As a full time eBay artist and powerseller, I get emails on a fairly regular basis from other artists or aspiring artists as to what works and what doesn't, what's effective and what's not, and generally how to go about turning their art sales into a full time business. Since time for answering correspondence is limited (this is my only "job" after all) I decided it would more efficient and helpful in the long run to write a guide, detailing what I've learned in the six years I've been making my living this way. This is by no means meant to be the be-all and end-all of advice on art sales - I'm learning every day, and expect I'll continue. And while my sales provide me with a more comfortable income than I could make sitting behind a desk somewhere, they are just that; comfortable, but by no means lucrative.

So without further preamble, let's get down to it. My own list of do's and don'ts for selling art on eBay:

1. Be original. It's fine to study eBay art and make notes as to what general approach you'd like to take, what types of listings are appealing and effective, what points you want to make in describing your art, what copyright information is necessary, and so on. But do NOT waste time trolling eBay for "what sells", and trying to duplicate it. No one appreciates or respects a "copy cat artist" - not other artists and not collectors. If you want to build a solid collector base, do something that inspires you, do it in your own signature style, and do it well.

2. Put in the time. If you're looking for a nine to five job, pick up a newspaper. This is a seven day a week commitment. I begin my days at 7AM and am often answering emails at 11PM. I work Sundays, many holidays, and often late into the evening. True, my days are more flexible than those with "outside" jobs, and true, I'm in my own little environment here and don't have anyone looking over my shoulder. But I still have deadlines and commitments, and often feel far more pressure than I ever did working for someone else. Basically it's the same principle as working anywhere; there's no such thing as a nine to five success. ;)

3. Pay attention to detail and quality. Don't cut corners. Use high quality materials and supplies. If you're painting on canvas, this means gallery stretched canvas, not canvas board. If you're painting on wood, this means using quality surfaces, not something mass produced in China. If you're sculpting, again - quality materials and tools. Granted, there's the rare exception, and occasional bargains on supplies are too good to pass up. but as a general rule, you get what you pay for. And you'll make the process a whole lot easier if you invest in good materials.

4. Get a good digital camera and/or scanner, and learn how to use it. The best art in the world won't sell if the photos are grainy or out of focus.

5. Write interesting, intelligent auction descriptions. Have someone proofread if you must, but don't put something out there in cyberspace that makes you look bad. "Best foot forward" should be the mantra with auction descriptions.

6. Spend a few extra pennies listing. Experiment with features like "bold" and "featured plus". Don't just see the short term cost per particular listing; consider it a general advertising expense. This advice was recently imparted by another eBay artist, and I consider it among the best I've ever received. Advertise.

7. Customer service is paramount, and that means communication. Acknowledge all emails, answer all questions, send a thank you note when someone wins an auction, let them know when the piece will be shipped. Collectors are the ones who enable us to Do What We Do, and we should never forget that. :)

8. Ship everything well packaged, in a timely manner, and include a business card and note of thanks.

9. Keep a mailing list. This can be used for auction updates, newsletters, holiday cards and mailings, and so on.

10. Get a Me page, a website and a blog, in that order if necessary, but preferably all three. People like to know who created a the piece they're bidding on. You're selling yourself as much as your art, and as with the auction descriptions, "best foot forward" should be the mantra here too. Share a bit of yourself, what inspires you, your creative process, etc.

11. Network with other artists via groups and associations, whether here on eBay or in your own area. Spend time with like minded, inspiring individuals, and share tips about the process, methods, materials, etc. We all  learn from each other. :)

12. Keep something listed at all times if possible. Although I occasionally let a day or two pass without a listing, I TRY to keep something up at all times. There are plenty of other artists out there, and if you don't have something listed, collectors will move on. So try to schedule your listings so there's a constant rotation of new work.

13. Learn the eBay rules and don't run afoul of them.

14. Be patient. It takes time to build a reputation, time for people to begin bookmarking your auctions. I can't tell you how many pieces I sold at a loss (and still do occasionally) my first two years on eBay. It takes persistance and hard work, and won't come overnight. But if you have a goal, a plan, and really work at it, you'll see your art sales gradually building.

Finally, good luck!  Speaking as someone who's done the nine to five thing, self employment is far more time consuming, but at the same time, far more rewarding - especially if you're doing something you truly love!

Whichever path you choose, I wish you success. :)