My Rollercoaster Ride with My Fully-Owned Online Shop
Reading Time: Approximately 5 minutes
Hey there, fellow artists and entrepreneurs! Today, I want to share my thrilling adventure in the world of online art sales. Strap in, because it’s been a wild ride with my fully-owned online shop, but now I finally started making sales and – you know what? – it feels damn good! From exhilarating highs to nerve-wracking lows, it’s been quite the journey. So, let’s dive right in, shall we?
Full Control: The Power is Yours!
First off, let me tell you, having a fully-owned online shop is like being the captain of your own ship. I’ve got complete control over everything – from the design and layout to how I categorize my works and what I want to offer my customers. Oh, the feeling of freedom!
Low Visibility: The Underestimated Beast
But, let’s be real here. The high seas of the internet are vast and merciless. Having my own shop means I need to be a marketing maestro, and believe me, it’s not as easy as posting a few hashtags. While the trend goes toward whining about limited exposure on Instagram, I’d be thankful for half of what I get there. Getting noticed among a sea of talented artists is a constant challenge. It’s like trying to find a needle in a haystack – in the dark!
Jack-of-All-Trades: You Wear All the Hats
Running my own shop means I’m a one-person circus, juggling tasks like a pro. Shipping, taxes, invoices, payments – it’s all on me. When technical gremlins decide to wreak havoc, guess who’s the ghostbuster? That’s right, yours truly! But hey, I’m not complaining. It’s all part of the gig.
All Money, No Problems – Well, Almost
The best part is, the money is all mine! (Cue evil laughter.) No commissions to pay, except for those sneaky PayPal fees that love to swoop in like seagulls after your fish and chips. But that’s a small price to pay for the freedom to hoard all my hard-earned cash. I reward my customers for their trust in my shop with lower prices than on my online galleries.
Safety in Freedom: No Banhammer Can Touch Me
One thing I adore about my own shop is that I’m the boss here. No platform can ban or censor me, and that’s a sweet feeling. If things go haywire on other public platforms, I can always direct my loyal art aficionados to my little haven of creativity.
Cash Cow Feeding Time
Now, I won’t sugarcoat it. Starting your own shop shop requires some heavy investment upfront, but trust me, it’s worth it. Once you get your branding on point and nail those administrative processes, your shop will turn into a cash cow – mooing all the way to the bank. The high risks will transform into high rewards.
So, if you’re considering diving into the world of fully-owned online shops, I say, “Go for it!” Just remember, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. It takes dedication, creativity, and a hearty sense of humor to navigate the ups and downs. But hey, isn’t life all about the adventure?
I also have my profiles on Artmajeur and Saatchi Art (links provided, if you want to take a look). While they are both cost-free to start with and a neat way to begin selling your art, I will rather invest my limited resources into pushing my own shop. The pros outweigh the cons for me.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got some art to create and customers to wow. Until next time, fellow art warriors, keep slaying those pixels and brushes! 🎨💪
While we’re at it, I made a few additions to my shop including some prints on sale. Feel free to browse:
