There are many reasons to print your photos, and there are many people who like having photographic prints from their favorite artists. So, you may want to sell prints through your website, and I say – go for it! However, there are some things to have in mind before you start, and some huge mistakes that could cost you your time, patience, and money. Evan Ranft made them all, he’s learned a lot from them, and he’s now passing this knowledge on to you so you don’t make the same mistakes.
1. Damaging your prints
One of the worst things that can happen before shipping your work is damaging it. To make sure you avoid any scratches, fingerprints, and tears, make sure to handle the prints with care. Evan shares a few more tips that will help you keep the prints in perfect shape:
- Wear gloves when handling the prints
- Lay your prints onto a clean surface
- For shipping: pack your print (or prints) into a plastic bag and sandwich it between two pieces of cardboard before you put it in the box.
2. Pricing your work too low
Many people underestimate their work and tend to sell themselves short. This is a mistake photographers also make when selling prints, too. In addition, many also think that they’ll earn more this way, selling more prints at a lower price. Evan advises you not to do it, and in the video, he goes into the math behind it. Also, this leads us to the third point – shipping cost!
3. Not accounting for the shipping cost
One thing you have to account for when selling prints and determining their price is the shipping cost. It’s important to estimate it properly and plan ahead. It’s not only the fees that count here. You should also think about the cost of the materials used to pack the prints (cardboard, bags, boxes), and account for it when forming the price.
4. Not signing your work
If you sell your art, you want to create a kind of connection with people who buy your work. You want to make it more personal. Evan says that those who order prints from him often even ask if he’ll sign them. So, while drop-shipping may be convenient, it’s better to take an extra step. Unpack your prints, sign them, and then pack them again for shipping to your buyers.
5. Under-promotion
Social media are a useful tool for promoting your work. You should let your followers know when you have new prints out for sale, and you should not be ashamed of doing it more than once. Now, it’s okay that you don’t want to be annoying and over-promote the stuff you sell, but don’t under-promote it either.
Do you sell prints through your website? Is there anything you’d add to this list?
[Selling Prints- HUGE MISTAKES I Wish I Didn’t Make! via FStoppers]
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