What am I doing wrong?

[cricketdiane]

I give up. I don't know what is wrong with my work - I don't know why so little of it sells and I don't know what to do. It is really hard to paint another thing when most of it isn't selling and very few people even look at it. I've tried to be cavalier about it but I really am frustrated. Since October 06, I've probably listed over 500 pieces on the auctions and on my store. Whenever anyone has bought something - I do get it in the mail quickly and send it packaged well. Is there something so wrong with my art that people don't want it? I was doing different subjects but they weren't doing as well as the seascapes and I thought I would try some stylized mermaids - but I've only sold two. What do I need to do? Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[artistjillian]

My first job, when 16 was working for a manufacturing jeweller. We would get diamonds on 'speculation' through the postal mail. Mostly just small diamonds, but the value was immense. When I sent back the ones we didn't want, only sent them 'certified mail', so that we had a signature upon receipt. Insurance would have only been for $50, anyway. I had to wrap the package in brown paper, and string around it, then use sealing wax on the paper edges and string, together with a seal. If the packages got lost (none ever did) there was nothing we could do. But it boggled my mind that packages with diamonds in 100,000s just went by 'ordinary' post.

[mreas]

I bought a lovely ring on ebay and it came in a ratty recycled padded envelope with the address scrawled across the front--certified. Better than writing "precious diamonds enclosed," I suppose.

[undead-art]

Jillian That is a trip! Wow that is good coffe table topic. I'll have to barrow it! ;) Wait what about postal x-rays? Would someone see them?

[artistjillian]

This is 'ancient history'. ;) When mail was delivered by cave men.

[cricketdiane]

For the stress factor - its okay, but when I went to print the shipping labels just now on paypal - it must have the buyers' phone numbers and has a thing about a customs form required. Won't do anything without phone numbers. The customs thingy bumped me over to a clear insert for them and a view of the form. So, do I stick three dollars worth of stamps on it, address it to UK and mark it airmail or what? - cricket diane

[mreas]

Just address it like a letter, write "airmail letterpost" on the envelope and affix postage. 84 cents for the first ounce, 1.70 for 2, 2.55 for 3, 3.35 for 4, etc.

[poozybear]

I didn't even know you were supposed to write "airmail" on them. I've just been putting stamps on the envelopes and dropping them in the mailbox. I've only ever had problems with packages . . . have never had a letter not make it. And Jillian . . . I'm confused. The USPS is no longer using cavemen? When did this happen? ;) Kathy

[artistjillian]

Since Geiko took them away ... ;)

[cricketdiane]

okey dokey, then. We'll see what happens. . . Here's hoping all the cavemen are employed elsewhere -

[artistjillian]

Haven't you heard, they are getting their own sitcom.

[skymccready]

I liked the gecko myself "Sure, I'll babysit yer kids, yer like a brutha to me" love his accent skyM

[aliceraygallery]

Cricket Diane, Your paintings arrived in the UK this morning, in absolutely perfect condition, not even a little bent 🙂 As I said to you in your message, they are simply stunning and I will treasure them always. Keep on painting girl, Lynn x