* Get a good photograph of your art which represents it accurately. Make sure it's lit so that colours and/or texture read true. Do NOT make your photos look "better" using Photoshop! If your item has three dimensions make sure your photos also show it from a different perspectives. If you have the space on your ecommerce site, try showing how your drawing or painting looks on a wall relative to a piece of everyday furniture.
* Provide a detailed written description of the item you are selling. You should state: dimensions (in inches and metric); media used and any aspect about them which represents added value (eg is it archival standard); how the artwork is presented (g. unmatted, matted but unframed, framed); how your artwork is wrapped for transport. Do NOT make any claims you cannot evidence.
* Define your price and what it includes It's a good idea to research your selling price by reviewing comparable artwork online first. Look at the experience and status of the artist as well as the artwork. Be clear as to whether the selling price is includes/excludes shipping costs
* Make sure you provide all relevant and legally required information about yourself on your selling site. Depending on where you live this can include your mailing address. An email address and/or a telephone number that your prospective buyer can contact you on provides extra assurance that you are who you say you are.
* Consider options for payment Besides identifying offering options for the payment of money (eg PayPal, credit card, physical cheque or money transfer) that your are comfortable with, consider whether you might also want to offer a staged payment scheme or a discount if more than on item is purchased. Be sure to indicate whether or not payment must be received before the artwork is shipped.
* Detail any options as to how an item is shipped and the normal days required to deliver. You should provide a description of your standard mode of shipping, how long items tend to take to different places. Indicate clearly whether the cost is included or needs to be calculated and billed separately from the item for sale. One option is for the seller to provide the packing and the buyer to choose, arrange and pay for the mode of shipping they prefer. The latter is probably more appropriate for larger, heavier and more expensive items where loss or damage is of more significance.
* Make it clear who should insure the work in transit. If the buyer needs to insure the work in transit then the buyer needs to know this.
* Identify your policy on returns and how complaints are handled. Some vendors find that a "no quibble" offer in respect of all artwork returned intact and with no damage within 28 days - at the expense of the purchaser - often secures a sale. Remember no matter how good the photographs are, until the purchaser receives the art they can't tell whether they like it or feel it represents good value for the money paid. Postage is the cost of a "look see"! Detail what matters, if any, will be considered outside the 28 day period. Be aware that your item needs to be merchantable and "as described" and the purchaser may have a legal claim if, for example, it deteriorates - even if this is outside your returns period.
* Be business-like and courteous to all your customers. Some will want you to jump through hoops - but you don't have to! Decide what you are prepared to do to secure a sale and stick to this. If the buyer is not happy on the basis of reasonable information supplied and options offered the buyer does not have to buy. Be clear what constitutes "a contract of sale" and what both parties are obliged to do. It's helpful to detail this in a friendly way on your sale site. Don't omit details which matter.
Read more here:
http://www.squidoo.com/sell-art-online#module13566423
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