Imagine the scenario: A patron visits your open studio event, walks around for a few minutes, and asks, “Are these for sale?”
Or this version: A friend shares an image of your art that you posted on Facebook. Hundreds of people see it and a handful wish they could own it. But they think they can’t afford it because there’s no price. So they forget about it and move on.
These stories might seem crazy to you, but I didn’t make them up. My readers shared them with me.
If you think about it, it’s not so mind-boggling that viewers don’t know your art is for sale.
Many people are accustomed to seeing art in museums, where there are no prices because the work isn’t for sale. This could lead to the misconception that all art without prices isn’t for sale (or isn’t affordable).
Are you sure that people know your art is for sale?
Post the Price
The easiest way to tell people that your art is for sale – short of a giant sign that says “THIS ART IS FOR SALE” – is to post the price when you show it.
I’m not talking about neon signs or obnoxious flashing red text with Buy It Here arrows. I’m just talking about a simple price notification.
If your art is for sale and you want to sell it yourself – rather than sending traffic to a gallery for the sale – post the price when you share your work:
- In your newsletter
- On blog posts
- On Facebook or Pinterest
- On exhibition labels next to each piece
- In brochures
- On postcards
I understand that posting prices everywhere is a bold step for some artists. But try it.
Nothing says, “This is for sale” like revealing the price.