[Woodcarver] Selling thru Galleries, Shops, etc.

[m.bloomquist]

I've sold through craft shows, my web-site, small galleries, and artist
co-ops(my favorite when I had the time).  My prices at the galleries and
co-ops are/were higher than my direct sales to cover the % the shop takes.
Because the craft shows are only rarely near the galleries I've only been
asked once or twice about the price difference.  I simply explained that
here, at the craft show (or from the web site), they were buying more
directly from me and there is no store "mark up".

You could make the argument that your direct prices should also have a mark
up to cover show expenses or web-site costs. If this is the way you think
then move ALL your prices up accordingly (if you start selling through
galleries), don't just keep them all where they are and absorb the gallery
%. I had to learn the hard way that my pieces could sell much higher in
galleries because they had the location and the clientele. In one case,
sales were pretty low and then took off AFTER I raised the prices... go
figure! Just MTCW. 

Keep on Carvin'
-Mike B.->
Wooden Dreams Woodcarving
http://www.woodendreamz.com


-----Original Message-----
From: woodcarver-bounces at carverscompanion.com
[mailto:woodcarver-bounces at carverscompanion.com] On Behalf Of
woodcarvr at aol.com
Sent: Sunday, April 19, 2009 11:43 AM
To: woodcarver at carverscompanion.com
Subject: [Woodcarver] Selling thru Galleries, Shops, etc.

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I have only sold my carvings at woodcarving shows and by word of mouth thru
people I knew from work, church, family, etc.? I have considered placing
some of my work in different shops and paying the commission that they
want.? I have a couple of questions about this practice.? Is there a
standard Form that I can fill out with the vendor to show the agreement we
have?? Is there a preferred way to keep track of the inventory that I have
provided to the vendor for sale?? How about pricing structures?? If the
vendor wants a 25% commission then a carving that he sells for $100 nets $75
for me.? If I am making the same or similar carving available directly from
me thru my website or at a show, what price do I then charge?? Do I charge
the same $100 because I have to consider that the additional $25 is to cover
my costs in doing business at a show?? If someone is buying the carving thru
my website do I use a lower price because I don't have commission or travel
and show costs to dea
 l with?? If someone comes to me directly because they saw my business card
posted on a bulletin board somewhere or because they heard about me from a
previous customer, do I consider a different price for them?? Or is the
answer simply "Set a price and use it across the board no matter what venue
the sale occurs in"? Does anyone have any guidelines they can provide about
how to deal with shop owners to make sure they respect what you are doing
and treat you fairly??? If you decide to sell thru a shop can the shop owner
insist that you do not sell like items at a lesser price anywhere else?? As
you can tell from all the above questions, I am really without a clue on all
this.?So, if anyone out there would like to give me any advice at all, I
will greatly appreciate it.? I am prepared to read and soak up?any and all
information that you wise folk may provide.? Please feel free to respond to
me off list at woodcarvr at aol.com if you feel that I would be clogging up the
list with 
 stuff that is not of interest to others.

Thanking you in advance,

Jim Williams?
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