Value Your Time and Work - Crafters and artists face a lot of competition when trying to sell their goods. Sometimes it is tempting to lower prices to compete with all of the other art businesses online. Though this is tempting, artists should never sell themselves short by devaluing their work. Instead, hold the work to a higher standard and take pride in your ability to offer a unique, high-quality product that customers will recommend to friends and family.
Though artists need to price their work realistically to compete, they need to find a comfortable price point that will provide them with an adequate hourly income (see L) and still produce regular sales. If the work doesn't sell at the price, it may need more advertising, marketing or exposure at art shows and events. Don't immediately drop prices if items aren't selling. Instead, give the business time to build a loyal customer base. This could take six months to a year. If, after the first year and excessive marketing, the sales are still slow, than it might be time to think about slightly lowering prices.
Showing posts with label art business tips. Show all posts
Showing posts with label art business tips. Show all posts
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
W - Wholesale
Wholesale - Wholesale orders can help artists stay afloat and produce an income apart from online and show sales. Wholesale orders are usually placed by shops or art dealers for a set number of a particular product. The shop owners receive a discount by ordering in bulk. By selling wholesale artists also gain greater exposure and can sell their work in different parts of the country.
The average wholesale price will be 60% of the normal purchase price of the item. Some artists also offer discounts to wholesale buyers when they purchase over a certain amount of product, as determined by the artist. Though the artist loses 40% of the income, they also don't have to worry about sales or advertising for those items. In this way, the artist might be making only slightly less than he or she would normally be making on the items.
To market items to wholesalers, artists need to create a line sheet. A line sheet is a document that showcases that artist's work by piece. The line sheet should show the following pieces of information for each item:
The average wholesale price will be 60% of the normal purchase price of the item. Some artists also offer discounts to wholesale buyers when they purchase over a certain amount of product, as determined by the artist. Though the artist loses 40% of the income, they also don't have to worry about sales or advertising for those items. In this way, the artist might be making only slightly less than he or she would normally be making on the items.
To market items to wholesalers, artists need to create a line sheet. A line sheet is a document that showcases that artist's work by piece. The line sheet should show the following pieces of information for each item:
- A high-quality photo
- Suggested retail price
- Wholesale price per # of items
- How long from point of purchase wholesalers should expect to receive items
- Materials used in creation of product
- Artist contact information
X - eXtra Order Sheets
eXtra Order Sheets - When participating in art shows, instances can occur when someone likes an item, but wants it in a different size, color or format. In this case, artists should have order forms handy so that they can immediately take an order for an alternate product.
By having order forms handy, artists can receive on-the-spot payment and increase sales. It is important to provide the customer with a time frame in which they should expect to receive the order. It is also important to make sure the customer has adequate contact information in case any problems arise. Simple order sheets can be printed up at home and filled out by hand at an event or art show.
Order forms should include the following information:
By having order forms handy, artists can receive on-the-spot payment and increase sales. It is important to provide the customer with a time frame in which they should expect to receive the order. It is also important to make sure the customer has adequate contact information in case any problems arise. Simple order sheets can be printed up at home and filled out by hand at an event or art show.
Order forms should include the following information:
- Customer's shipping address and contact information
- Item order
- Dimensions of item
- Materials used to make item
- Colors of item
- Size of item
- Price of item
- Item shipping date (The latest date on which the item will be shipped)
Y - You Own It
Small business owners have to be master problem solvers and incredibly self-reliant. That doesn't mean that they can't ask for help, but they have to be motivated enough to make that help work for them in their business. An art business requires daily hard work and dedication that not everyone anticipates. It also is filled with many disappointments, both financially and professionally. Artists must know how to pick themselves up, brush themselves off and persevere through any tough times.
Whether your business is a success or a failure, remember that you own it and only you can make the changes necessary to make it great.
Z - Zapplication
Zapplication - Zapplication is a free online database of art shows. Zapplication allows artists to create an online portfolio and art show application that can then be used to apply to numerous shows throughout the United States. The site features some of the top shows in the United States and provides a simple format for artists to quickly apply to shows.
To use Zapplication, artists must sign up using a username and password. They must then upload pictures of their artwork and booth display. Zapplication requires that the images be a specific data size, but they offer help to adjust the images to be approved. Once the images have been uploaded and some basic business info has been entered, artists can search through a large database of shows and instantly apply.
To apply to any shows, artists can simply click on the shows they want and select "apply". Most shows require application or jury fees and these can be paid through Paypal (see P) directly from Zapplication. Once an artist's portfolio has been created, that same portfolio can be used to apply to numerous shows. It only take minutes to apply, making Zapplication invaluable to busy artists looking for art and craft shows.
To use Zapplication, artists must sign up using a username and password. They must then upload pictures of their artwork and booth display. Zapplication requires that the images be a specific data size, but they offer help to adjust the images to be approved. Once the images have been uploaded and some basic business info has been entered, artists can search through a large database of shows and instantly apply.
To apply to any shows, artists can simply click on the shows they want and select "apply". Most shows require application or jury fees and these can be paid through Paypal (see P) directly from Zapplication. Once an artist's portfolio has been created, that same portfolio can be used to apply to numerous shows. It only take minutes to apply, making Zapplication invaluable to busy artists looking for art and craft shows.
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