[:: MiniShop Basics ::]Welcome to the second post! In this post you will be informed of how to decide prices, to set up forms and how to collect payment.
Deciding pricesThe first step in deciding prices, is to determine what exactly you will be selling. For example, if your selling avi art, will you be offering Chibis?(Miniature versions of avatars, generally leaning towards cutesy types)?, will you offer head shots/waist-up shots/full body shots? Will you offer coloring? All of these things play into role in deciding your price.
Generally, Chibis cost the least since they are the quickest to make. Though, if your shop only offers Chibis and they are of a higher quality, your price will be higher. Head shots are generally next in line with price, followed by waist up and full body shots because of the more work involved with each process.
Take note, once again, that the more detail and quality you put into your art, the higher your price should be. You can't sell a stick figure for the same price as say, a piece you spent 5 - 8 hours on can you?
If you decide to offer coloring, you will add more to your original price. For instance, your selling a head shot for 5k, and the person would like it colored. Depending on your level of coloring and the time you put in it, the add-on price could vary between 1, or even 4 to 5k! Generally, it is best to ask the person how much they are willing to pay if you normally don't offer coloring of your works. This way you don't over price your art and turn them away. Be careful though, they may attempt to cheap you out, so always use your best judgment.
It is also best to list out, separately, the princes for everything in a nice organizes list. This makes it easy for them to know the final price, and makes forms easier as well.
Setting up formsWhen setting up forms for your MiniShop, it is usually best to keep things simple and not to complex. Having your form be to complex may turn some people away.
First off, ask for the users name. This is pretty simple, seeing as you will know who the form is from.
Next off, it is best to ask for what they are asking for. Again, I will use drawing as an example: in this spot, they would put in if they will be having a Chibi, Head shot or whatever else you are offering.
Then have a yes or no question asking if they would like to have their picture colored.
Next, if doing a Drawing Minishop, find out if they have anything specific that they would like done. Some people have a certain pose that they want their avatar to be in, or have a request for something not on their avatar, etc.
Finally, ask for the total price. This makes it easy for you and them, so you both have a clear understanding of what the total is going to be.
Below is a basic form that you are to free to use! I have put it in the format of an art form, but feel free to simple tweak things.
Basic Art Form
Username:
Drawing type(Chibi, head shot, etc):
Coloring? (Yes/No)
Specifics/details you would like:
Total Price:
Simple, no?
smile Payment & CollectingThis step is rather important, as this is how you will be receiving your payment. I will inform you of the ways to do it and one in particular you should not do.
One way to receive payment is to have the person start the trade with the correct payment and send it to you. Then you, the seller, will accept the trade and then confirm it. This way everything is sent and reading to go for when you finish the art. When it's finished, PM the avi art and they will simply confirm the final part of the trade. This makes the buyer feel safe that they will not be scammed out of their art.
A second way is to be paid in installments. Drawing up a rough sketch and receive half of your payment (Or 1/3). Then send the person the final outlined sketch to receive the rest of your payment (Or 2/3). In the case, of colored art, you will then PM them the final colored image. You will then get the total of your payment! This is best for art that is costly.
There are certainly other types of payment, but these are two of the big ones. It is best to discuss the payment with your buyer. Though I would advise you from taking all the money up front, and then giving them the art as something may come up in your life and you can't get the art done in time. Then it just makes you look bad, and unless the buyer is a friend, may begin to worry the buyer. So it is best to just use the above two methods unless your buyer states otherwise.
