Hello Everyone!
This is a first for me so I want to ask before I do this. I have my
work in a number of local galleries and most do real well. Some
better than others. But I have this one gallery that I have been in
since Oct and all they have sold is one pair of earrings. I have
given them plenty of support and did a two day show. So I want to
pull my stuff out and get it to the other galleries that are asking
for more product. My contract says that I have to give them 30 days
written notice. So what is a nice way to tell them you are taking
your stuff backi
Thanks,
Rodney
RC Gems
Hi Rodney
Congratulations on your work! I would say “Thanks so much for your
support, however, I have decided to take my work in a different
direction” and that’s it. If the work is not selling there, they may
be saying the same thing to you in a very short time anyway, so don’t
feel bad about it. Short and polite is best.
Kim Starbard
http://www.kimstarbarddesigns.com
My contract says that I have to give them 30 days written notice.
So what is a nice way to tell them you are taking your stuff back?
If your work isn’t selling, they’re not going to wrap their arms
around your ankles. Most don’t enforce the thirty-day provision
either. Just call them and tell them-- they won’t be surprised.
Noel
So I want to pull my stuff out and get it to the other galleries
that are asking for more product. My contract says that I have to
give them 30 days written notice. So what is a nice way to tell
them you are taking your stuff back ?
Rodney: I don’t think you have to give them any reason - just a
simple " This is to let you know that I will be removing my things
from your gallery on xxxxx(date). Thanks."
When you go to pick up your work, if anyone asks “why” you can
explain nicely that your work has not sold in this venue and you want
to try a new one. I think most artists understand this. And if they
don’t all the explaining in the world isn’t going to cut it.
I’m assuming that you have allowed sufficient time for your work to
be seen and to build up some recognition in that gallery. When I
first put my paintings in a gallery years ago, it took 6 months of
people coming in and looking before anything sold, but once that
happened, then I sold on a fairly regular basis. Sometimes it takes
time for people to keep coming in and some people also want to make
sure you are going to be around for a while before they buy. I’m
trying a new gallery and my work has been there for 4 months and only
3 pieces have sold, but people are now asking if things could be
sized etc. so the interest is beginning to build. I’m going to give
it some more time but if something doesn’t change soon, then I, too,
will be making a change.
Sometimes your work just doesn’t fit with the clientele that comes
to that particular gallery.
Good luck with your new venue.
Kay
…Since it appears my work does not interest your clientele, I
will withdraw my work which will give you room for another artisan’s
work whose will…
Judy Shaw
Hi Rodney,
When I’ve given a store lots of support and time to move my
merchandise, I will take my bow this way. I thank them for
representing my work and then say that I would like to offer my case
space to another artist who might have more success in their store.
State the day you will come to pick up your work or request insured
delivery. It’s about the most graceful way to make your exit and not
ruffle any feathers. The point is very clear.
Good luck,
Reba
Hey Rodney, how about saying that "since the designs I have with you
are obviously not right for your clientele, why don’t I take them
out and when I have some different designs I will bring them into the
gallery? " This way it leaves it open for you to do more business
with them when and if you want to.
cheers, Christine in Sth Australia
....Since it appears my work does not interest your clientele, I
will withdraw my work which will give you room for another
artisan's work whose will.......
Don’t apologize. Don’t explain.
Rodney; I went through the same thing a few years ago. I told them
that while I enjoyed the opportunity to be in their galley I felt I
had put my inventory where it would sell. I also stated that it was
to their benefit also by freeing up space for a product which might
be a better seller for them.
Dave Owen
Now the rest of the story
I would like to thank all of you that shared your wisdom with me on
this. I got a phone call on Sat from the gallery informing me that
they are closing the gallery. This gallery was mainly for paintings,
so the jewelry thing was sort of an experiment. They have carried
four jewelry artist there since Sept and as far as I know from the
others, there was less then a half dozen total items sold. Nothing
exceeding $50 in price. They have been very rude to the most
prominent artist of the group who has his on gallery. A painter owned
the gallery and we was treated as “craftsman” not as “artist”. You
do not want me to start down that subject because that is one mammoth
pet peeve of mine.
So in the end all the product will be picked up Monday and dropped
at two other galleries that sells lots of product.
Again, thank you for your advise.
Rodney
RC Gems
....Since it appears my work does not interest your clientele, I
will withdraw my work which will give you room for another
artisan's work whose will.......
I do jewelry (not beading) and I own a gallery; I agree with the
statement below. I have sent work back to artists when there doesn’t
appear to be any interest, the work was beautiful, but if it doesn’t
sell, that doesn’t help pay my rent.
Don’t apologize. Don’t explain.