The Allure of Online Art Sales
Selling your art online is like entering a bustling, 24/7 marketplace. The idea of making substantial sales and turning your passion into a full-time gig is undeniably tempting. But here's the catch – it's not all sizzle as promised by online art marketplaces. Let's get real about the costs and expectations.
Creating and managing an online art shop takes time – a lot of it. Beyond crafting your art, you need to be a presentation pro. From captivating photos to compelling descriptions and savvy pricing, it's a blend of artistry and market know-how.
How many hours are you willing to invest in creating listings, managing them, promoting your shop on social media, and handling customer interactions?
When you sell something, how much time does it take to correspond, package and ship? Follow up? Handle damages or returns?
Calculate your time-to-dollar ratio.
Does it make sense for you?
Apart from time, your temperament plays a crucial role. If you genuinely enjoy the various aspects of online selling – photography, writing descriptions, pricing, promoting, shipping, and engaging with customers, like I do– it's likely to be more effective and enjoyable for you.
But if it feels like a chore, think twice.
Consider if you can handle maintaining separate inventory for your online store. If it's not your cup of tea, that's okay. There are other avenues to explore.
I keep tinkering until I find what works best for me. However, I must emphasize that my approach may not be suitable for everyone.
I had my fair share of rookie aspirations to shed along the way. An invaluable byproduct of my journey, rife with errors and trials, is that I've honed the art of capturing photos, crafting vivid yet authentic descriptions of my work, carving out my niche, and optimizing my time for sustainability. These skills are now part of my toolkit, and they're entirely transferable to various endeavors.
Just like any business, online art sales come with expenses. These may include:
Site membership/Monthly fees
Item listing/Relisting fees
Ad and promotion fees
Sales commissions
Payment processing fees
Team dues and fees
Shipping materials
Postage and insurance, if not paid by buyer
Cost of damage and returns
Cost of free swag tucked in with purchase
A dollar figure reflecting the time you spent to create an active shop
It's essential to assess whether the potential income justifies these costs.
In a marketplace teeming with artists and listings, it's essential to be well-informed and realistic about what you're diving into. Take the time to research.
Ask these questions to yourself to ensure your expectations align with the reality of online art sales.
What do you hope to achieve with your online art venture?
How much time are you willing to dedicate to it?
Do your temperament and skillset align with the demands of running an online store?
Does the expected income make it worth your while?
These are crucial questions to answer honestly.
There are a lot of different platforms to explore; ArtFire, Artful Home, Etsy, Luulla, Ruby Lane, eBay..,.Do your due diligence by researching there, compare features and fees, read reviews, and experiment.
The clearer your understanding of the costs and expectations, the better equipped you'll be to navigate the world of online art sales.
