Expert: - 1/3/2010

Question

  good morning
i want to set up an online gallery with artists from gREECE AND SELL abroad

    Can you describe me the first steps for something like that ? I have come in contact and found 10-12 artists interested .What is the percentage i should ask ?What should i look for when it comes to web hosting ?

thank you

Answer
Dear Evi,

I am assuming that this is a new business venture for you and you do not already have a website up for the new company.

Before you start setting up your new website, it is very important to have a very clear picture of what your business model is all about. For example, here are some questions for you to consider:

Are you a broker for the artists?
Are you going to sell direct to the consumer or are you going to possibly sell to other galleries?
Are these artists going to have the same work for sale elsewhere and if they are one of a kind what happens if they are sold and someone visiting your site wants to buy?
Are you going to collect payment from the customers and then disperse funds to the artists?
How are you going to notify the artists of the sale?
Who ships the products and how quickly can this be completed?
If you do not have the artwork in your possession what is your relationship with the artists and what will your contract agreement be with them to guarantee completion of the sale?

My point is that you really need to think all of these things through so your website is very clear on what your buyer can expect in order to complete a sale with you. Your reputation and clear information are extremely important.

The website should make it easy for people to buy. Most e-commerce websites that are effective clearly show the products and give many details and answer questions that a potential buyer might have before purchasing an item.

You have not mentioned price points - however artwork is generally one of a kind and price depends on the perceived value of the artist. Potential buyers generally have an immediate response to artwork which is subjective. Price is also subjective because - charge too little and it is perceived as not of great value and charge too much and no one will buy.

It is very important that you focus on the artist with perhaps photos and a bio of the artist so your potential clients can get to know and understand the artist's perspective and personality. Everyone enjoys a story.

In brick and mortar galleries the percentage is generally 50% for a show. An on-line gallery is different. You may want to take a look at http://ugallery.com as an example of how you can set up your business model. In this one the company accepts artists to list their work, once the item is sold the company controls the shipping and then receives a commission.

In building your website your SEO (search engine optimization) is very important so potential buyers can find your website. I would suggest using a wordpress platform and hiring an expert to assist you in creating the site - making sure that the expert is also very knowledgeable about ecommerce and setting up a shopping cart for you. The other platform you could consider is http://volusion.com However I would have someone assist you in creating the design and putting it all in place. It is going to be very important for your site to be visually appealing when you are selling art.

I hope this helps you in turning your idea into a business.

Best of success to you!

Jane Button
http://Design2MarketSuccess.com