How to Sell Original Art to Department Stores
Selling your original artwork to a department store is a great way to get your art seen. Getting a store to agree to buy your art may not be easy, but it can be worth the effort. It will get your name out there and can bring you clients to purchase future art that you produce.
- Visit various stores within your area. You will want to find stores that have wall space and could benefit from displaying your art. Visit as many stores as you can in order to increase your odds of getting a "yes." While you are in the store, try to find out who the manager is.
- Gather you art and think about the store that you visited. Determine which pieces would do well in which stores. For example, if you are planning to approach a store that sells items for children, you will not want to bring dark or scary pieces to that store. You are should fit in with the store's theme.
- Determine the price you want for your pieces.
- Call the department stores and ask to set up a meeting with the manager of each one.
- Type up a proposal, so you will know the points you want to make when meeting with the manager. Discuss the benefits that the store receives by having your art. Have examples of where the store could hang or display your pieces.
- Agree on a price. It may be easier to agree to have the store only pay for pieces that sell. You could show your pieces for free, and then split the profit with the store when someone sells. Finding a store to agree to pay you for your work up front will be more difficult. This is especially true in the beginning.
- Wait for the manager to get final approval to place your work in the store.
- Write up a contract that both you and the manager will sign. Include everything that both parties have agreed to.