How Get Your Art Into Retail Shops

I just listened to a pod cast on how to get into retail stores by http://pinkolive.com/
This is been a mystery to me for years and I do mean years. After listening I am amazed at how simple it is.

First... Do your homework! Visit the store that you want to sell to! Take time to go to the store and get to know the store or check them out on the website. Simple enough and I have done that a million times and it stopped right there.

Second... Have a website with your artwork on it. Good photos and detailed information.
Great Photos! Close ups are good and then take some on the backdrop that looks like the store you want to sell to.


Third... Each item needs to have a style number. Names are cute and catchy but numbers are easier to work with. You can use the letters of the product for instance, Red Luna Chick = RLC-787
Example --->    Minimum: 4 pcs per style; $250 per order

Now, when you finally get up the nerve to talk to someone at the store, go with your information in hand. Have a great business card with a link to your website and blog. Have a genuine approach. treat it like a win win situation instead of having the "I just want to be in your store attitude." Remember, you website will do the selling.

No here is where you are going to need a pot of coffee and your reading glasses.
Develop a Line Sheet. "What is a Line Sheet?" you ask. This is probably one of my biggest problem areas. It is sort of like writing up a business plan for me but I am sort of getting used to the idea AND I am going to work on mine this week. I am already halfway there! Piece of cake!
Put your Line Sheet on your website so that buyers have time to go there in their own time. Your line sheet should consist of the following:

Line Sheet

• Great Photos: The photos should be on a backdrop that looks like the store you want to sell to.
• Style Numbers: Each item should have a style number. Names are cute and catchy but numbers are easier to work with. You can use the letters of the product. Red Luna Chick = RLC787
• Wholesale Price and Wholesale Order Minimum

Develop a sample packet. If you come across someone who may be interested in your art, give them a sample packet and include wholesale seller contact information. I am thinking about sending a line sheet to repeat buyers on ebay to let them know what other products I have... just a thought.