How Not to Treat Website Prospects

A story of frustration...and a lesson to help you sell more art

 Let me share a brief story with you.

I recently wanted to buy a particular type of painting, in this case, as a gift. 

For the particular person I wanted to give the painting to, I specifically wanted an original painting of a black cat.  This is a pretty unusual situation, where someone is seeking a specific subject, however, it does happen.  So, I looked at many artist websites, and I asked around and had a particular artist, who was new to me, recommended by a few people.  I looked at his art, and I loved it.  Then, I invested the time to review every single artwork on his website and found not one, but two paintings I loved, of black cats.  Perfect.

Neither painting indicated if it was available and neither painting was priced (first big mistake here, if I could have purchased one right off the website, I would have, but that is a topic for another post.).   After way too much hunting on his site, I figured out how to contact him.  I sent the artist an email inquiring about both paintings, saying I wanted to purchase one, and asking if one or both were available and what the prices would be.  Excitedly, I waited for his response……….for about two weeks.

By the time I finally received the response, I had cooled on the idea considerably, and had kind of forgotten about the idea.  Making a prospect wait that long is a huge mistake. What was his response?  “Both of those pieces are sold.”  That’s all he said.

So, still wanting to get a gift for my friend, I decided to persist.  I replied to his email and said, “OK, thanks for letting me know.  I really do love your art, do you have any other pieces of black cats that aren’t pictured on your website?”

And again, excitedly waited for a response.  And, as of this writing, I’ve been waiting for about three months for her response.

The message I am receiving from this artist (intentional or not) is I don’t care about you, leave me alone.

So I am obliging and leaving him alone and, at this point, won’t purchase a painting from him.  I’m looking at other artists now.

Don’t be this person! 

If someone inquires about an artwork, that is a huge buying signal.  Be responsive and courteous!

Creatively,

Clint Watson
BoldBrush Founder
Art Fanatic

PS - What should the artist have done instead? That is the focus of our current series for paid members which is all about sales. If you are not currently a paid member you can easily join by clicking the button below:

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If I can’t buy a painting of a black cat, I’ll make one instead, said the Grinch (with the help of Midjourney). (Kidding, I still want something by a human artist, not AI, which in this image seems to have some trouble with malformed and extra paws)

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