One of the most common questions I get is how to sell your art locally and make a living. Selling art can be a difficult task, but with the right approach, it can be a very lucrative endeavor. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips for selling your art locally and establishing yourself as an artist in your community.
The first step is to find a good location to display your artwork and attract potential buyers. You want it to be in a place where people will see it and be able to interact with it easily.
A great way to do this is by setting up a stand at a local farmer’s market or outdoor festival and selling your work there.
Selling at a farmer’s market or summer festival has many advantages. There is a low cost of entry and it is easy to set up and tear down your stand. Farmer’s markets typically do not require any permits and are open year-round. The parking can be less hectic than other markets as well, which is especially helpful for those with disabilities or limited mobility.
If you’re planning to invest your time and energy in renting a booth or art stand, it’s crucial to maximize your chances of success and ensure a profitable outcome. To help you achieve this, we’ve compiled a list of seven essential tips on how to sell your art locally that will not only enable you to make the most of your efforts but also effectively boost your sales and profits.
1. Offer a Range of Items at Different Price Points
To cater to the diverse preferences and budgets of your potential customers, it’s essential to provide a wide range of items at different price points. As you set up your booth or art stand, consider showcasing various types of artwork, from originals and limited edition prints to smaller, more affordable pieces. This approach ensures that every visitor to your booth can find something that appeals to them, regardless of their budget.
In addition, offering merchandise featuring your art, such as jigsaw puzzles, posters, tote bags, and postcards, can attract customers who may not be ready to invest in an original piece but still want to support your work.
By providing an assortment of options, you’ll be able to engage with a broader audience and increase your chances of making a sale. Remember, the goal is to make it easy for people to find an item that resonates with them, ultimately leading to a successful and profitable art-selling experience.
Read more on turning your art into products in our post on Art Merchandising 101
2. Clearly Display Prices and Relevant Information
Selling anything including art requires that your customers have all the necessary information at their fingertips to make a purchase decision. This means displaying prices and relevant details about your artwork in a clear and easily accessible manner. By doing so, you’ll reduce any potential barriers to making a purchase, allowing customers to feel more confident in their decision to buy your art.
Consider using clear signage and labels that provide essential information about each piece, such as the dimensions, medium, title, and of course, the price. You could also include a brief description or story behind the artwork, which can help create an emotional connection with potential buyers. Additionally, make sure the font size and style are easily readable, and the labels are placed in a visible location next to the respective artwork.
Taking these steps will not only help potential customers make informed decisions but also demonstrate your professionalism, further enhancing their trust in your art and brand. With all the necessary information readily available, you’ll be able to create a smooth and enjoyable buying experience for your visitors.
3. Accept Various Payment Methods, Including Credit and Debit Cards
In today’s increasingly digital world, providing multiple payment options for your customers is not just a convenience but an expectation. To maximize your sales potential and cater to a wider audience, it’s vital to accept various payment methods, including credit and debit cards, in addition to cash. By doing so, you’ll make it easier for customers to purchase your art, regardless of their preferred payment method.
There are several user-friendly and secure mobile payment solutions available that can help you accept card payments with ease. Some popular options include:
By offering a variety of payment options, you’ll be able to accommodate your customers’ needs and create a seamless buying experience, ultimately leading to increased sales and satisfied art enthusiasts. Remember, the easier you make it for people to buy from you, the more likely they are to do so. Embrace the convenience of modern payment methods, and watch your sales grow.
4. Offer Shipping as a Convenient Option for Your Customers
Providing a shipping option for your customers can significantly enhance their buying experience and make it more convenient for them to purchase your art. This is particularly beneficial for larger or more delicate pieces that may be difficult for customers to carry around during the event. By offering to ship their purchase, you’re addressing a potential concern and making it more likely that they’ll go through with the sale.
Additionally, shipping the sold artwork allows you to continue displaying the piece at your booth with a “SOLD” badge, showcasing your success and potentially attracting more buyers. Moreover, when you arrange to ship the artwork, you’ll get the customer’s contact information, including their email address, which can be useful for future communication and marketing efforts.
5. Provide Give-Aways to Engage with Every Visitor
Attracting and retaining the interest of visitors at your booth is essential for increasing your chances of making a sale. One effective way to do this is by offering give-aways that every visitor can take home, even if they don’t make a purchase on the spot.
These could include business cards, flyers, postcards, or even a printed artist bio with an intriguing design or interactive element, such as a postcard puzzle.
While these give-aways may seem small, they can have a significant impact in the long run. Visitors who take home a memento from your booth are more likely to remember you and your art, potentially leading to future sales or referrals.
Furthermore, these items can spark conversations among their friends and family, extending your reach within your local community. By providing something for every visitor, you’re creating a lasting impression and increasing the likelihood of establishing connections with potential customers.
6. Cultivate Your Mailing List to Maintain Connections
A crucial aspect of growing your art business is maintaining connections with your audience and potential buyers, even after the event has concluded.
Building a mailing list is an excellent way to achieve this, as it allows you to share updates, promotions, and news about your art with those who have expressed interest. Don’t overlook this valuable marketing tool, as it can be instrumental in driving future sales and fostering relationships with art enthusiasts.
Creating a mailing list can be as simple as providing a sign-up sheet or using an app like Mailchimp Subscribe, GoCanvas, or JotForms on an iPad at your booth.
To encourage visitors to sign up, consider offering incentives such as discounts on future purchases, exclusive previews of new artwork, or entry into a giveaway. By cultivating your mailing list, you’ll be able to stay connected with your audience and continue promoting your art beyond the event.
7. Master the Art of Upselling to Maximize Sales Opportunities
Having a diverse range of products not only caters to different customer preferences but also presents opportunities for upselling. When a customer has already decided to buy from you, they are more likely to be receptive to purchasing additional items that complement their initial choice. By strategically offering related or complementary products, you can increase the overall value of each sale.
For instance, if a customer is purchasing a print of your artwork, you could suggest a matching set of postcards or a jigsaw puzzle with the same design.
Alternatively, offer framing services or recommend a suitable frame to enhance their purchase. The key is to identify relevant add-ons that will enrich the buyer’s experience and make their purchase feel more complete. By mastering the art of upselling, you’ll be able to make the most of every sales opportunity and boost your overall revenue.
An eye-catching and inviting booth can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and making your art stand out in a crowded event. To create a visually appealing display, consider using a cohesive color scheme and style that reflects your brand and complements your artwork. Arrange your pieces in an organized manner, allowing visitors to easily view and appreciate each item. Utilize various display methods, such as easels, shelves, or hanging systems, to showcase your art at different heights and angles, making your booth more dynamic and engaging.
Bonus Tip: Create a Visually Appealing and Welcoming Booth.
An eye-catching and inviting booth can make all the difference in attracting potential buyers and making your art stand out in a crowded event. To create a visually appealing display, consider using a cohesive color scheme and style that reflects your brand and complements your artwork.
Arrange your pieces in an organized manner, allowing visitors to easily view and appreciate each item. Utilize various display methods, such as easels, shelves, or hanging systems, to showcase your art at different heights and angles, making your booth more dynamic and engaging.
What Are Some Effective Tips for Selling Art Locally from Your Studio?
When selling art locally from your studio, it’s crucial to have effective art selling strategies in place to attract potential buyers. Firstly, consider hosting open studio events, allowing your community to view your artwork and establish personal connections. Secondly, collaborate with local businesses or galleries for joint promotions and exposure. Lastly, utilize social media platforms to showcase your work and engage with interested individuals. Adopting these art selling strategies can significantly boost your local sales and visibility.
The Wrap Up…
successfully selling your art locally involves a combination of strategic planning, effective marketing, and creating a memorable experience for your audience. By implementing the tips shared in this article, you’ll be well on your way to establishing yourself as a prominent artist in your community and turning your passion into a thriving business.
Remember, the key to how to sell your art locally lies in understanding your audience, catering to their needs, and consistently engaging with them beyond the event. With dedication and persistence, you’ll be able to unlock the true potential of your art business and enjoy the rewards of your creative endeavors.
