The Retail vs. Wholesale thread brought something to my attention - there are many new artists out there who want to know what they can do on their end to support the gallery/artist partnership. Below are some tips from my personal experience. Maybe some other retailers will jump in and add theirs? Sorry, this is a long message but I think it's full of good info.

These go beyond the obvious (eg: don't put your personal contact info on your tags).

#1: Many art buyers out there are under the mistaken impression that retailers are exploiting the artists by "only giving them half." Without addressing the faulty logic behind this, artists can help us out a lot by letting clients know - when they do contact the artist directly - that they are supported, not exploited, by the galleries that represent them. An easy way to do this is to refer clients back to the gallery to make a purchase.

#2: A client may think they are doing the artist a favor by buying directly from them, plus they get the thrill of meeting the artist. We don't want to discourage the thrill, but the client doesn't realize that if the artist's work doesn't sell well at the gallery (because it sells directly) the gallery will stop carrying their line. The artist loses that venue and the thousands of customers that might have seen their work. They also lose the value of having a quality gallery backing their work. Instead, go to gallery functions if you can and meet the clients while still showing support for the gallery.

#3: Don't make special deals outside the gallery. Think long-term instead of quick cash. The gallery/artist relationship can take time to build and see results but it is worth building.

#4: Provide us with useful information about YOU and your product so that we can sell your story, not just your work. This gets clients personally involved and they are more inclined to return for more of your work.

#5: Choose wholesale or retail. If you must do both, use at least a 2.5 markup and/or don't retail the same items you wholesale. On that note, if we are not interested in a certain line of your work, we believe you should be able to sell it yourself or even in a nearby gallery after we have a chance to discuss it (not all galleries feel this way).

#6: Keep the gallery informed and in touch: Send updated product photos, pricing, proven sales and display tips for your work, changes in contact info. As a gallery we are keeping track of 150-300 artists - where they live, why they do what they do, how they do it, etc. Help us get to know you and stay current. Be pro-active so that we don't forget to talk about you!

#7: Allow for exchanges: it is frustrating for a gallery when an item doesn't move. It also ties up money they could be spending on new inventory. As a buyer, I am much more inclined to take risks and spend more with an artist if I know that exchange is an option. Unless the item was a special order, let the gallery return it at their expense and send something of equal value that might sell better.

All that said, this is still just based on my own experience. I know it is really hard work supporting yourself as an artist and I know that we share equally in the responsibility. Before Trios, I was a consignment artist with 24 galleries across the US. I wish someone had given me these tips at the time. I have faced the challenges from both sides and can honestly say that I don't know which is harder. I do believe that by partnering with each other, not competing, we can educate the public and increase awareness and appreciation for the world of craft artists. This is the key to all our survival. If you made it this far, thank for listening. Your feedback is encouraged.