Have you ever wondered why some artists seem to attract loyal collectors that follow them everywhere and buy multiple works of art? When you take a closer look at their behavior you may discover it’s not that they were born to be salespeople. Instead, these artists may be amiable individuals who have learned to practice the art of customer service. They have integrated a simple basic rule I highly recommend you follow: Treat all potential and existing art buyers like royalty. Give them the V.I.P. treatment.
Give Art Buyers Unexpected Perks
Maintain a record of your customers’ birthdays and other special occasions. Send them a special gift such as a box of printed note cards, one of your art books, a calendar or print — featuring your artwork — with a personalized note. Choose the appropriate gift in proportion to the amount the buyer has paid for your art.
You don’t need a royal budget to treat others like royalty. It’s often the small heartfelt gestures that are most meaningful. For example, if you know your collectors’ favorite snack or beverage, have them ready to offer when they come for a studio visit. Or, make a follow-up phone call and/or email to the buyer after your sale to see how they are enjoying their artwork.
How Can You Go The Extra Mile?
Most acts of courtesy require little more than your sincere desire to express kindness to others who are important in your life and your art business. I encourage you to use your creativity and imagination to “go the extra mile” and shower these individuals with authentic appreciation.
When you focus on ways to show how much you value your customers, before, during and after the sale, you’ll go a long way in strengthening your relationships. You’ll be rewarded with a solid base of customers and a prosperous career. (Phillips, n.d.).
This article gives many tips about providing customer service to a loyal customer base and its significance. As important as it is to try to attract customers to the business, it is just as important to keep the customers currently with the company satisfied. However, the article pushes the concept of customer service further past just keeping the customer satisfied. To keep your loyal customers, you should go above and beyond for the customer. By sending them gifts on their birthday or preparing their favorite snacks, an artist can extend themselves for their returning customers. While the art industry and retail industry have their differences, both need customer service. However, all these tips that have the artist go the extra mile for the customer had me wondering about the standards towards customer service. What counts as regular customer service? Is sending a personalized note really customer service that exceeds expectations or is that what the new standard should be? What are the standards or expectations that customers have for banks and how does that affects their overall thoughts of the business?
References.
Phillips, R. (n.d.). Sell your art with a focus on customer service. Light Space & Time Online Art Gallery. https://lightspacetime.art/sell-your-art-with-a-focus-on-customer-service/
