Why should fine artists consider selling merchandise and lower-priced items?

There are only three ways to grow an art business: acquire new customers, get existing customers to buy again, and increase average order value. Lower-priced merchandise opens you to far more new customer acquisitions. Wall art is a high-friction purchase—people need to think it over, consult partners, consider placement. Merchandise like mugs, stickers, phone cases are impulse buys that get people into your ecosystem. Once someone becomes a customer at any price point, it’s far easier to get them to purchase again. Museums all have gift shops—it doesn’t hurt Van Gogh’s image to sell Starry Night prints. The rules of business apply to creative businesses too.

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Asked by implied from teaching · Answered by Patrick · Art Business Webinar · 2026-06-26