Following some complaints about a company that i can’t name for obvious reasons, I thought it might be helpful to offer some general guidance notes for makers when applying to fairs and other events:

It is important when applying to Art Fairs where artists/makers are providing money up front to take reasonable precautions:

-  Is the Art Fair/Event well known with a reputation and good track record?   If well known there is probably no need to enquire further, unless the event is unknown to you.  In such instances reputable event promotors will have no problem answering the following questions and providing references from previous exhibitors if requested.

- If unknown to you, even if with a good reputation it is useful to consider some of the following questions before ‘signing up’ and paying out money. If not well known, it is suggested essential to get some answers

1. Search internet for write ups of previous shows by the same group and promoters

2. Ask promoters for estimates of footfall and sales for the show, and for details of footfall and sales at their last show

3. Ask promoters for the types of work being shown, names of other exhibitors and the ‘price points’ the show is aimed at. Consider the ‘selection’ process – or can anyone who will pay be accepted? (A warning sign sometimes, but not always)

4. If a new show ask for details of the promoters track record and contact details of a few well known artists/makers you can contact to get a feel of the type of show

5. If one of a series of shows, contact a few artists/makers who exhibited at a recent previous show for their feedback.

6. If not clearly specified, request in writing, precise details of the promotional and other support which will be provided by the organiser. (most reputable promoters are clear on this anyway)

I cannot comment on specific fairs/events, but clearly in these tough economic times artists/makers are especially vulnerable to accepting ‘invitations to show their work’ and may be tempted to overlook the normal rules when parting with money up front.

- Don’t unless you are sure you will get what you paid for! 

- If in doubt and alarm bells ring, you are probably right – Don’t do it!

I hope this is helpful and may avoid some of our members/makers getting caught out by bad deals/unscrupulous promoters who rely on the many excellent fairs/event promoters to give them a false credibility.

Stephen Dee, Editor, Studiopottery.co.uk Ltd

Two or three members have alerted me to a quite aggressive telesales person, who seems to use another members name as a credential and is then trying to sell website space through google – or something similar. This seems to be something members and others should be aware of and as i have said before, i think…… “If you get an uninvited caller trying to sell you something, the safest course is to just close the call or if it’s an email delete it to junk mail without opening any attachments!

A message i received about this current scam/direct selling was on the lines of

“I thought I would let you know of a call I received today from a pushy guy wanting, I think, to sell website space thro’ Google.

I told him I wasn’t interested several times and finally hung up. Shortly after that (another maker) called me that she had had the guy on the line using my name (which I really resent) as well as (another makers). I assured her I had not recommended anything like this as I totally distrust this form of selling and deeply resent my name being used like this. I think this maybe another scam and was wandering if you had had any one else with the same problem.”

These callers can be very plausible and if they are using someone’s name that you know, try to gain underserved credibility.  Please, please JUST HANG UP! If you didn’t request the contact you don’t want whatever is being sold – even if you think you might want it – DO YOUR OWN RESEARCH and then call someone who you have chosen – NOT someone WHO HAS CHOSEN YOU!!!!

I hope this reminder may help you all to be on guard….. Stephen

Typical of a lot going round the Arts world – basically, I like your work; I want to buy it; may try to get bank details from artist; will want to send money as a cheque or draft or credit card payment (likely to be stolen); wants to overpay or asks for payment for shipping costs (which he arranges through his own business!). The essence is that the artist ends up with worthless payment and has either parted with their art or with some money and is left with nothing in return.

Indicators are: poor language, sometimes interest in several pieces of work or general request. Wants details of your account, wants to do the shipping themselves and get you to pay, any indication of overpayment with you refunding money. generally an unusual request poorly composed should start alarm bells ringing!!  Always worth google-ing the details to see what comes up. Usually these scams are widely distributed and someone will have filed a report somewhere.

The current one i have had reported is from a “Robin Map” but they could be any names!! BEWARE and NEVER part with money if selling and always try and Corroborate sellers identity if possible.

The old adage – If it looks too good to be true, it probably is applies and also when dealing with unknown clients for the first time – BE Careful and watch for any unusual features of the order!!

Have a look at:

http://stopartscams.blogspot.com/2011/03/scam-email-robin-map.html#comment-form

for details of this scam. it also gives others and a few links.

Interestingly a member has just (6/5/11) sent me the following: WE HAVE ALL BEEN WARNED!!!

A member writes:

I was contacted by someone in the Netherlands interested in placing an
order with some of my porcelain vases. Seemed OK till he wanted to use
his own shipping company, then he wanted to tell me about his late
father in law, which I said was his personal life & none of my business
but still he proceeded & to tell me how he wanted to give me 20% of his
inheritance, I immediately cancelled the order & said I felt
uncomfortable with the hole thing. Later I found out he is a con artist
& his emailed artists before.  I found this website it is a warning
about him, It shows the same E-mail that he initially sent me!!!

TAKE CARE!!

More details on:

http://www.fecalface.com/SF/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1578

Since May we have received 7 reports of what appear to be high pressure sales techniques from a business known as Vardis, seeking advertising in a directory with the indication that proceeds will go to charity.  The reports received have shown dissatisfaction with the quality of material provided, doubt with the advertising value and the high pressure to sign up ‘then and there ‘ for amounts from £199 to £399. These might be exceptions, but there are sufficient to argue caution. The Forresters Fund for Children, clearly from comments on their website, appear to have had some benefit by way of receipts from Vardis, but what percentage of sales this is we do not know.  This may be a genuine attempt to raise funds for this worthy charity, but from the reports we have had we would at least take care before agreeing to contribute.

Generally……it is suggested FOR ANY sales approach by phone  - you should be careful and questioning. For example:

1. Do not agree to any telephone sales from any company on the phone unless you are satisfied of their bona fides and do not agree to pay any money immediately in any circumstances. Ask for a week to consider it and tell them you will phone them back with your decision once you have seen an example of what they propose in writing.

2. Ask them for more details of what they are offering, and if a charitable element….how much goes to charity and the name(s) of the charity(charities) concerned, so that you can check with them. Consider whether you would agree to this promotion if a charity was not involved – try to separate the charitable aspect from the business aspect.

3. Request details of the way in which your advertising will be published, whether there are certified advertising (e.g. ABC) figures available, and for reference to existing advertisers. Get an understanding of whether their target market will actually benefit your business. How will they distribute your advertising and to whom?

4. Telephone sales techniques are designed to be persuasive and tend to try and get the recipient to make an instant decision. This is neither necessary or wise and one should always seek to make the decision later when you are not under pressure.   The golden rule is never to commit to expenditure which you have not sought immediately. Very often in the cold light of day your decision may be different.

We hope these comments will be useful as we seem to be facing an increasing level of ‘cold calling’ and if others wish to tell me of instances where they have faced similar cold calls we would be happy to receive them.