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Just wanted to say I had a very interesting experience in Scottsdale, AZ just a week ago.   As I am about to set this up, I want to quick mention that this post is geared for those who sell both at art fairs as well as art galleries - say in the same time too.  But this may be entertaining to all those who don't fit into that category...  Now onto the set up...

It was my first time in AZ, mind you, with my husband.  I went because I wanted to experience the Grand Canyon, see Scottsdale (my mom's favorite place to visit), spend time with an old high school friend, check out the AZ Ren-fest (I have friends who work there and have a podcast hobby where I go to ren-faires and report on the experience I have there for other Rennies), and of course see what the art is like in and around Phoenix.  Mind you I am an East Coast gal from Baltimore.  I must reiterate - it is a pleasure trip, not having a show to do and kick back a few days while I was in the area.    An actual vacation which also happened to be  affordable as I stayed with friends (my friend from high school and his wife) who insisted on driving us everywhere (God bless old friends!!!). 

One of the many memorable places I got to visit while in AZ was Old towne Scottsdale.  Now I missed the Art in the Park Festival (not sure if that is what it was called), but City Fest. was going to happen the next day - if that means anything to anyone.  I have to say I felt like a fish out of water - granted most of the people there were 25+ my age.  I walked around some streets of Old Town with a real hunger to check out the galleries (the food was great too).   I wanted to know what was being displayed.  Was it all Southwest themed with Native American work or broader, tapping into some unique modern/contemporary art forms? The first gallery I entered was where I got my shock.  The gallery owner was a major A__hole.  The gallery, nice with plenty of Native American pottery and paintings.  However, I was followed the whole time by the gallery owner who BOASTED how he was the owner of the gallery for 25 years and NEVER forgets a face as he runs it by himself and never has taken a day off.  My friend from high school, who happens to be wheel chair bound - since childhood - in a motorized scooter, did not have a problem maneuvering around the busy displayed gallery, but the gallery owner was quite the vulture talking to us the whole time, trying to get my friend to use a different exit and tried to move  things around him (like paintings that were on the ground leaning up against a display) when it wasn't necessary.    I didn't know if I should stay in the gallery to piss the guy off or get out of there as quick as possible as I couldn't take the mightier than thou attitude.  My friend shrugs it off as - "that's gallery people for you", I said I have never been in a gallery where it is their point to watch every customer like a hawk, making them think they will damage property at every turn and not for any good reasons such as being anxious to help you at a moments notice with questions.  Where was the customer service there?  And for those who have never been this this huge gallery area, there must be 50 galleries - at least - vying for customers.   A lot of heavy competition in a not-so-bustling economy.  Which makes me think long and hard, why be a jerk and make customers feel like strangers and extremely uncomfortable?   I was glad first impressions didn't ruin the whole gallery walk as another one two doors down happened to be spacious and well organized specializing in Native American work.  The breath of fresh air is that this gallery owner was eager to please having public handicap accessible restrooms, friendly in that the owner mentioned a piece or two but backed off AND had a guest artist that day in the gallery demonstrating!  Night and day difference! Others offered refreshments like lemon water, friendly chit chat, and pieces of history about the area or the gallery OR the artists.

First question....  As artists, when entering a gallery just to look or purchase something, have you had similar weird vibes and said something?  I was tempted being an artist, but really felt it wasn't my place as some I just don't think you can get through to them.

Second question...  For those who sell both at art fairs and galleries - If you happen to do an art fair in or near the same town as a gallery that houses your work, do you make it a point to visit that gallery (as a secret shopper or not) and even promote it when at the show?  Or not?

Third and final question...  Also for those who sell both at art fairs and galleries.  Do you have struggles with gallery owners with their "attitude" in how they do business say over the phone coming across as nice and peachy, yet in person or with customers they are quite different?  When it comes to pricing your work do you have issues with gallery owners especially if you are selling at an art fair in town? 

Sorry for all the questions, but I haven't really seen this discussed much on here - granted it is artfairinsiders.com .  - Michelle, www.bythebaybotanicals.com

I am sure those of you reading this are either a Gen X or Y or knowsomeone who is through family relation, friends or workingrelationships. Most don't understand Gen X and Y's or have a hardtime relating to them. There is no denying though, they are a forceto be reckoned with when it comes to shopping. I have been reading agreat book called Gen Y Buy and it is a most fascinating read. Ifyou are curious about what direction today's society is heading,especially when it comes to retail and shopping, do check out thebook. This leads to Question 15 and want to touch on it because GenX and Y's do have a huge influence on how art fairs are run and howwe can learn from them when it comes to managing our own artbusinesses.

Question 15 – How have Gen X and Y's affect how people shop at art fairs?(How can we capture their attention too?)

Instead of going into depth about the “nature and behavior” of Gen X andY's, as I am a Gen X myself, I am going to highlight some key pointsthat I feel best answers Question 15.

1. Full Steam Ahead. We can thank the today's generation for pushingartists to create new pieces of art. With Gen X and Y's drive forseeking new and improved stuff, this carries over to their parentsand even grandparents especially when it comes to technology, homeimprovement, and decorating one's apartment or home, or evenvacation home. It isn't enough to offer one size 2D art, but postcards, note cards, even coffee table books are just one of ahundreds of examples that can be attributed to today's youngergeneration need for variety.

2. Credit Cards. If it weren't for credit cards our sales at art fairsconsiderably lower than what they are today. It is not the norm anymore to carry cash with a few exceptions. When it comes to artfairs, it is now more important that ever to accept credit cardsbecause show patrons expect it. The benefits of bringing in moresales far outweighs the minimal monthly fees or possibility ofrunning into a declined card.

3. Computers and The World Wide Web. Computers are here to stay and since theybecame mainstream, it has opened many doors for artists. Someexamples range from digital art mediums, email – an instant formof communication, social networks to keep in touch with customers orpromote ourselves at upcoming art shows, software for trackingsales, access to better raw material suppliers, to the NEW businesscard – personal art business websites. The value computers haveis immeasurable and if you don't agree, try living without one for24 hours, on a work day.

4. Word of Mouth. Granted word of mouth advertising is nothing new.However, Gen X's and Y's have taken it to an all new level. All ittakes is one Gen Yer to fall in love with something that they haveto take a photo of it and show their friends or blog about it.Within minutes that thing the Gen Y loves is now apart of a viralword of mouth advertising campaign to her friends and family. Themore art fairs and artists harness this power of free advertisingthrough social networks and other word of mouth advertising, theeasier it is to attract new customers and art fair patrons.

5. Developing Personal Relationships. There is a strong desire for those whoappreciate art, with the help of Gen X and Ys, to want to learneverything they can about art. Due to art funding in schools havingbeen cut and combining that the desire of being connected topeople, there is more of a push for artists to be more willing toeducated and entertain show patrons. Don't confuse this withcarnival type of entertainment. What I am merely saying is thepressure is now on for artists to shine revealing theirhumble/personal side, through humor or through demonstrations, aswell as uncovering the veil of what it is like to be an artist. Theone on one experience can be long lasting and turn a looker into abuyer once they learn more about you, and vice versa, and your art.

6. Charity and Causes. Charities such as breast cancer awareness, HurricaneKatrina Relief organizations and the local Humane Society are alwayslooking for donations and volunteers. Helping those who seekassistance makes us feel good about ourselves, and this plays a bigpart in building Gen X and Y's self esteem, often being the drivingforce behind these organizations. Their desire spills onto theirfriends and family members trickling into the art fair world. Thishas crept into art fairs because patrons are more likely to attend ashow knowing if there is a discount off admission if a personbrings in canned goods to support a food drive, for example. Someartists are even support their own choice of charitable organizationby donating part of their sales to that organization. This is a winwin for everyone.

I can go on and on about this topic, but to keep these blog posts “quick”I don't have all day. While there are issues artists have when itcomes to hiring Gen X and Ys and how to make items that appeal moreto them, I am hoping towards the end of this blog series I can tacklethis questions. If any of this interests you there is moreinformation in books, magazines, and other resources. Did I missanything you think is worth sharing – let us know and use thecomment button. Next I will be review the past 15 questions and thentackle the question, what does it mean when a customers says “___”? Have a great weekend !

- Michelle Sholund, www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com. Check out my craft business' website –www.bythebaybotanicals.com.

I think I beat the topic of product development to the death. So lets moveonto a topic that is more lively: customer service. I don't thinkthere is a time we don't talk about customer service – good or bad.However, have you ever really thought about what customer serviceis all about and how it impacts craft artists who sell at shows?Well, now is the time.

Question #13 What is Customer Service?

How would you define “customer service”? Think about all of yourretail and restaurant experiences. A simple definition might be theattention and activity that is intended to ensure thatcustomers receive the goods and services they desire to satisfy theirneeds or wants in the most effective and efficient manner possible . However is it really that cut and dry? When you see a sales personcommunicate with a customer there is one thing that is clear –customer service is all about language, both body language as well asverbal communication. The way you stand, the tone of your voice,your facial expressions and energy level all plays into itty bittycues that signal to customers what a pleasant place to shop and wantto come back again. Don't forget that customers judge you and yourbusiness based on how you carry yourself when interacting withcustomers, its just human nature.

Although most people think of customer service as what happens during a sale,but really customer service occurs before and after the sale too.From the greeting, to interacting with the customer in identifyingtheir needs, to packaging their purchase and asking if they wouldlike to be on your mailing list before they leave is all apart ofcustomer service. It is essential to recognize that withoutcustomers we have no business. The sooner craft artists realizethis, the easier it is to transition oneself from being an artist whocreates great work to a sales person who can also sell your own worktoo. It is also important to ask yourself if you think you wouldmake a great sales person. Sales people should be bubbly, open,outgoing, helpful, insightful, and enthusiastic. If you don't seeyourself as a sales person, then you will need to hire someone orrecruit friends or family members who exhibit these qualities.

The topic of customer service is a big one, and since this is a “quickcraft artist tips” blog, I intend to devote a great deal of timeto the topic with this blog series. I'll be answering questionssuch as what do customers want, how have Gen X and Y'ers affected theway people shop, why do some customers buy while others don't, doeswhat customer say mean more than one thing, what are some tips ondelivering good customer service, and much more. If you have everwondered why sales are lacking, you can't afford to miss the nextseveral posts as it will shed light on how to improve your customerrelations skills to increase profits. Michelle,www.quickcraftartisttips.blogspot.com