sentences about the location and what I like about this particular piece. I keep it brief, but I try to get across to the potential buyer why I like my photo and why they might, too. I hope this helps. We're all learning. :) Jen M. JenniferLynn Productions, LLC Jen M.s last blog post..Learning that it's OK to say "no."

By: Terry McClary

Terry McClary — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 03:27:14 +0000

All week I have been struggling with how to more personalize the sales listings for my photography...wondering if I should, if it would be goofy, if the details there (clear sizes, materials, and shipping info) are enough. My sales are lower than I would like, but my traffic is good, so I obviously need to work on something. I just found your blog the other day and started reading through the archives. This post is the inspirational post I needed to get to work on spicing up my descriptions. I am still not exactly sure what to say, but I determined to say something that makes each more personal. Terry McClarys last blog post..Protea - Art Photo ACEO 2.5x3.5 - Free Shipping

By: Pereira

Pereira — Sat, 11 Apr 2009 02:41:45 +0000

Insightful post! Most artists never get to see the point of view of the art buyer. Thanks for sharing your perspective... you have some really valid points. Pereiras last blog post..Etsy Treasury - CCCOE team

By: Julie

Julie — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 20:08:42 +0000

Havi, what wonderful advice, especially the part about attaching a story to the work. I paint large tropical flowers and I think the reason they sell so well is that my collectors can use my art to tell their OWN story about their trip to the tropics. It’s something they can relate to.

I have to agree with Keith though, on pricing. The value of art is so subjective, it’s necessary to have some kind of formula to guide you. What I do is I start with the square inches of the piece, then use other factors such as complexity of design, intricacy of work, etc. This results in reasonable, fairly consistent pricing structure that will allow me to steadily increase the value of my work over time.

Thanks for the article.

By: Judy Wilder-Dalton

Judy Wilder-Dalton — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 19:18:03 +0000

I really enjoyed reading your post. It helps to hear how we are seen on the internet. I do agree with Keith Bond about the pricing. If an artist is consistent with the quality of art they present to collectors, then price by size makes more sense.

By: Dora

Dora — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:50:53 +0000

Havi,

Thank you for this post! Everything you say definitely makes a lot of sense. I am new with online sales and made many mistakes at the beginning…(back in Sept. when I started) but I’m getting there. Reading your post has answered some of my questions.
Especially today when I am working on uploading new work on Etsy and on my website. Thank you!…see you on twitter!

Dora

By: Keith Bond

Keith Bond — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 04:47:15 +0000

Thanks for your perspective. I agree with most of what you mention. Loved most of it in fact. And there are a few areas I could do better (pay pal).

However, I disagree with the pricing thing. If two pieces of identical size are priced differently, then I am telling the potential customers that the less expensive piece is in some way inferior. A collector may be more attracted to the less expensive, but then doubt their judgement (or they may feel that it is a deal?). Also, by pricing by size, and increasing prices over the years, enables collectors to see that your work is increasing in value. I validates their purchase. Pricing shouldn’t be confusing or ambiguous.

Thanks again, though for your thoughts.

Keith

By: Weekend Reading « Musings from the Moonroom

Weekend Reading « Musings from the Moonroom — Sat, 04 Apr 2009 16:31:37 +0000

[...] Help the Consumer Buy your Art: Sticking with Havi for one more post. She has some insightful comments for all small businesspersons who sell online. It is always good to hear from a potential customer on what works and doesn’t work. In other words: I want to buy your art, here are some ways to help me do that. [...]