FREQUENTLY ASKED ARTIST QUESTIONS

How much is your commission?

We divide the sale 50/50. The artist prices the piece. Works is placed in the store/gallery on a consignment basis. We create sales reports at the end of each month and send you a check around the 5th of each month for pieces that have sold.

Can you help me with pricing?

Sure! We can let you know how much other pieces of similar style/quality sell for at our location. We are happy to suggest prices but you will always have the final decision as to your price points.

How do you make payments?

We send you a check to an address you have provided. We can also set up a paypal payment if you prefer. Checks and statements are sent around the 5th of each month. If you do not get a statement by the 10th you can assume you had no sales that particular month.

Do you ever hold over payments until the next month?

Yes if a payment is less than $10 we will hold it until it reachs $10.

Do you make checks out to me or my company name?

Whichever you prefer just let us know.

How do you handle items sold on a payment plan

We hold the piece until the full amount is paid by the customer. We send you a check for payment when the customer has completed payment. Most payment plans have a term of 3 - 6 months maximum.

Do you handle all sales tax?

Yes, you do not have worry about Washington state sales tax

What about federal taxes?

For sales over $600 we will complete a 1099 form which I submit to the US goverment. You are required by law to claim all sales on your federal tax returns. You will be able to note your total annual sales by holding onto each months statement you receieve from us.

Do you ever have sales?

Occassionally, we will negoitate a price with a customer but this will not affect your percentage and reduction in the price will be deducted from Bluebottle's percentage.

We also participate in a twice yearly city stimulus event which offers 10% off purchases. Again this percentage will be deducted from Bluebottle's percentage.

You will always be paid 50% of what you list as the retail price.

Can I reduce my prices?

Sure just let us know what you would like the new prices to be and we will update our records

When I ship my work what do I need to send with my work?

Contract - this only needs to be sent the inital time as we will keep it on file
Inventory sheet - please fill this out each time your send a shipment
Postcards, bio if desired
Labels with artist number and your contact info

How do you handle shipping of inventory?

We ask that you cover the cost of shipping items to Bluebottle. If your work does not selll we will cover the costs of shipping back to you. Typically, we ship via FedEx which includes a tracking number.

How will I know if my work made it to Bluebottle safely?

I always send an email confirmation of arrival of your work and let you know if there are any issues.

After my work arrives when will it go out for display?

I try to get work out within two to three days after arrival.

Do you ever hold any inventory in back stock?

We only do this if you have multiples of the same item - we know it is important to display all the work that you send us as it's not going to sell in a storage room!

For prints and cards why do I need a plastic sleeve?

The plastic sleeve is to protect your work from customer damage. For prints it is also very helpful to have a hard backing behind the print as then it will not slip or get lost between other prints in the print bins.

How do you track sales?

We assign each artist a number which we put on all your labels and then as customers purchase items we note your number and price. At the end of each month we create a statement which is sent to you along with your payment.

Should I list my artist number on my tag?

Yes this is very helpful for us! Just ask and I'll let you know your assigned number

Should I create invetory titles or numbers so I know which pieces have sold?

If you want to know specifcally what sold each month it is best to place a personal inventory number or a title which I can note in the log. Otherwise, I will make a note such as "necklace" or "print" rather than a detailed note of the type of necklace.

Can I list my web site /contact information on my tags.

Yes! Please do I think this is a great way for customers to recognize that we showcase independent artists. It also allows me to send people your way when they ask questions about you as an artist.

Can I send you postcards/ business cards to give out with my work?

Sure - we place all our promtional material in one area of the store and if people ask about you I encourage them to pick up a your materials.

Is it helpful for me to send you a bio?

Yes! More information the better - bios and techinques about how you create your work is very helful for us in marketing your work.

How long do you showcase an artists work?

We typically showcase work for 4 months to see how it is going. If at that time it is not selling well we will return it to you. We will be sure to contcat you before doing so. If is doing well we ask that you keep us well stocked. We are happy to continue showcasing successful work for as long as we can!

How will I know how my work is selling at Bluebottle?

You will be able to see your sales from your monthly sales statements but you are always welcome to send us an email and I can let you know how things are going. I always appreciate artists checking in on your stock as the fuller and less store worn inventory is the better sales for both of us!

Can I help with displaying my work?

Sure if you have a special display let us know. We always feel artists have the best ideas on how to display their own work!

Is there a way for me to encourage more sales at Bluebottle?

We put out a monthly newsletter to our artists outlining promtional opportunities. Check it out and get back to us if interested in any of that months opportunities. Some of them include are making sure we can get your work into our online store section, talking to us about doing a special promtions such as buy 1 get one half off, creating a special window display of your work and promting a new item in our newsletter or on our blog.

One great way to to include our badge on your blog or site. Right click on either size to save to your computer.