What is Fair?

Hey everybody, I have some good news! I have a deal in the works to sell some of my scrap artsy stuff through a friend/coworkers business. In my talks with him, we decided that I would be selling on consignment. Basically, I would have my stuff at his store, and whenever he sells a piece of mine, he gets a percentage. We haven't talked numbers, and I don't have much experience with this so I wanted your opinions on it...Whatever deal I strike up with him will be in writing and not just based on a handshake.

What is a fair percentage to give him out of every sale?

10%?
20%?

Please give me your input.

I'm a member of an art site. I am not going to post the link because while you have to register (free), and there are filters for the galleries, there is some nudity in the galleries.

However, it is an art site for all kinds of genres of art, and many professional and those aspiring to be professional, and lots of amatures are members.

I've been a member for years and know a lot of people there, and they are very helpful. You would be able to get an answer to your question from professional and semi-professional people who sell their own art, be it 3D, animation, 2D or even statues/paintings etc.

I'll send you a PM with the link. Try asking in one of their artist forums. You'll get a good answer with a price suggestion that is fair.

You don't want to undersell and you don't want to over price either. Get some recommendations and then make a decision.

I'm thrilled that you are pursuing selling your art! Absolutely thrilled for you!

I haven't a clue, but CONGRATULATIONS! VERY COOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I used to work at a gallery that had works on consignment and regularly took clothing to a resale/consignment shop.

Usually the store or person who is putting in the effort to sell something gets the larger share (50-60%) closer to the higher end for items with lower resale value.

Originally Posted by Lyrajean

I used to work at a gallery that had works on consignment and regularly took clothing to a resale/consignment shop.

Usually the store or person who is putting in the effort to sell something gets the larger share (50-60%) closer to the higher end for items with lower resale value.

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Wow, I had no idea to even consider 50-60%...

If I go that high, then I will potentially have to price items so high that I will take a loss on them...Ohio isn't as keen on artsy fartsy stuff as the West Coast so I didn't want to put too high of a price on things...

My mom owned a couple resale shops and it was either 60/40 or 70/30 depending on the items( furniture was 70/30 since it took up alot of space)... Where I live 50/50 seems to be popular .. or if it is merely on a counter and you come in and merchandise / care for the product many places will just take 20-30%

In my experience (selling ceramic work) galleries/shops tend to take anywhere from 30-70% of the sale price.

I sold some stuff in a local gallery and the owner kept 30%. You have to cover your costs and your labor-don't sell yourself short!

Originally Posted by WELDRWOMN

Wow, I had no idea to even consider 50-60%...

If I go that high, then I will potentially have to price items so high that I will take a loss on them...Ohio isn't as keen on artsy fartsy stuff as the West Coast so I didn't want to put too high of a price on things...

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That's the big dilemma with handmade stuff. You're expecting to get at least minimum wage and the chinese (or other nationality) worker who makes similar looking stuff for the Xmas Tree Shop expects 30 cents an hour.

A store has more fixed expenses like expensive retail rent in a high traffic location, paid staff (who are also hoping to get at least minimum wage) electric and advertising...etc...etc... That's where they're lions share is going.

The gallery split was 55% (to the artist) 45% (to us), and the artists would not stop complaining about it as it used to be 60-40% split.

The clothing consignment store gives you 40% on any items sold under $100 and 50% on items over $100 (not often!).

If i were you I'd suggest offering 35-40% to the seller and see how gullible he is.

Originally Posted by Lyrajean

That's the big dilemma with handmade stuff. You're expecting to get at least minimum wage and the chinese (or other nationality) worker who makes similar looking stuff for the Xmas Tree Shop expects 30 cents an hour.

A store has more fixed expenses like expensive retail rent in a high traffic location, paid staff (who are also hoping to get at least minimum wage) electric and advertising...etc...etc... That's where they're lions share is going.

The gallery split was 55% (to the artist) 45% (to us), and the artists would not stop complaining about it as it used to be 60-40% split.

The clothing consignment store gives you 40% on any items sold under $100 and 50% on items over $100 (not often!).

If i were you I'd suggest offering 35-40% to the seller and see how gullible he is.

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Well, that is the issue here. I have not ever sold anything on consignment and I don't think that he has either. He was going to open his store anyways selling iHeaters and since I know he likes my work (I have given him a few pieces for free), I just asked if maybe he wouldn't mind selling a few pieces of mine on the side.