Selling Prints: 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid
In this insightful video, the artist and entrepreneur known as Heaven Rants dives into the world of selling prints. With a candid and informative approach, he shares five common mistakes he’s made throughout his career, shedding light on how you can sidestep these pitfalls when selling your own prints.
Mistake 1: Neglecting Print Protection
Heaven Rants starts by emphasizing the importance of safeguarding your prints from damage during storage and shipping. He discusses the use of gloves to prevent fingerprint smudges and recommends packaging prints meticulously with materials like plastic bags and sturdy cardboard to ensure they reach customers in pristine condition.
Mistake 2: Underpricing Your Prints
One of the biggest blunders is undervaluing your work by setting prices too low. Heaven Rants illustrates the concept of pricing strategically to maintain profitability. He highlights how offering occasional discounts on properly priced prints can be more advantageous than consistently undercharging.
Mistake 3: Underestimating Shipping Costs
He advises newcomers to calculate shipping expenses accurately, factoring in the cost of shipping supplies, and suggests experimenting with USPS Priority Mail boxes for predictable shipping rates.
Mistake 4: Neglecting to Sign Your Prints
In a world of online commerce, personal connections can often be overlooked. Heaven underscores the significance of adding a personal touch to your art by signing each print. This simple act creates a more profound connection between the artist and the buyer, enhancing the perceived value of the print.
Mistake 5: Under-Promotion on Social Media
Lastly, Heaven addresses the common fear of over-promotion on social media. He highlights the importance of finding a balance between keeping your audience informed and spamming them. Consistent promotion is crucial to ensure your prints gain the exposure they deserve.
Conclusion:
Heaven Rants’ candid sharing of his experiences and valuable insights provide aspiring print sellers with a roadmap to navigate the challenges of the art market. By avoiding these five common mistakes—protecting prints, pricing strategically, estimating shipping costs accurately, signing your work, and promoting effectively—you can increase your chances of success in the world of print sales.
