Comments on: Penny Postcard Art Sale Dilemma

By: Cayenne

Cayenne — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 08:14:50 +0000

Just another thought in the line of them…

Another organization I always send a donation piece to is VisualAIDS. They also request postcard sized piece of art, but how they deal with the sale of is this: They post all of the thousands of pieces they receive in a space (specifically a gallery, but that wouldn’t be necessary in this case), have an opening night where peeps can put their red dots on pieces they want, then they have a free-for-all the following night or weekend. People pay a $25 cover just to get in and look at the pieces (again, just a detail that wouldn’t be necessary in this case).

The thing that makes it a little more manageable, is that ALL pieces are sold for a set amount — in the case of VisualAIDS, $75. The person buying it doesn’t know whether they’re getting a “known” artist, or an emerging artist — they’re paying $75 for the piece, and only learn the artist’s name once they’re taking it home and can read the back of it.

Just tossing it out there — don’t know whether the flat rate would appeal to the demographic that will be buying these pieces… I can see it both ways…maybe more money will be raised if people can buy things for 10 bucks, or 200. A flat price could bring in less or more…I suppose it’s a crap shoot…

Whatever you decide to do, kudos to you for doing it!

By: Tango

Tango — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 07:17:43 +0000

I can see the dilemma you’re in. I think the most important thing is to do what works best for you (whether that means do whatever is most convenient or what feels “right” when you listen to yourself or whatever). I just want to say that whatever you decide to do, it’s going to be great. You’ve already done such a great job at pulling artists together and inspiring people.

By: Cindy McMath

Cindy McMath — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 04:26:42 +0000

Jeffrey, I think whatever works best for you is what you should do. If you have the time/energy, maybe this can be a project for the “next” 100 pennies? It seems like a lot to switch gears in mid-stream.

Cheers,

Cindy

By: Eggy

Eggy — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 19:53:26 +0000

http://www.1968pennies.com/

Donate at least one 1968 penny and your link will be listed on the website forever! It is a very interesting site and concept.

By: Helen

Helen — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:19:51 +0000

I agree with the idea of an eBay store. While you do want to get more input for it, perhaps you could figure out a way to get eBay to feature it on their front page at some point? Maybe just a small blurb. I have no idea how much money that might cost you or if they’d be willing to do it for free. Spin it as awesome, free publicity while you’re still trying to get it some attention, perhaps?
Having the eBay store will create something people can bookmark and come back to check on if you decide to do a second or third round (or even make this an annual thing). it’ll also mean people can link it to friends and share it, and all you have to do is post up pictures and descriptions – or have someone help you with it if it gets down to crunch time. I’ve seen a few charities go this route.

By: Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 16:32:58 +0000

Someone said: “You could set your goal on tax-return time” – Be aware of “TAX” things. Just because this is for a charity type thought doesn’t mean the government won’t try to tax the money you raise if it gets to be serious money (anything over 10 grands) Try to get a tax exempt status from Uncle Sam, then use it for Getting those stores to help if you deciede to do “Donation Cards” – similar to tax help the stores get for hirering the handicap, etc.
Just a heads up, so you don’t face problems down the road with taxes.
Chris

By: Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:50:49 +0000

A 2nd Idea –
I went into an Albertson here in O.C. California a few days ago… They have Food Donation Cards – maybe you get stores that don’t have these programs to carry your “Donation” style (mass produced) Postcards for like $1 donation each for this Food program?
Chris

By: Chris Hammer

Chris Hammer — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 03:39:42 +0000

Try two ways of selling the Art.
Keep All the Original Pieces together and have it tour as a collection going to various galleries (like Laguna Beach, N.Y., S.F., L.A., Washington D.C.) And have a silent bid for Parts or the Whole collection at the galleries where shown.
While that “card show” is touring (if places will show it, etc.) Go to A Publishing House and see if they’ll make 2 sets of 50 Post-Cards each and sell them like you would a box of christmas Cards…
And then Later next year, Do a 4 set card box project – with 25 of the cards in each (Set A to D) and make some special X-mas cards (like 5 Xmas Penny cards) and put those in 5 of each – to make 50 Card Sets for next year Christmas Cards, since this year is already History.
And the profits go to the food program after cost.
Just an idea.
Chris

By: Katherine Thomas

Katherine Thomas — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 00:40:49 +0000

Jeffrey, It’s your project. It’s a wonderful idea. You go ahead and do it the way you want to do it! We’re all grateful for the opportunity to participate in such a worthy cause. Thanks for letting us share a piece of our artwork in your project!
Katherine

By: Taren

Taren — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 22:38:54 +0000

The online bidding does sound nice… what about setting up an Ebay store? That way you can have the pieces up as the come in and then keep adding them as they arrive. You can have info about the cause on the Ebay site and also link this site to get more traffic and maybe if the people aren’t interested in buying the art but maybe could help with couponing and spreading the word? You can set a minimum price and also a buy now price for each piece so that you know the minimum you would get if you sell all the pieces.