5 Steps to Sell Your Art Directly to Collectors Without 50%+ Fees

The fine art community is too damn elitist as it is.

Hey there, fellow artist!

If you’re tired of handing over 50% or more of your hard-earned sales to galleries or feeling trapped by platforms that keep your collectors’ information secret, this article is for you.

I’m going to show you how to take control of your art sales by setting up your own online store using WooCommerce. Or, if you’d rather skip the technical stuff, I’ll introduce you to my art platform, saïd + art, where you can create a free account, start marketing immediately, and only pay a 30% fee when your work sells. Let’s dive in!

Step 1: Set up your WooCommerce store.

WooCommerce is an open-source platform, which means you own your website instead of renting it. Yes, there’s a learning curve, but the freedom and control are worth it.

Here’s how to get started:

1. Domain Registration: Choose a unique domain name that reflects your artwork or simply your name and ‘art’. We can think more creatively later, after we work out the technical process. I use Namecheap for mine.

2. Hosting Setup: Pick a reliable hosting provider. These platforms often offer one-click WordPress installation. I also use Namecheap for my hosting.

3. WordPress Installation: Install WordPress on your hosting account. Most hosts make this super easy with a one-click setup. Look for ‘Softaculous’ in your cPanel.

4. Theme Configuration: Choose a WordPress theme that’s designed for artists. Look for themes with built-in galleries and portfolio features. The only theme I work with is Divi by Elegant Themes.

5. Create and Design Pages: Start building your home, about, shop, and product pages. I can also go in detail at a later time.

If the technical side feels overwhelming, you can join saïd + art for free. Simply create an account at saidplusart.com/why-join, and I’ll handle the website setup for you. You can start marketing your art right away, and I only charge a 30% fee when your work sells. Also, if you want to lower or completely eliminate commission fees, you can upgrade to my paid plans and enroll in my in-depth art courses to continue building your art business.

Step 2: Organize and display your art like a pro.

Once your store is set up, it’s time to showcase your art effectively. Here are some best practices:

• High-Quality Images: Use professional photos of your work. Include multiple angles and close-ups to highlight details. Remember to capture good compositions in your detail shots and pay attention to textures of interest.

• Organize by Collections: Group your art into categories like “Abstract,” “Portraits,” or “Limited Editions.” This makes it easier for collectors to browse and Google to categorize. Don’t get creative with these titles, even though the temptation never dies. It’s the best way to optimize for real humans and bots. Let your creativity shine in the art itself.

• Accept Commissions: Create a dedicated page for art commissions. Include a form where collectors can describe their vision, and set clear terms for pricing and timelines. Collect at least the cost of materials as non-refundable so you don’t dip into your own account if the client ghosts you or refuses final payment (prepare for the worst).

• Tell Your Story: Use your about page to share your journey as an artist. Collectors love connecting with the person behind the art.

Step 3: Price your art strategically and set up payments

Pricing your art can be tricky, but here are some common strategies:

• Cost-Based Pricing: Calculate the cost of materials, time, and overhead, then add a markup. Labor is labor, and you should pay yourself first.

• Market-Based Pricing: Research what similar artists are charging for comparable work. Have the realistic expectations that well-selling artists sell largerly in part because of the brand equity they have built around themselves.

• Value-Based Pricing: Price based on the perceived value of your art, especially if you have a strong brand or unique style.

For payments, set up Stripe and PayPal with WooCommerce. Stripe allows you to create invoices for custom commissions, and PayPal’s “Pay Later” option has lower restrictions than Klarna or Zazzle, making it easier for collectors to purchase your work in installments.

Step 4: Offer money-back guarantees (without losing money).

Shipping can be a headache, but here’s how to handle it like a pro:

• Bake Shipping Costs into Your Prices: This allows you to offer free shipping or money-back guarantees without losing money on refund requests.

• Use Reliable Shipping Services: Partner with trusted carriers like UPS, FedEx, or DHL, and provide tracking information to your buyers.

• Set Clear Policies: Clearly state your return and refund policies on your website to avoid misunderstandings.

Step 5: Build your website architecture.

Here’s what your website architecture should look like, at a minimum:

• Homepage: A visually stunning introduction to your art.

• Shop Page: Where collectors can browse and purchase your work.

• About Page: Your story and artistic journey.

• Commission Page: A dedicated space for custom orders.

• Contact Page: Make it easy for collectors to reach you.

If you’d rather skip the setup, join saïd + art at saidplusart.com/why-join. I’ll handle the technical details, and you can focus on creating and marketing your art.

Final Thoughts

Selling your art directly to collectors doesn’t have to mean giving up half your earnings or losing control of your client list. With WooCommerce, you can build a store that’s truly yours. Or, if you prefer a simpler route, join saïd + art and start selling without the hassle.

Remember, the art world is evolving, and you have the power to take charge of your career. Whether you choose to DIY or join a platform, the most important thing is to get your work out there and connect with the people who love it.

Ready to get started? Let’s make your art dreams a reality!

P.S. If you’re curious about saïd + art, head over to saidplusart.com/why-join to learn more and create your free account today.