Today’s post is brought to you by Alison from Adventures in Making. She is sharing 5 annoying things said to artists, and great comebacks for them.
If you’re in the business of selling your work, at some point you are probably going to hear the 5 dreaded comments below. While running my brick and mortar shop I heard it all, and got to be an old hand at responding with a quip and a smile.
They say:”It costs that much?”
You say : “Yeah, I know, I just want to make sure I’m using the highest quality of materials, which can cost a little more– but means it will last a lifetime.”
If you’re hearing this really often, it’s probably good to take note; it might mean that you’re trying to sell the wrong thing to the wrong audience. BUT if you just get it every once in a while it’s likely more about the person saying it than about your work. Your response will probably change slightly depending on what you’re selling. Your goal is to show the worth of the product you’re producing, while expressing some empathy for their point of view. Even though the question might make you want to snap, it’s actually an opportunity to discuss the work that goes into your product. It’s always a good exercise to think about what makes your work worth its price, so try to come up with a couple of responses to keep in mind when this happens.
They say: “I could do this myself.”
You say: Nothing or “Yeah! It’s tricky, but after five years I’m finally getting the hang of it. I can walk you through the steps real quick if you want. First I start with porcelain clay…”
Usually this is a comment said as an aside to a friend, rather than at your face. If you can, let this one slide. If you do feel the need to respond, look at is as another opportunity to talk about all the steps that go into your work, your experience, and what makes your item the best. It’s quite possible they don’t understand the amount of skill that goes into what they’re looking at. They’ll find out if they ever did get around to trying.
They say: “You’re doing that the wrong way.”
You say: “Oh? I’ve been working for a while to find a style I really like. How do you do it?”
I’m a firm believer that your way is the right way, even if it’s just the right way right now; but there’s no reason to shut down an informative conversation just because you know you’re right. If you open yourself up to new information, you either learn, or you realize that you were right all along- and neither of those things are bad.
They say: “How’s business going?”
You say: “Fine. How’re you doing today?” or for persistent questioners “It’s been going well. It’s a lovely neighborhood, and most people seem to really appreciate having quality artist goods to give as gifts.”
This is one of my biggest pet peeves, and my natural reaction is to ask a really personal question in response; because it’s only your business how your business is going. I have to believe that the person asking thinks it’s an innocuous question, so the best response in an innocuous one. Answer quickly, and turn the attention back on them.
For persistent questioners, it’s good to have a rote comment on hand. Mention your work, the joy you have in doing it well.
They say, “I have a great opportunity for you!”
You say “Well, I can’t make any promises, but here’s my card. If you type everything up in an email, I’ll take a look when I get a free moment.”
For some reason being in business means you are a target to people who want to sell you their business. The best response, whether in person or on the phone, is to put them in a position to do more work to get your attention. Salespeople are encouraged to go for the “hard sale” and get you to agree to something right away, but a true “great opportunity” should stand up to the critical inspection you give it on your own time. If they finally do contact you in the way you’ve requested, it’s up to you whether or not to respond. If it’s a person contacting you for a good cause, maybe send them a response that says that it seems like a great opportunity, but won’t work for you at this time. Mass market emails can be ignored, they won’t notice.
Depending on the kind of product you sell, your questions may vary, but as long as you remember to turn everything back around to how awesome your work is, you should be fine. Don’t sweat the small stuff, and don’t worry about the couple of people who put their feet in their mouths. It’s gonna be swell.
Learn more about Alison and visit her blog here-
These are great responses to some very tricky comments or questions. I’ve heard some of these comments and I appreciate these thoughtful and polite responses. Thanks for posting this!
I live in Australia and we have an amazing cross-stitch designer with patterns of intricate design and his animals look like they are about to move. While at a well-known annual arts and crafts fair he was abused by a woman because he was a male doing a womans job. This was about 3 years ago. You have to wonder. Also he had a young woman ask him if she did one of his designs on a higher thread count per. inch (which would of course bring the finished product done at a smaller size) she would not need to do as many stitches. ??????????
Thank you for the great advice! I think I’ve heard all of these at least once at craft shows. Thanks for the tactful responses