Selling Crafts by Sale or Return.

"Erica" available through www.beadsbydesign.co.uk (can be created in any colour)

I have been selling goods by Sale or return for sometime now and I thought I would dedicate this post to the "how to's"

It is important that the thought of "selling your items" does not shove common sense out of the door.
By following the points listed you should experience a happy and fruitful relationship with the gallery / shop.

Sale or return is where you supply goods to a gallery / shop and no cash is handed over to you in exchange. The goods are displayed and cared for by the shop and then in the event of any sales being made, the shop pays you a percentage of the sale.
When you hand over your goods, it is important that you put together a simple contract. The language must be basic and state the following:
An inventory of stock: List all items clearly.
Pricing: You must list the price you want from the item and then the mark up that the shop can make
Discounts: If the shop decides to include the goods in a sale promotion, that the cut should be from the shop's cut.
Payment: When you can expect payment for sales and how you will receive that payment.
Damage or loss: If damage or loss of item occurs whilst in the shop's care, then the shop will pay you your cut of the price.
Transporting goods to the gallery If you are delivering or posting the stock to the shop, who is responsible for postage costs (I normally state that if I am sending I pay the costs and if they are sending then they pay the costs)
Promotion If your goods are to be displayed in the shop, it is no good having them in a weak site eg. stuffed in corner and not displayed to their potential. You should state that they be displayed with good lighting, visiblity etc.
Copyright : ensure your goods cannot be copied whilst they are in the care of the gallery… no photo’s without your agreement
Statement of Ownership: so that the gallery cannot claim them as assets should they run into financial difficulties. This is incredibly important. If the shop goes under in the credit crunch then you need to be able to prove that the items are not part of the shops collateral.

By observing these simple steps you should have a problem free relationship with the shop.

Remember that when approaching the shop, you should be confident and know prices etc. Always dress in a business like way and be positive.