I only managed to sell one small canvas for £1.00, out of more than one hundred.
It was one of the most embarrassing times of my life.
I am starting to think that there is something dreadfully wrong with my original character art.
My confidence has taken such a knock.
I would truly appreciate any advice on improving my shop appearance, or even setting up at a craft market, which l know some require PLI.
I will not be closing my folksy shop because l love what they stand for. I used to have a lot of Listings on Ebay. However, they have knocked the buyer with a buyer protection fee. You can’t offer free postage on there either now.
I would just like to sell on Folksy. This is all l want to do. Make a little business out of it.
You have my sympathy!! When I first started my idea of making things to sell, I went to a Table Top sale, paid my £5 fee and displayed my items. And then sat there… Did not sell a thing. Not a lot of footfall, but most people did stop at my table and say in a very patronising way " Did you make all these things yourself?Aren’t you clever!" and then move on.
I was so fed up and discouraged. But did not give up. That’s when I went on to try a shop on E and then on Folksy. I still get very discouraged when months go past without a sale, and wonder if my things are just not good enough, but then my husband reminds me that everyone who has bought things in the past has always been very pleased with them, so it isnt the items, it is just getting known that is the challenge.
So, hang on in there!
I don’t think a car boot sale would be my first thought if I was looking for original art or handmade items. I think buyers there are more likely to be looking for second hand bargains which they can barter down even further.
I’d try craft markets and fairs instead. Pick them carefully - there’s lots of good advice on other threads on here.
You could also start exhibiting at local art shows and exhibitions to get yourself known. Local libraries often have an Art Wall that you can hire for a week or two at very reasonable cost. Consider it your first Solo Exhibition and present the work professionally and see what happens.
Hello Sally-Anne
I agree that a car boot sale is not the right place to sell original artwork. Is there a local art group you could join? The art group i’m a member of has 3 or 4 exhibitions a year, and quite a few paintings get sold. Although you would need to frame any artwork unless on a canvas.
Your designs are unique and look good on the tote bags and clothing, but there is not enough information for someone to buy from you. I dont know how the image has been transfered?if it will wear away? or if it is washable? You need a little more information to help the customer feel confident buying from you.
Hi Sally-Anne.
No way should you be dragging around your beautiful artwork at boot fairs. People who attend them are only looking for cheap things with the hope to either sell on to make a profit on e–ay for example, to find cheap gifts etc or just cheap things for themselves.
It takes time to build a clientèle on Folksy. Keep doing social media posts every day (my pet hate) and start to take your work to some high end art shops to show them. Make an appointment with the people who make the business decisions. Make sure some are nicely framed ready to be hung on a wall. I also think your work for hand drawings is far to cheap. People sell limited prints for a lot more money!
Folksy is still not very well known by the general public despite only being two years younger than Et-y, so patience and stamina is required.
I wish you all the luck, and no more pathetic boot fairs which will only drag your self-esteem and confidence down.
No more car boot sales, your work is lovely and definitely not car boot material, also, I’ve only looked at your cards to start with but you really should consider charging for postage, £2 including postage most likely doesn’t cover your basic material costs.
I’m definitely not a folksy expert but I think your photos could do with tweaking too, there is a really useful Folksy blog somewhere (I’ll see if I can find a link) re photographing your work that will definitely point you in the right direction.
I think you’ve got a super quirky style and I’m sure you’ll do well in the right venue, the hard part is finding the right craft fair for your particular work.
Also, promote, promote, promote, use your socials to get yourself seen more. Good luck.
Hi Sally Anne, I have actually bought from your Folksy shop and love your fairy art. I did also post my fairy purchases on the Folksy Facebook page at the time. Maybe that is worth thinking about, I see people who paint cards posting regularly there, even one a day, and it inspires people to look at your shop and as on here everyone is chatty and it’s a nice thing to do.
I think applying your designs on garments is great but maybe people need to see them on a person in your photos and also to know washing instructions.
I agree that you should be charging for post costs as your prices are more than reasonable already. A few suggestions, if I may, if you stuck your fairy drawings onto a greeting card base then the markers wouldn’t show through to the inside of the card and then they are definitely worth more than you charge and maybe sign the back to give identity and even offer a bit of a bulk discount on your newly inflated costs.
I will keep looking at your fairies and I wish you luck for the future, don’t lose hope. x
Hi, yes, I agree with everyone else, you shouldn’t be selling you lovely work at a boot sale. I can’t add anything to all of the great advice you’ve been given but just keep going, I’m sure you’ll get there.
As others have metnioned, car boots are probably not the best idea for artwork, so take heart from that, I doubt many artists would sell anything at a car boot to be honest. You would be better going to a craft fair, I know you have to pay fees. If your art is very niche that is also a challenge. You will find people who want to buy it, just hang in there and keep promoting your art, but never give up or think that you’re not good enough. that is the bane of every creatives life, just paint for the joy it gives you, not with a view to sell and it will come across in your art. Folksy is a labour of love if you want to sell, I’m not sure how long you’ve been here but it can take time to get seen and you will need to work at it, get yourself out there on social media, I find instagram very good, are you on insta? Helens suggestion to look into local libraries art exhibitions is a good idea. As Christine Jones has mentioned you need more information about each product and joining a local art group is a great idea. Wishing you the best of luck and your artwork is lovely!
