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Displaying in local businesses
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Hi all,
I am looking for a bit of advice; I’m want to try and convince some local restaurants/bars etc. to display my frames. I have seen other photographers do it and also I have noticed some awful decor in other places. I’m wondering has anyone on here done this before and what is the normal process for it? What is the usual arrangment? Does the photographer just provide the work to display and keep the profit if sold or do I/they take a percentage somewhere along the way?
I wanted to go around place asap with a portfolio and wanted to get these things clear so as to appear more professional!
ThanksAsterix,
I have done this in a number of places now, and the deal you can strike up absolutely depends on the business and manager you are dealing with.
The one thing that is static however is that you’ll have to pay for all the print/framing yourself, so make sure that you don’t over extend your finances by dealing with too many places and having to print/frame too many pictures.
The first thing to do is make up an portfolio. Bring them to the businesses you have in mind and ask to speak to the manager. Tell them who you are and have the portfolio with you to display your work. Be willing to leave it with them for a few days if needs be. If they say no, don’t get insulted. They may just feel your work isn’t suitable for their business.
I have one display of 20+ pictures in a hotel, I did some work for them and the new manager was looking at replacing the artwork in the restaurant/bar/corridors/reception area. He offered me the walls. He doesn’t ask for a commission, simply because he was happy to be getting free work to display on his walls. He was also happy for his own staff to take details and prices for my pictures and talk to anyone interest in buying.
I think that’s an exception though. Most places will want some sort of commission if they sell one of your pictures for you. I think the general range would be between 25-35%. If you get someone in a new business who isn’t sure of what to ask for but do want some sort of commission, offer 20%, see if they’ll take it. You’ll be doing very well there, because remember, you’re getting shop space and a sales person out of this. Its worth the return if you can sell.
I also have 3 images in a gallery/restaurant. The Manager there asked me to set a price and she’ll take 35% of that. I have more pictures in an antique/art shop. The owner here does all my printing and framing (so I have no expenses, he prints, frames, displays and sells). He simply asked me how much I wanted to make from each print, I gave him a cost for different sizes. He adds on the price of his frame, and another 25% onto that.
There’s different deals at different places. Judge the place you’re approaching. Are they used to displaying art? Do they have experience? Judge the manager. Are they friendly? Will they be willing to negotiate? What about the business itself? What kind of work will suit? There’s no point in approaching an arty upclass cafe with old fashioned landscape shots for instance.
There’s a lot to consider. The most important thing is to sit down and plan it all out before you approach anyone. You’ll get the most successful results that way.
Jody
very informative Jody – I was only thinking of something similar yesterday in one of the local coffee shops.
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