Reimbursing client for unveiling party

Marla Rush · 12-15-2001, 10:51 PM

I have just completed a large commission of a family's children ($2000), and they have agreed to hold an unveiling open house in their home. I would like to either 1) discount the cost slightly, or 2) give them a percentage of each sale I might make as a result of the party. Does anyone have any advice on which would work best, and how much I should offer? Thanks!

Chris Saper · 12-15-2001, 11:18 PM

Dear Marla,

I have heard of a variety of situations similar to the one you are describing, and I think there are a number of opportunities available. For the unveiling host, you might offer a percentage or set amount toward the host's next portait. I would not recommend a cash "give-back" for work already purchased. For example I have established some referral relationships that offer to the referrer either 10% in finders fees (cash), or 20% in future portrait credit.

You can go as far as you want with this. You might offer marketing incentives, such as "hosting' an unveiling. In this case it is important that your host pre-qualify invitees. I have heard of artists who will offer a 50% reduction if the client allows the artist to use the painting for one year for marketing purposes, etc.

There are other referrers who you may consider in the same realm as portrait brokers. For example if you have an interior designer who can secure clients, work out an arrangement. Overall I think it is helpful to remain open and flexible to opportunities that present themselves, and to judge each one on its own merits. The salient issue to keep in mind is to devise an approach that helps everyone, without harming anyone else. (especially you)

Hope this is helpful,
Chris

Darla Dixon · 12-16-2001, 01:12 AM

Marla, I tend to think that for $2,000 you have already given them a good deal.

They already like your work, or they wouldn't have hired you in the first place, and they like you as a person, or they wouldn't let you in their home and have you meeting their friends.

I think you would do really well to bring them some very nice wine to serve their guests, and then afterward you could have a flower arrangement sent.

I agree with Chris also, and I have been considering some of those ideas she's mentioned too!

Cynthia Daniel · 12-16-2001, 01:38 AM

As someone who previously managed a portrait artist, I agree with Chris. I wouldn't give them a discount on the price. Give incentives for the future.

At the unveiling party, take your camera and judiciously get some good PR photos while you're there (perhaps with you, the subject and the portrait).

Take plenty of business cards, but of course, don't be pushy about it. You might ask your hostess if it would be ok to leave a few of your business cards out on a table close to the portrait in case someone is interested, but never gets around to talking to you or is simply not ready to state their interest.

And, if a guest does express interest in a portrait for themselves and asks you directly for your business card, ask them "may I have your number also".

Depending on your relationship, ask the hostess about the possibility of putting your portfolio out on a table for guests to browse.

Good luck!

Marla Rush · 12-16-2001, 10:06 AM

Thank you all for your input. I realize that $2000 isn't a very high price, but in my area, there are few people willing to pay that much. I am trying hard to market to the more affluent residents, and have had only a little luck. Hopefully this unveiling will be helpful. I'll post information about the outcome after the party. Thanks!