Decided whether Consignment is a Good Idea for your products is a personal decision you need to make as a professional craftsman or artisan. Personally, I tell folks to avoid it, but is this good advice?
Ironically, while researching the topic further, I received this note from one of my facebook followers:
As a fan and owner of your how to get sales book I have been trying the techniques for a few months now. … I keep getting a lot of “no’s” and I am becoming a little frustrated.
I just met with my local mentors from SCORE at my counties chamber of commerce today to see what they thought might be a wall or area that I may need to look into as to why I am not getting any in the yes category. I appreciated their time, but their advice was to take one piece of the jewelry that I make and give it to a shop for consignment to see how it does….
Of course, I commended her for wise decision to NOT follow the advice she was given and made some other suggestions that would be much more helpful in solving her problem.
There are only a few cases where consignment is a good idea. I have outlined those in my mini website: Consignment Dos and Don’ts.
I also want to share what other experts say on the topic:
Art Consignment is Unhealthy for Your Business
You wouldn’t give your wallet to a new friend or stranger . . . would you?
Think about that scenario the next time a retailer asks you to consign your work in their store or gallery. They are asking you to take a huge risk on an arrangement that leaves you out of control, while they take no risk and are in control – plus they have possession of your merchandise.
CONTINUE READING THIS GREAT ARTICLE FROM THE ARTS BUSINESS INSTITUTE
Moving from Consignment to Purchase
By Wendy Rosen
Years ago, most galleries relied on the “consignment” business model… today as artists leverage low production, exclusivity and high demand, things are very different. As an artist you need to devise art gallery relationships that have mutual risk, and mutual reward. Converting from consignment to purchase might take time… but it’s a necessary part of your success strategy. Your artwork needs to be in the best places, aggressively promoted and well represented. And that doesn’t happen if your dealer has no “skin in the game”.
MAKE SURE TO CHECK OUT WENDY’S VIDEO
Wholesale vs. Consignment
Here is a scenario I hear frequently: a new or emerging designer is excited because a local store has offered them the “opportunity” to sell a few pieces on consignment. With rare exception, I have a very strong NO consignment policy. Before I get into the details of why I have that policy (and why I think you should too*), let me first explain the difference between the two.
MEGAN FROM DESIGNING AN MBA CONTINUES HER ARTICLE WITH SOME EXCELLENT REASONS NOT TO CONSIGN
‘Oh My! Handmade Goodness’ has a great article called Why Consignment May Be Bad for Busines. April MacKinnon, author, talks about both sides of the issue (as she chose to consign her products) and the comments she received from her article are almost as good as the original post!
So back to original question: Is Consignment a Good Idea? You be the judge!!
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