I've been considering lately switching from auction format to a fixed price format for these small paintings. I feel it may be a friendlier way to buy. Consider this an experiment - I may switch back. Please let me know if you have a strong opinion either way. Thanks!
14 comments:
Have you ever done a video of your painting? I would love to watch... maybe on Youtube? (and I think a fixed price is a good idea.. faster for the buyer.)
Shirley-
I have actually. Watch it here: http://www.bluecloudstudios.com/demos.html.
-Carol
the fixed price format on the newest work means that the first person who "falls in love" is in luck ... and no one else has a chance !
I think it's worth trying the "fixed price, first come" approach.
Lovely painting.
I like the fixed fee idea. It will certainly make people purchase a painting faster if they think it will be gone later that day.
Carol, Any news to share on the new studio since May, 21 post?
Its a tricky balance, I know. I've gone to doing both, because Ebay does seem to draw buyers in, but the costs do add up quickly. I've recently been looking at 1000 Markets. Perhaps its good to try several iVenues to get the best exposure.
Good luck with your experiment! I'm sure you'll do well no matter where we find you. Your talent is incredible!
Carol - You can also list your paintings on auction with a 'buy it now' option at a desired price - it's been my experience that about half of those will sell immediately. That option only remains so until a bid is placed - although you can set a reserve price of somewhere in between to keep it active and available.
-Best to you my friend
You could always add a "buy it now" option to the ebay listings, that way folks may either jump in and buy it or, be less likely to wait till the last 5 minutes to bid if they know someone could buy it at any time.
By the way, Carol, I love the cast shadows! I'll defer to the others on the auction vs. fixed price question.
Lovely painting, as always! It would be nice to see a fixed price on your paintings but I think the Buy It Now option probably works best for everyone. You get the price you want, and if a buyer absolutely wants the painting, then they can buy it. Win win ...
Why go through Ebay when you can do it all yourself via email? I found that posting the fixed price became the way to go when I saw how much I was saving by not doing an auction. And if it doesn't sell immediately, it sometimes would later, after the blogreader notices several sold pieces in a row. Since you have done the work of establishing a clientele of readers, you can do well on your own. More control for the artist!
I have been thinking I am missing out not hooking up to ebay auction...but maybe not, right? I love the red accents...nothing quite like red! I love all your work always!
Carol,
Your blog has been a source of inspiration for several months.Thank you for all that you do to share info. with other artists.
I just opened a store on Etsy and have tried only one auction on EBay. I agree with Deb Schmidt about trying several iVenues.
Since I am new to selling online, I appreciate the input.
I am impressed with the tracking software that shows visitors, page,image,traffic,bounce rate, etc.that Etsy makes available at no cost.
Linda Rothcild Ollis
Post a Comment