I just finished sending thank you emails to the people who visited my booth the last two shows.
I'm wondering how many people use guest books, do you send thank you messages, is it a good practice and has anyone gotten orders from doing this?
greg spring
Replies
We have a guest book and sometimes are questioned regarding the frequency of our emails. We try to reassure people that this is not for SPAM and we're not sharing their email adresses. We send out 8-12 emails newsletters a year, so not an overwhelming number. We also invite them to "friend" us on Facebook where we post updates with each event and any time we have a new design that we've posted to our website. For us it works well to keep connected to the customers who are most interested in finding us again. However, I'm about ready to take over the guest book and insist on writing email addresses in my hand writing due to legibility issues. Not sure what kind of reaction that might receive.
I started with a guest book, but it didn't look good after a few wet shows. I now use the format suggested by Larry. I have a clipboard with a template, Name of Show and Year, 10 spaces per page for info, Name, Email, Zip Code and notes. If someone asks me for a card I hand them my clip board and get their info while I am "finding" a business card. I try to get a general idea of why they want my card. After they leave I write a few notes about the customer to remind me where I should be placing them, asap contact, long term, just email when doing a show in their area, needs a custom piece, designer, etc. Some of them I have to get back to right away. Some of them I get back to over the year. Then the rest I just email when I have a show in their area. This type stuff keeps me very busy between art shows. I make more money from this stuff then the direct sales at the show. Some artists don't like to work this way and only want the direct sale at a show. I am happy with both. Plus once someone lets you into their home you can totally upsale, and get a few extra pieces into the sale.
I had a gallery opening last week, and I emailed my clients that I knew where in the general area and posted the event on my facebook fan page. Everyone is alway happy to hear from me. Probably because I don't send to many emails.
I think guest books are a great idea. It is a good way to make contacts as long as you are collecting email addresses. I have seen them in artist's booths. I also know that artists do collect email addresses even if it isn't through guest books. Patrons love to hear from artists and staying in contact can only help you.
You can also send your patrons your show dates, news of special sales, or if you have new work they may be interested in. Keep it up.
Jacki B