retailing art supplies

DB

SGF, Supreme Grumble Framer
Joined
Feb 7, 2001
Posts
1,067
Loc
NH
I am thinking about atarting some art classes at the shop. I have already spoken to several area artists who would like to teach and there is a need for it. I get calls weekly from people looking for classes in the area. I would like to include materials with the cost of the class so I can make some $$ off that as well. If all goes well, I would add a small section of art supplies to the store. For those of you who offer supplies, I would appreciate some direction. I have no idea where I can buy the supplies at wholesale.
 
DB

The craft store, I worked at previously, used HERR'S at web page for the bulk of their supplies and Jack Richardson for their paper pads and paint brushes. This might be a good place for you to start.

Jill Hennes CPF
Omro Gallery
 
I have 27 years selling art supplies. First off get a list of supplies from instructors, find out what brands, sizes colors, etc. make it clear you need the list at least 2-3 weeks before class starts so you have time to order them in if you do not already carry them. Then make sure some how that they are not sending your students to someone else to buy the supplies (internet, catalog, or the craft store down the road) or selling them to your students themselves.
We have gone to including the price of all supplies in the cost of the class. One kit every thing in it they would need for the entire class.
Some people will want a reduced price saying they have all the supplies already. We say fine but it is included with the class, Same price. If you want to adjust the price of class then only reduce it by the your wholesale cost of the materials and leave your profit you would have made in there.
Just some suggestions.
Good Distributor;
Silver Lead Co.
1-800-288-3500 ask for Gene Papp to call you tell him Jim Cook Referred you.
 
Don't start thinking you will make much money on artists supplies. It's a tough, highly competitive business, with very little margin.

You normally get a 40% discount from suggested retail. Deduct the cost of shipping, pricing, and displaying the merchandise. Deduct the "artists", "student", "senior" discount that the bulk of your customers will insist on. Now deduct the shoplifters fair share. You will be lucky to break even.

The only advantage to carrying artists supplies is you will get a much better price on mat boards and your in store traffic will increase.

Artist supplies are a romantic item to carry, we all envision the quaint little art store on main street, but that is not how it usually works out.

Think it through carefully. I lost a whole rack of expensive oil paints from mice eating their way through the tubes, little bright colored droppings everywhere.

John
 
I'm an artist and a custom framer and yes, I teach. In order to carry all the supplies you would need in order to teach and sell the product...(and carry it all) ...it would cost you a fortune. You would have to order ample brushes (not knowing which size the student likes) and many different tubes of paint...then panting boards, fixatives, charcoal for sketching, etc. The list goes on and on. I give each of my student a book from Utrecht and let them pick out what they want (including an easil) and order it for them. They have beginner packages which are affordable. I order it and tack on a little extra to cover more than the freight and we are all happy. Make your money in the teaching aspect of the course...stocking the supplies is another whole new ballgame. Imagine having to order 25 tubes of white paint in hopes you sell 15? Sorry to sound so negative but been there...done that. I know through experience. Jean in Maine
 
We 0Artworks) are an art supply & custom frame shop & I agree with the others that are telling you that it's not easy & is a big investment but if you are serious about it & knowlegable about art materials you can do ok. Art supplies are more than half our business but less than half the profit.
You might do well to compile a bulk list and take it to an independently owened store and see what they can do for you. We often work with art instructors giving them a good discount on supplies ordered in bulk ahead of time. They may or may not pass savings on to their students. Terry
 
Thank you for all the advise. I do realize the expense involved in selling art supplies, so I really have no intention of going into the art supplies business until I have held steady classes for at least 1 year. I want to include the supplies with each class, however. Even a small profit is better than sending the students elsewhere and getting nothing. Besides, it can only create more foot traffic and framing sales for me, even if it is only readymade frame sales.
 
We did quite well in art supplies back in the 70's before they started a local art fair and Dick blick gave prises for a mailing list. It is a tough game to get into. Brushes will make some money but they are expensive.

My spouse taught art so we were very knowledgeable about the supplies. The paint comes 3 tubes for a box. The artist using more supplies than went direct to our suppliers and they would give them a 20% discount.

Just make sure that little profit doesn't becom a loss. Good luck, only you know your demographics.
 
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