• Home
  • About Renee
  • Writing Services for Artists
  • Articles
  • Interviews
  • Resources for Artists

RENEE PHILLIPS - MENTOR FOR ARTISTS

Helping Artists Achieve Their Fullest Potential

Ask Renee to Write About Your Art

You are here: Home / Articles / How to Close the Sale with a Potential Art Buyer

How to Close the Sale with a Potential Art Buyer

By Renee Phillips 16 Comments

If you’re like most artists the experience of trying to sell your art in person can be extremely uncomfortable.  What you may not realize is the potential buyer may also be uncomfortable. So, consider approaching the situation with the intention of trying to be as helpful as possible. You will want to lead the customer to make a decision that is best for them. This article is about how to close the sale with a potential art buyer.

10 Magical Questions to Ask Them

I learned that asking certain questions at the right moment may make all the difference.  The purpose is to keep the individual engaged in a conversation about your art and resolve any issues they may be having about buying it. Here are 10 questions to ask. I suggest you keep them on hand and adjust them to fit your needs. Also, add your own.

1. Do you have any questions about this work of art or my art in general?

2. Are you visualizing this piece going in a specific location?

3. What aspects about this work of art appeals to you most?

4. Are you considering buying this for yourself or would it be a gift?

5. Would it help you if I delivered the art to your home and help you hang/place it?

6. Do you want to take a picture of it and send it to your (partner/spouse)?

7. Would you like to see pictures of similar works of mine in homes of some buyers?

8. Would you like to see this painting in a different style frame?

9. Did I mention that I offer installment payment plans?

10. What option is most convenient for you to pay — by cash, check or debit/credit card?

To get more comfortable about selling practice your sales conversations with a friend or relative. It will get easier when you anticipate their concerns and be prepared to answer any questions they may have. I wish you many enjoyable art sales in the future.

You may also want to read how to turn fans into collectors. Read How to Create an Art Patron Plan.



Here’s An Idea!
Having a professionally written Art Review
will help you promote and sell your art.
I love writing about Art & Artists.
I have been writing professionally for 3 decades.

Find Out How to Apply For My Art Review


 

Filed Under: Articles, Featured Articles Tagged With: art business advice, art buyers, art career success, art sale, increase art sales, selling art

Find out about Renee’s Writing Services for Artists

About Renee Phillips

Renée Phillips is a mentor and advocate for artists helping them achieve their fullest potential. She provides career advice, writing services, and promotion for artists from beginners to advanced. She organizes online exhibitions as Director/Curator of Manhattan Arts International www.ManhattanArts.com and Founder of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS www.healing-power-of-art.org. As an arts' advocate she has served on the advisory boards of several non-profit arts organizations. She lives in New York, NY.

Comments

  1. Julia says

    10/21 at 4:28 pm

    This was a fabulous help for me, and helped me close a big ticket sale. Thanks for your clarity and insights!

    Reply
  2. Zoe Campos says

    10/21 at 11:23 am

    Thanks for telling me to practice sales conversations with a friend so I’ll be more successful in approaching an interested buyer. I’m into contemporary art and I’m thinking of selling my artworks in the future. These tips you provided will certainly be useful once I’m faced with the decision of selling my creation to interested buyers or not.

    Reply
  3. fabiola Estupinan says

    07/08 at 9:50 pm

    Fabiola Estupinan says
    July 8, 2018 at 9:36

    My brother is in a Artist who was born in Colombia, his website is http://www.carlosestupinan.com
    We are looking for a Art Agent, is there a way that you may help us.

    Than you

    Reply
    • Renee Phillips says

      07/09 at 3:25 pm

      Hi Fabiola, Your brother’s art is beautiful. He should add an About the Artist page to his website to include his biography and/or resume/CV and artist’s statement. To answer your question take a look at this article: “The Truth About Fine Art Agents”. For more advice, I’m currently offering consultations to artists living in the U.S. and Canada.

      Reply
      • fabiola Estupinan says

        07/09 at 7:08 pm

        Fabiola
        July 10,2018 at 6:55 pm

        Hi Mis Phillips,thanks for taking the time to answer my mail, I would like to know how I. can make an appointment with you and how much is the cost .
        I really Appreciate your opinion about my brother’s art work.

        Reply
        • Renee Phillips says

          07/09 at 7:15 pm

          Hi Fabiola, Simply go to this page and you’ll find out how to schedule a consultation and what the costs are.

          Reply
  4. Mary Mirabal says

    03/29 at 8:05 pm

    Really enjoyed these tips Renee. I’ve used a couple, but now I have more to add to my tool box.

    Appreciate your words of wisdom as always.

    Reply
    • Renee Phillips says

      03/29 at 8:12 pm

      Thank you Mary. I’m glad you learned a few more tips. If you ever care to share any of your own that aren’t in the article, I’d love to know about them! Wishing you successful selling!

      Reply
  5. Lisa freidus says

    01/13 at 3:22 pm

    What a lovely thing to say Renee!
    Jane, I agree with Renee you certainly don’t need a shill. Please don’t confuse boasting with being confident. I believe buyers prefer to purchase art from confident artists. Money well spent allows the buyer to feel Iike they made an excellent decision. A win win for both artist and collector!

    Reply
    • Renee Phillips says

      01/14 at 7:46 pm

      Well said Lisa!

      Reply
    • Darlene says

      03/30 at 11:55 am

      I find that the more I talk about the art itself I am told I light up in a way that makes people even more interested. I love to paint and I hope people smile and feel my love of creating art. If they get an emotional feeling at all with regard to my paintings that is usually when they buy. It touches them somehow.

      Reply
      • Renee Phillips says

        03/30 at 1:05 pm

        Well said Darlene! Enthusiasm and passion are contagious. Your art radiates pure light and joy. It makes sense that buyers of your art are excited to bring those qualities into their lives.

        Reply
  6. Lisa freidus says

    01/12 at 6:41 pm

    Great suggestions Renee! I also ask the client if they would like me to hold the piece for a week and then I follow up with an email . If I know the client, I suggest they take the piece home for a few days. Sometimes a painting may work in several rooms and the opportunity for a sale is then greater 😉

    Reply
    • Renee Phillips says

      01/13 at 11:15 am

      Hi Lisa, What a fantastic idea! I’m sure once they live with your artwork they learn very quickly can’t live without it!

      Reply
  7. jane caminos says

    01/12 at 6:16 pm

    One tactic I used at a couple of shows was to solicit the help of a chatty friend to function as a shill.
    She’d stand next to someone who’d be looking at a painting and say something like “I just love this painting, don’t you?” ” I heard the prices are going up soon.” “I’m thinking about buying this one. Are you?” and so forth.
    Perhaps a wee bit sleezy but I’m very shy about boosting my own work. Also, with the friend working the room,
    I could talk to other people who might be buyers.

    Reply
    • Renee Phillips says

      01/13 at 11:44 am

      Jane, I don’t think you need a shill but having supportive friends and fans there when you’re selling is a great idea. And, at your open studio or exhibition reception having volunteer or paid sales people is something I strongly recommend. In fact, it’s one of my many strategies I offer in “How to Create Successful Art Events”. 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Welcome!

My purpose is to help artists achieve their fullest potential. On this website I share decades of knowledge and experience as an art writer and artist career coach.

I am also the Director of Manhattan Arts International and The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS where I maintain online galleries and curate exhibitions.

You'll find those links below.

MANHATTAN ARTS INTERNATIONAL

Manhattan Arts International website

As the Founder, Director and Curator of Manhattan Arts International I maintain online galleries and curate exhibitions.

Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS Gallery

The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website resources

I am the Founder, Director and Curator of The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS.

The website features an online gallery, exhibitions, and hundreds of articles and art reviews.

The mission is based on the belief that artists have the power to bring positive change to individuals, society and the environment.

Follow Me on Social Media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • LinkedIn
  • YouTube

Ask Me to Write an Art Review

Praise for Art Reviews by Renee Phillips

Find out about how to apply to have me write an Art Review for you that you can use for your promotion and marketing purposes.

The art review will be published on The Healing Power of ART & ARTISTS website. It will be promoted widely in social media.

Simply tap or click on the photo above to learn all about it.

More Suggested Reading

Scams Aimed at Artists

Artists Beware of Sammers on The Rise! If you are promoting yourself as an artist, have an email address … [Read More...]

Beware of Vanity Galleries

It is A Pay to Play Game In Which Artists Have Much to Lose This article offers advice that is useful when … [Read More...]

The Truth About Fine Art Agents

Let's Dispel Some Myths and Make Way for New Options Every week at least one artist will ask me how and … [Read More...]

Are Your Art Materials Making You Sick?

As an artist it's wonderful to imagine the treasure trove of art materials to choose from to create your … [Read More...]

Where to Find Art Buyers and Meet Collectors

Where and how to find art buyers requires a combination of knowledge, strategy and persistence. However, there … [Read More...]

A Positive Future for Maturing Artists

Steps to Take to Restore Optimism and Bring Peace of Mind The artists I have coached over the years come from … [Read More...]

How to Avoid Getting Rejected in Art Competitions & Mistakes Artists Make

Has your art ever been rejected in a juried art competition? Were you confused because after seeing the … [Read More...]

What Really Is Self-Taught Art and What Does It Mean to Be A Self-Taught Artist?

Definitions, Historical Facts and Artists in This Genre As I'm sure you know by now I write a lot of art … [Read More...]

22 Questions for Artists to Ask Galleries

Exhibiting in a gallery requires an investment of your time and energy on your part. So, before you ask any … [Read More...]

Do You Think Titles of Art Matter?

This Question Has Attracted Many Different Replies Shakespeare quipped "A rose by any other name would smell … [Read More...]

Organizations That Advance The Status of Women Artists

Organizations that serve and advance the status of women artists are essential and cherished resources. They … [Read More...]

How to Approach New York Art Galleries and Any Desired Gallery

Most artists from around the world want to be exhibited in New York Art Galleries. However, many of you are … [Read More...]

Sell Your Art To Interior Designers and Corporate Art Consultants

Professional Organizations and More Resources with Thousands of Leads You can expand your art sales by … [Read More...]

10 Best Selling Tips For Artists

If you visit the hundreds of articles I've written for you on this website you'll probably find thousands of … [Read More...]

Art and Artist’s Statements – Quotes by Famous Artists

If you're like most artists I know, the task of writing your Artist's Statement feels like torture. You may … [Read More...]

The Basics of Public Relations For Artists

An artist recently asked me "Why is it that some artists' careers rise to stardom while other artists, who are … [Read More...]

What to Do When You Receive Publicity As An Artist – 15 Steps to Take

15 Important Steps to Take Immediately After Learning You Are in an Article, Received an Award, Were Selected … [Read More...]

Selling Your Art to Corporations

Imagine your art on permanent display in a lobby or conference room of a corporation. Getting your art into … [Read More...]

Topic Ideas For Your Art Blog Posts

Whenever an artist client asks me how they can drive more traffic to their website (after they have created a … [Read More...]

My Love-Hate Relationship As A Juror / Curator

This is a true confession to you about my love-hate relationship as a juror / curator. During my art career I … [Read More...]

Our Privacy Policy

Click here to read our Privacy Policy.

Writing Services for Artists

My specialty is writing "Praise Quotes" -- Art Statements for artists to use for promotion and longer Art Reviews which I publish and provide promotional services. I alsowrite Artist's Biographies. Many artists struggle when they have to write about their career and their art. Artists use my writing on their websites, social media profiles, … More...

Copyright © 2014 -2025
Renee Phillips
Manhattan Arts International
200 East 72 Street, New York, NY 10021
renee@manhattanarts.com

Copyright © 2025 · Magazine Pro Theme On Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in