Marketplace Mondays

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

I may be repeating something here which is already on one of the earlier pages on this Board, but, if you are thinking of starting a craft business, or trying to make your business more successful, do have a look at Ruth's posts on the Studio under this tag: Marketplace Mondays.  Originally I happened to come across one of the posts by accident and, since it appeared to be part of a series that looked as if it would help me in my new venture, I did a quick search in the Studio archives.  I have found 30 posts, many of which have made me stop and think and realise that perhaps, in taking the advice on board, I can actually manage to make some sales here.  I am taking on selling space in our Town's new outlet for small businesses 1855 Sturminster Newton and I'm really excited about it, because I think that as a result I have finally found my mojo which went missing during lockdown in 2020.

Thanks for all this information Ruth, it's really helpful.  

[MTRuth]

Glad you like the Marketplace Monday posts. As a gallery owner dealing with lots of artists/artisans, I gained knowledge that I thought would be useful to many people. And it gave me something to write about 🤪

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

May 26, 2023 10:47:41 GMT MTRuth said:

Glad you like the Marketplace Monday posts. As a gallery owner dealing with lots of artists/artisans, I gained knowledge that I thought would be useful to many people. And it gave me something to write about 🤪

Yes very useful Ruth, particularly the posts about Artists' statements, hanging tags and the dreaded pricing.  I've always avoided Artists' statements because most of those I've seen seem to be nothing but pretentious clap trap, so I was glad to see that you suggested that that should be avoided.  As for hanging tags, my only problem with those is that so that the punters can read them I've had to have some of them on a long string as I've got 3 tiers of pictures on view.

I think that the terms I've achieved seem ok, although someone has indicated that they thought the cost is a bit high.  I have wall space about 5ft wide and it's about 8ft tall with room for a small table against it at a cost of £50 a month and 10% on any sales; and I've had to sign up for an initial 3 months and thereafter it is month to month, with either side giving a month's notice to quit.  It sounded ok to me and I'm hoping that my sales will at least cover my first three months and then I can decide if I can afford to continue.

I don't know if you used the link to 1855, but it is a community run outlet for the benefit of the town and to help small artisans who couldn't afford a shop of their own.  The place is actually bursting with all sorts of goodies, some very high end and some lower.

I've just finished hanging my pictures and scarves so fingers crossed.

[MTRuth]

Good luck with your new venture. I hope it works out for you. Don't underprice your pieces. I charge $1.75 per square inch now. Some people thought they were priced high but I have sold 4 out of 5 pieces since I started with the new gallery. It's just getting them in the right venue. Sounds like a good place so best of luck.

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

Thanks Ruth, Fingers crossed.

[Shepherdess]

Good luck with the new space. the price doesn't sound bad to me. I agree with Ruth don't underprice. If you don't value your work no one else will. When I sold soap. the rule was if it didn't sell put the price up. Usually worked.

[Ann @ frabjous fabrica]

Thanks Ann. We'll see how it goes.
I attended my first "Meet the Trader" event on Friday night. The place stayed open till 8pm and there was wine tasting, chocolate tasting, and meeting lots of locals who I haven't seen for some time. The atmosphere was great (though having a free gin and "special" mixer may have had something to do with that). I didn't sell anything but I did get quite a bit of interest.
As for pricing, I think I may have slightly over priced going on Ruth's suggested formula, but that was for some of my more intricate pictures, but we'll see.
I'm going to be part of the Sturminster Newton Art Week in July, when most of the businesses in the centre of the town host an artist for the week. I will have three of my pictures, including Glorious Devon, at a business called Olives et Al, which is a very up-market deli  I'm hoping that some of their posh punters will be interested!

[caterina]

May 30, 2023 16:55:14 GMT Ann @ frabjous fabrica said:

Thanks Ann. We'll see how it goes.
I attended my first "Meet the Trader" event on Friday night. The place stayed open till 8pm and there was wine tasting, chocolate tasting, and meeting lots of locals who I haven't seen for some time. The atmosphere was great (though having a free gin and "special" mixer may have had something to do with that). I didn't sell anything but I did get quite a bit of interest.
As for pricing, I think I may have slightly over priced going on Ruth's suggested formula, but that was for some of my more intricate pictures, but we'll see.
I'm going to be part of the Sturminster Newton Art Week in July, when most of the businesses in the centre of the town host an artist for the week. I will have three of my pictures, including Glorious Devon, at a business called Olives et Al, which is a very up-market deli  I'm hoping that some of their posh punters will be interested!

Good luck, Ann. Keep us posted, please.
And thank you for pointing out those posts! As always, Ruth gives very useful advice!!!