Bluethumb Messaging is a powerful tool helping artists communicate with potential collectors via their Bluethumb account. 🙌.
Here's how it works -
Collectors send you a message via Bluethumb by clicking the button highlighted in the example below which is located on your artwork page or your profile page
You'll receive an email when a collector has sent you a message, and this will also show up in your Bluethumb inbox.
You can reply directly via your email as well (if you're on the move) or log in to your Bluethumb inbox and reply from there. You can send images and listing via your Bluethumb inbox.
You can also opt-in to receive notifications by text (there's a checkbox for this).
You can share your artwork listing or images via the chat.
We've set the communication terms that need to be adhered to - Bluethumb communication terms and conditions - give this a read. In short:
Keep all communication on via Bluethumb (don't email them personally, or share your phone number/email address).
All enquiries and orders should go through Bluethumb - not offline/directly.
Do not suggest purchasing through personal websites or another avenue (esp for prints). If they're after prints, please upload them on Bluethumb and send a link through to them.
Be kind and expect the same: We allow and accept no abuse towards Bluethumb team (and all artists are a part of the team). So, please report to Bluethumb team if you're having difficulty communicating with anyone.
If you prefer all communication be handled by Bluethumb team, just let us know and we won't push any messages through to you.
Conversations on Bluethumb are monitored by Bluethumb staff so feel free to loop us in if you need assistance. To keep things fair, we simply ask that you do not direct any collectors to your personal websites, or share personal information that would lead a collector to purchase one of your artworks away from Bluethumb. breaches of our communication terms will result in your Bluethumb account being deactivated.
Here are a few important tips and tricks when communicating with collectors.
Pricing
Pricing is sensitive and the Bluethumb team keeps various points and variables in mind before providing a quote to the collectors. We've provided an easy to use pricing tool right in your inbox, but keep the following points in mind.
Quote for a commission: If you're commissioning an artwork, consider all the factors involved before quoting a price, such as:
Always quote final price (never quote a breakdown): It's always best and hassle free to offer one single figure (e.g. $1,200 - inclusive of all costs such as shipping, delivery and insurance). This removes variables where collectors can negotiate on different points (such as shipping/delivery time etc.) and it's a simple and cleaner experience for them as well.
Shipping: Make sure the allocated shipping is included in the price you're quoting. Use the price calculator in the inbox for ease. If you're planning to deliver it directly and don't want any shipping included, quote them a final price and before uploading the final piece on Bluethumb - just talk to the team and we'll walk you through that.
Negotiating on the final purchase price: Often collectors put forward offers for your artworks, and that's great if you're open to them. Just know that a % is a cleaner/simpler way to go. Keep in mind that this will be applied to the total Artwork value. When you've agreed on a price - just talk to the team and we'll generate a code for them to use and place the order.
Commission Deposit: When you're working on a commission with a collector, and they've reached the stage where they'd like to put the deposit down - just talk to the Bluethumb team and we'll walk them through the payments etc. Here's how we usually go about it - How does commissioning work?
In a nutshell we take 30% (non-refundable) deposit from the clients. They purchase a gift voucher on Bluethumb for 30% value - then use it when they're purchasing the final piece (that way they pay 30% up front and 70% on approval).
Your team at Bluethumb!
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