Last years experience will be next year's resolve

Posted by Jack Davis ` on December 25, 1998 at 13:16:40:

As artists, some sculptors would not consider making money a success in this business; but few that do it as a profession would argue that it is very necessary to proceed unless they have a silver spoon handed them. For that reason, I am going to pass on an idea that seems to working very successfully for me. It was culminated from the thoughts of several people inside and outside the business. I have been offering free tours to singles or groups of my foundry, to either listen, watch,or have some hands-on experience. With singles, (especially buyers) I suggest that they help with some of the foundry work, such as welding wax sprues to models (usually, I have to redo them), applying latter layers of stucco to models, sandblasting, polishing patinas, etc...... You would be supprised of the amount of takers that you will have on this offer. Actually, they are in the way most of the time, but they are certainly canidates for the next bronze you cast. It is without a doubt, the most effective sales tool that I have ever used and fun too. I cast a bronze on Monday of this week retailing for $2400, and sold 3 to viewers on Tues, Weds, and Thurs. I offer them a direct foundry discount, and asked them to help, if they chose to. Once they have viewed the time and diligence placed in quality casting they are much more willing to buy... Your local or regional tourist bureau is a great place to start, as they are usually hungry for something unique to offer the public. Anouther place is school classes and social groups. One tour I did involved wine and hors de vouers, and lasted all evening. I had over 125 viewers over 3 hours. About 20 in each group. I just walked them through and explained the process with a view props, in different stages. I'm not a very good speaker, so the props help walk me through the whole thing very easily and took the "canned" look away from it. I hope this little commentary will help some of you over a very important obstical............... Merry Christmas, Jack