Always remember to say Thank You. This may sound like a childish thing but even if you do not get an order, smile and say thank you. The customer will remember that next time they see you.
Offer to deliver your customers order a little earlier or a little later than your regular schedule. It may throw you off track temporarily but a customer in a pinch will remember you for going out of your way for them.
Ask your current customers for new customers. Offer them another product or extra lesson if they know of someone that may be interested in your products or lessons. Also offer the current customer a discount on their next order if they find you a new customer that buys from you. You could offer a small gift insted of a discount.
Offer your customers a Buyers Club. For instance if they buy 10 of one item from you over a period of time, give them 1 free. Make up index cards for them and for you to keep track of their sales.
Ask everyone you know to buy from you. Don't leave anyone out. The one person you don't ask may be your best customer.
Run a couple of free demo's during the year. Use shows, community gatherings or just do them in the shop. Don't demonstrate anything fancy - work on the simple things that would show anyone could do this!
If possible, always wear or use your products yourself. Customers won't buy something that they think you are ashamed of using yourself. Try wearing a handpainted apron, jumper or shirt. Paint your business logo on it! I have a handpainted bag and purse. It gets attention!
Highlight what you have that other places don't have - small classes, specialist services and supplies.
Always keep a current book, paper, and a pen by the phone for those called in or last minute orders.
If you have a customer that is buying something from one category and you have a great offer in another totally different category, make sure you mention it to them. They may not even realize that you have other products. Lets say they want a book...do they have the right brushes?
Offer your customers a payment plan if it is feasible. They will often spend more if they can break up the payments. Your initial profit may suffer but it will pay off in the long run. Your customers will love it and you!
Get out to the local shool fairs and fetes and have a demo stand and day.
Stick your mailing list right out the front there.
Always keep your eyes open for new customers on your routes...new neighbors, new businesses etc. Start watching as soon as the for sale signs go up or they new walls go up! Soon as new people are there, give them a flyer.
Make sure that you are selling something that you believe in. If you do not have confidence in your product and yourself, you will not be successful in sales of that product.
Be sure to stay on top of the latest through the magazines - put the newest books and products and ideas right out there in front - tell your customers/students about them. Oh - have you seen.....? I have sold extra books this week just by having them in class - Look at the latest books that came through. This one I really like...check it out! I did the same with new wood pieces. This is a 1 minute ad and costs nothing. It usually brings at least one sale of something new.
To attract students to a studio, run an open day/enrollment day. Have the current workshop pieces on show and do door prizes.
What are big Conventions like?
How do I prepare glass and plastic for painting?
What is the best glass paint for opaque painting?
How can I store lots of paint?
How can I keep oil and acrylic brushes separate?
What tools should I put in my tool box?
What is a good data base program?
What lighting do you recomend for the studio?
What is a good way to store brushes?
Can I substitute different brands of paint?
How do I convert colour from one brand to another?
How do I join a styrofoam hat to a light bulb ornament?
How do I improve my student numbers?
Is there a conversion guide for 1837 legacy paint?
How do I paint Chezza bear fur?
Is there an easy way to draw ribbon?
What should I take to Convention?
How do I prepare light bulbs for painting?
What do I use for hats on light bulb ornaments?
How do I manage kids and painting?
How do I overcome the need to paint straight lines?
How should I photograph my work?
What are some tips for Time Management?
What is a quick and easy project surface?
What if the pattern doesnīt fit?
How can I keep track of my paint?
Where can I find pattern ideas?
What kinds of paint should I have for the kids?
How do you paint a lace border?
Is there a quick way to get paint conversions?
Is there a book with lightbulb ornaments in it?
What can I use for woodfiller?
Where can I get lessons in Rosemaling?
Should I worry about ridges in my painting?
Why should I trace a pattern out?
What do you suggest for shopping tips?
Where can I shop for a bargain?
How do I select convention classes?
What should I give the kids to paint on?
How can I organise my magazines and packets?
How can I store so much stuff?
What do I need to trace designs with?
What do you suggest for luggage at a convention?
What makes a quality pattern packet?
What is a good way to store paints.
What is wrong with my crackle?
Help! My graphite lines donīt show!
What wood pieces can I give kids to paint on?
What can I expect from a studio?
Where can I get support and information?
I am having trouble seeing where the light source is.
Where do I get conversions from ?
What is a good way to store paints.
What important tools should I have?
How can I hold small items for painting?
Can I paint on my regular dinner ware?
What sorts of shelves should I put in my studio?
What if my purchases are too big?
Where do I find supplies in the UK?
Is the a list of personal things I should take to convention?
Where do I find supplies in Australia?
Should I give the kids cheap paint?
What should I look for in a teacher?
What should I expect from a class?
What sort of studio should I have?
How can I draw circles quickly?
painting borders, using arm and shoulder, not hand
How do I get paint off my clothes?
How can I keep my painting space in order?
How do I paint on terra cotta pots?
What costs are involved in a big convention?
How do I keep my studio in order?
What are big Conventions like?
Where can I sell things on line?
Where should I put my painting table?
Who makes artist quality acrylic paint?
How do I get Colour swatches in my TCS software?
Is white a good background for photoīs?
How should I Advertise my Business?
How do I load a rake or comb brush for fur?
How do I use a rake or comb brush?
How do I transport my gear for classes?
I need some ideas for small designs
How do I clean a gourd for painting?
Is a painted surface food safe?
What will make painting lace easier?
What furniture should I have in the Studio?
How can I learn more about brushes?
What should be kept at the painting table?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
Where can I find information on Aboriginal Art?
What is wrong with my glass paint?
What is a double loaded flat brush?
What personal things will I need for a convention?
What is pemenamel Surface conditioner?
What do you recomend for brush Cleaning?
How do I paint on a floorcloth?
What pen do you suggest I use for pen and Wash techniques?
What will make a good noticeboard?
Is there a Society in New Zealand?
How can I clean my brush basin?
What is the best way to manage the paperwork?
What varnish should I use for heat resistence?
What do I do if my graphite wonīt show?
What should I not take to convention?
How do I prepare papier mache?
Is the any easy place to find a glossary?
Can I use a pen for fine lines?
How do I stop pieces from rolling away?
Why do I have trouble searching for Folk Art sites?
What mailing list should I join?
What should a mail out include?
Where will I find a Guild or Society?
How do I keep fabric painting nice?
Guru Spotlight |
Joe Wallace |