Artfire Sellers

Comment by JenniferLynn Productions on January 10, 2010 at 3:53pm

Thank you for setting up this group!

Comment by Kim on January 20, 2010 at 6:17pm

I too have an artfire account. I got into the forums 1 nite a while back. Right around the time of the chg with the free unlimited listings becoming permanent, etc. A comment was made in the forums referring to them paying for what they have & they would not look at the so called free booth....and anyway, that sort of thing. I felt it to be rather rude, and thought everyone was there working for the same thing...to get the customers there, and bring more traffic in. No matter how they get there, they get there. Anyway, I felt offended by the comment made, and like there was a conflict with the issue.

Comment by JenniferLynn Productions on January 21, 2010 at 2:15am

Hi, Kim. :)

For some, there IS a conflict. For me, there is not. If I'm shopping, and a vendor has what I want, has nice product, has decent feedback, etc, it is not an issue.

What I gathered was that others feel they can't trust a "Basic" seller, or that the person doesn't take their business seriously. Personally, I think that is bunk, and here is why: I have been a Verified seller for about 6 months now, and I have only sold 2 items. This makes my $12/month hard to swallow. Granted, those two sales paid for the 6 months I've been there; however, that was just barely. If things keep going this way, I will have to downgrade.

I have been in business in some capacity for many years. I have experience as a seller of both art and antiques/vintage items. I take my business VERY seriously. I'm registered with the government and have an EIN and everything. I pay business taxes. Whether I am paying for a venue or not, I give 1,000% to my customers. It just comes down to what is affordable.

I feel your pain, but don't give up: There are plenty of people out there who do not make that distinction, and anyway, if you have buyers come in who do not have accounts with Artfire, THEY are not going to know the difference. They will look at your feedback and your products and (one hopes) your policies, and they will decide for themselves.

Just do the best you can, and do what is right for YOUR business.

Comment by Kim on January 21, 2010 at 8:02am

Exactly...that is how I feel too. I did have things listed there before christmas...small list to test the waters a bit. I was getting views, and they were growing too. Usually at some pt someone gives, and buys something. But, they came, they viewed, and if it wasn't exactly what they wanted, maybe they found it with another seller on artfire. So, whether I am free or not...it brought someone to the sight. But, after that comment made in the forums I pulled my items out for the time being. I keep the acct tho as I do have something else that is in the working, and hopefully this spring I can do more with the idea, plans, etc. It is a working progress right now:)

Anyway, That is why a lot of people like to NOT pay right away, and feel their way thru. What 1 place can do for a person does not mean it can do the same for another. Everyone has to find their gliche, what works for them, where that will be, etc. Until then everyone is cost efficient until something shows potential for them. So, I keep watching, and will be in there again. Giving up? I could have done it a long time ago, but too stubborn:) I like selling on line compared to the brick & mortar store I use to have. More cost efficient, the hrs are much better for me, more comfortable, and it is easier to deal with people sometimes on-line too:)

Thanks for sharing your views Jennifer. Best of luck to you:)

Comment by JenniferLynn Productions on January 21, 2010 at 8:53am

Thanks. Best of luck to you, too!

Jen

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