Home > Ask Our Experts > I Want to Sell a Piece of Art, Where do I Start?

I Want to Sell a Piece of Art, Where do I Start?

By: Catherine Burrows - Updated: 16 May 2016 | comments*Discuss
 
I Want To Sell A Piece Of Art, Where Do I Start?

Q.

I've been thinking of selling a piece of art, which I own, but I don't want to put it in an auction.

How can I sell directly to an individual collector? Where to look after one? Where do I Start?

(Miss Daniela Giza, 20 January 2009)

A.

You will need to work a bit harder if you are reluctant to put your art into auction. However, with a little guidance and consideration, this type of sale can be more rewarding.

Timing is Everything

Start with the basics and check your timing. Will market forces and conditions work in your favour? Think about your piece of art, its style and content. Compare this to market demand. Will you achieve a favourable profit? Don't forget that by selling directly, you will save money on commission. Are current economic conditions favourable to buying and selling luxury items like works of art? However, don't assume that in an economic downturn you will be unable to make any profit. At times like this, market supply may be lower. Therefore, a keen collector may be prepared to pay a good price for your work of art.

Find Your Market

If you sell your art at auction, the audience will be a targeted market ready to consider and buy your lot. However, a direct sale means you need to identify and target your own market. Look for contacts in trade and collecting magazines. Try visiting galleries that may be interested. Another good way to get your name and piece of art recognised is by using an online social networking site.

Check out the Value

Make sure you get your figures right before selling. The last thing you want to lose is your credibility by fixing the wrong price. Assess supply and demand and leave the appraisal to an independent expert. You will find reputable valuation agents via art publications and endorsed trade bodies.

The Fact of the Matter

If you can provide authentic and factual provenance, the value of art is greatly improved. Provenance is a documented history of origin and ownership. The acceptable forms of provenance are quite complex. Ideally you should have original, validated documents that trace the art's journey to the present day. If you have any doubts, consult an art advisor.

The Sale

With forethought and planning, you should be able to find a suitable purchaser and negotiate a successful sale. Make sure you conclude the process professionally with detailed paperwork and receipts. Hopefully you will have achieved the satisfaction of creating a direct sale and a good profit.

Professional Low Cost Website

Whether you are a small business, freelancer or entrepeneur, a stunning website doesn't have to break the bank. For just £99 we will design a site that helps you to stand out online. To find our more get in touch here..

You might also like...
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice..
[Add a Comment]
Judy - Your Question:
Found a watercolor landscape by LOUIS POHL Signature looks to be in pencil with no datesubject is a large home (mill) with 3 small barns ,treesWould like to find out more about the value.

Our Response:
Take it to a few independent art valuers who can see it in the "flesh". There are also many websites who will give you an opinion based on a photograph.
ArtCollecting - 18-May-16 @ 10:06 AM
Found a watercolor landscape by LOUIS POHL Signature looks to be in pencil with no date subject is a large home (mill) with 3 small barns ,trees Would like to find out more about the value.
Judy - 16-May-16 @ 9:26 AM
JustMe - Your Question:
I have an original Robert Bliss paining that imp interested in selling. It depicts a beach scene with a young man in the foreground (drying off wit ha towel),and another man walking towards him. I don't know where to begin to sell it.

Our Response:
Your best options are to sell directly to an art dealer or via a specialist art auction. You should be able to find details of both via an Internet search. Before selling, it's worth getting a couple of independent valuations (tell them it's for insurance purposes), before proceeding, so you know what kind of reserve price to state.
ArtCollecting - 2-Mar-16 @ 10:28 AM
I have an original Robert Bliss paining that imp interested in selling. It depicts a beach scene with a young man in the foreground (drying off wit ha towel),and another man walking towards him. I don't know where to begin to sell it.
JustMe - 28-Feb-16 @ 8:20 AM
Hi, I have limited edition Fabian Perezprints will all documentation of authentication which I would consider selling. Both are in excellent condition , sold out at the galleries , framed and size is extra Large Pictures are Waiting For Romance to come Back ii ( this was on the front of his earlier book) Untitled ii Please let me know if interested Thanks
gds9988 - 9-Aug-14 @ 6:19 PM
HI I have two whinni the pooh sketches signed EH S the sketches are with pooh and piglet and the other sketch is with piglet running with a balloon I would like to sell them but don't no how to go about iti also have oil painting by Gerald Coulson that I would like to sell to please help thank you x
jenny - 1-Feb-14 @ 1:48 PM
Share Your Story, Join the Discussion or Seek Advice...
Title:
(never shown)
Firstname:
(never shown)
Surname:
(never shown)
Email:
(never shown)
Nickname:
(shown)
Comment:
Validate:
Enter word:
Topics