My gallery sold two pieces in October and I still haven't seen a dime. This is not the first time. Is this just how it is, or am I being too impatient? How do you handle these situations? Maybe a firm email template?
Ah, the gallery dance. I know this one. It’s frustrating when the money is tied up like that, especially when you have bills and materials to buy. For me, it’s always about the contract first. What does it say about payment terms? If it’s not clear, or if they’re just ignoring it, a polite but firm email is usually my next step. I keep it factual – 'Just following up on sale of X on Date Y, payment terms state Z, and we haven't received it yet. Could you provide an update?' If that doesn't work, I might try a call, then maybe escalate. Sometimes you just have to be a bit persistent, sadly. It’s not good business for them to keep artists waiting like this.
The 'gallery dance.' Yes, that's exactly it. I'm going to reread my contract, of course. Feels like I'm always chasing. Good advice about the factual email, though. Sometimes you just need the right words to cut through the... well, the dance.
oh man, i feel this. i had a gallery string me along for months on a consignment, almost half a year. kept saying "checks in the mail" or "waiting on accounting." it was exhausting. eventually i had to get really firm, almost lawyer-y in my tone. sent a follow-up with a "payment due by X date or we will have to consider next steps." it felt awful but they paid up within a week. i think sometimes you just have to be direct, even if it feels uncomfortable.
Yes, the 'checks in the mail' routine. I know it well. Glad you got your money, though. 'Next steps' sounds suitably grim. I'll try that. Maybe the lawyer-y tone is the missing ingredient. Otherwise, it's just a suggestion, no?