Presentation/Delivery of Finished Painting

[Terri Ficenec]

It's amazing the things you don't know when you are starting out!

When delivering an unframed painting to a (local) client, how do you package that painting for delivery? It doesn't seem right to bring them just the painting, unprotected in any way, and obviously they are going to want to see it, so I'm thinking you'd want some kind of packaging that is easy to remove, and also easy to re-use (presumably they will want to protect it for transport to the framers, etc.).

... Just wondering how people handle this?

[Kimberly Dow]

I do not know what others do, but if it a local client that buys/picks up from my studio I wrap it loosely in bubblewrap, then brown craft paper, then twine to carry by. Last, but not least I put a label with my name and address on the outside of the craft paper. I tell the clients not to keep it wrapped in this, it is just to protect it during delivery.

Of course, is this the first time they are seeing it? Sort of clumsy to unwrap if they need to see it when you bring it.

I'd suggest having them come to your house and have it sitting on a easel when they arrive.

[Michele Rushworth]

I put the painting in a cardboard box to protect it during transit. I keep the boxes I get when I buy frames for just this purpose.

I wouldn't put bubble wrap or anything else plastic right next to the painting -- I had some stick to a painting once and it left marks.

[Leslie Ficcaglia]

Whenever possible I have the client come to the studio to pick it up. As Kim suggests, I have it on the easel, and sometimes I even drape it so that they don't see it from an odd angle as they come through the door. That depends on whether they've already seen it and how formal the relationship is, too.

When I deliver it I just bring it without a wrap unless it's raining, and then I use a large plastic bag from a place like AC Moore to cover it loosely. I'll sometimes send it home in a bag like that, too, but usually I just let the client take it and put it in the back seat of his or her car, unwrapped.

[Michael Georges]

I got a dozen padded moving blankets from a supply store. They are great for wrapping paintings for transport. I usually deliver the painting to the client, but the few times that I have had them pick it up, I just send the blanket with the painting - part of the service.

The blankets are nice because they are made from a lint-free material so you don't get anything transfering on to the surface.

[Chris Saper]

I don't deliver unframed portraits. I have a supply of attractive, yet reasonably priced 'presentation' frames.

When I present the final portrait and bill, I include a frame deposit amount sufficient to cover my replacement costs. If they ultimately decide to keep the frame, fine; if not, they can return the frame in similar condition for a refund.

[Kimberly Dow]

Now Chris's way is the ultimate. I do not neccesarily work on standard sizes, but if I did, I would do what she does.

[Terri Ficenec]

Seems like everyone handles this a little differently! You've all given me some really good ideas.

Thanks everyone!