Got my first print up on ebay. Not really expecting much from it, as it was a quick posting to get a feel for it. I really need to design some HTML for the postings, and when I get the materials, will have pics of a print ready to ship so people get an idea of what they are getting. From what I can see, it looks like people selling stuff like this on ebay are getting bites on 1 out of 5-10 postings. 10 postings will cost you $4.50 so it’s cheap advertising if nothing else.
Speaking of which, I’ve got a new domain registered which will be dedicated solely to the “professional” side of my photo stuff, i.e. selling prints and offering portfolios of my photography. The branded ebay auctions will include links to the site if people want to check out what I have to offer besides what is on e-bay.
Some people claim great success selling prints on e-bay, but there is a lot of glut. Looks like you have to rotate your categories to get people who aren’t specifically browsing for prints. I haven’t seen many pages dealing with selling prints on ebay that are relatively recent, so there’s a good chance that it’s not a decent place to sell anymore. It’ll be interesting to try it out.
Also planning on making up some info kits and prints and shopping them around to some local galleries to see who bites. There are quite a few around my apartment, so I can hoof it around and see what’s out there. I’d love to avoid that crowd if I can, but it’s hard to sell prints online without some sort of name for yourself.
The more I look around the more I realize that selling prints has relatively little to do with the quality of your work and much more to do with marketing and promoting your work. Digital cameras, computers and inkjet printers have gone a long way towards leveling the playing field for photographers and really it’s about getting out there and busting your hump to get your stuff exposed. I think most photographers would rather be out shooting, much more in the comfort zone.
Thinking I might try out some of the local art shows as well. Lots of avenues to pursue for selling prints.