Tips for Creators: Get more art sales
How to Maximize Sales at Craft Shows and Art Fairs for Artists, Makers, and Creators
Craft, art or vendor shows present artists, makers, and vendors with a unique opportunity to display their creations and meet potential buyers face-to-face. Achieving success in these events isn’t just about showing up, though – it also involves strategic planning and smart execution.
These simple tips give you into pivotal strategies to ensure your efforts yield fruitful results, from selecting the ideal show to managing your inventory efficiently.
Selecting the Ideal Exhibition
Find your audience = more sales, more interest
All art and craft shows are not created equal. I learned this when I got involved in a show that was mostly craft items and things for your yard (yard art). People were not looking for higher-end canvas paintings and so I sat with very little interest.
Lesson learned.
Identifying the most suitable event for your products is crucial. It entails understanding where your offerings will resonate the most. Focus on events where attendees are specifically looking for your type of product. Curated and juried shows often showcase higher-end artwork, however you can still find friendly and acceptable venues for your art in many areas.
For example, you may do better with prints vs. originals or you may do better with your smaller sculptures vs. larger pieces (insert your own medium here, but you get the idea).
This alignment increases the likelihood of sales and connections with customers who appreciate your work. Research past events, read reviews, and, if possible, visit as a guest to gauge the audience and the type of vendors that thrive there.
Take this guided step-by-step class and learn how to paint layered acrylics in an impressionist abstract style (this is one of my favorite painting techniques and it’s not only fun, but very good for beginners!)
Protect Yourself with an LLC
The boring business stuff – crucial for success
If you’d like to add some professionalism to your ventures – as well as protect yourself legally – it’s a good idea to start an LLC (limited liability company). In addition to liability protection, you’ll enjoy certain tax benefits – as well as the professionalism this business structure gives you in the eyes of potential customers.
If you aren’t sure how to get started, you can hire a lawyer to help, or better yet, save money by starting your Arizona LLC with ZenBusiness. This formation service is faster and cheaper, and they can make sure all your paperwork is filed in compliance with state regulations.
Crafting a Pricing Strategy
Pricing your creations can be challenging, yet it’s vital to find a balance that reflects the value of your work and appeals to your target market. Consider all costs involved, including materials, time, and effort, to ensure your prices are fair yet competitive. Transparent pricing attracts customers and fosters trust, setting the stage for repeat business and word-of-mouth recommendations.
You can price by size, by type of canvas (stretched gallery-wrapped canvas would be priced higher than canvas boards or raw canvas).
TIP:
I also like to price by size, type of artwork.
For example, a highly textured piece would be higher than something that has no texture medium. Textures take longer to work and more material, hence a little higher price.
Maximize Efficiency by Going Digital
Digitizing your receipts and artwork can significantly enhance your efficiency and organization, as well as making it easier to share digital copies of your work for marketing purposes. By converting paper files into digital formats, you reduce physical storage needs, streamline access to information, and facilitate easier sharing and collaboration among team members, regardless of their location.
There are tools to help with any formatting issues, too. For instance, if you need to change from PDF to Excel, and you’re looking for a tool to get the job done for free, spending a little time analyzing PDF to Excel export methods can make your life a whole lot easier!
Designing an Inviting Booth
Make your booth something people are driven to look at vs. just a table with an uninterested artist sitting out front.
Your booth is your stage at a craft show. Here are a few tips to make it stand out:
> Put your best pieces out front. Also, be sure to display a few different sizes/types. Someone interested in very large pieces may pass by if you only have small items out front. And also, someone who is on a budget and looking for small items, may be put off if everything up front is large and pricey.
>Don’t just sit there looking uninterested. Engage with people walking by. Smile, say hello, etc.
>Have a raffle – offer the opportunity to win a free (print, small piece, gift certificate, etc.) and have the raffle forms and box prominent out front. Show what people will win. This always helps stir up a little more action in a booth. You don’t need to give away anything high-end. A small framed print of one of your most popular pieces is a great start.
According to Craft Professional, designing a space that is both inviting and reflective of your brand can significantly impact your success. An effective layout and display draw customers in, allowing them to easily browse and interact with your products.
Lighting, signage, and thematic coherence play a significant role in creating a memorable shopping experience that stands out in a busy show environment.
Enhancing Product Appeal with Packaging
First impressions matter, and attractive packaging can make your products irresistible. Investing in quality packaging not only protects your creations but also elevates their perceived value. Customized packaging that echoes your brand’s aesthetic and values leaves a lasting impression, encouraging customers to cherish and share their purchases with others.
Be sure your packaging, business cards, signs, etc. all have a similar theme/logo to heighten your image and show your business as professional.
Simplifying Transactions with Diverse Payment Options
In today’s market, flexibility in payment methods is a necessity, not a luxury. Offering a variety of payment options caters to customer preferences and streamlines the purchasing process. From cash to credit cards and mobile payments, the ability to accommodate everyone’s needs can significantly enhance the customer experience and boost sales.
You can easily have mobile credit card readers or process payments with Paypal or Venmo.
Paint this abstract and learn wet-on-wet techniques (full tutorial here)
Optimizing Your Inventory
More inventory = more opportunities for sales
Mastering inventory management means always having the perfect stock level, preventing both surplus and deficit. A streamlined system enables swift restocking, maintaining an inviting display, and matching customer demand without cluttering your space. Achieving this equilibrium is crucial for an appealing, effective presence at any event. Such balance ensures your booth remains a highlight, captivating attendees and fulfilling their needs efficiently.
Embarking on craft or vendor shows with these strategies in mind positions you for greater success and profitability. Each aspect, from choosing the right event to managing your inventory, plays a crucial role in maximizing the potential of your craft business. With careful planning and execution, craft shows can become a thriving component of your artistic journey, connecting you with passionate customers and growing your brand!
KR Moehr is an experienced abstract artist who’d love to hear from you!
Article submitted by Emily Graham, mightymoms.net
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