Artist's Guide to Digital Payments: Tips

Published on 7 August 2023 9 min read

Select a reliable payment platform
Optimize for mobile payments
Ensure security of online transactions
Consider international payments
Offer multiple payment options
Set clear payment terms
Automate invoicing process
Stay informed about payment trends
Be prepared for payment disputes
Track and analyze payment data

Artists, it's a digital world out there and your art deserves to be a part of it! As you carve your creative path in the digital landscape, getting paid for your masterpieces should be as smooth as your brush strokes. That's where accepting digital payments comes in. In this blog, we'll walk you through an artist's guide to accepting digital payments, making it easy and secure for you and your art patrons.

Select a reliable payment platform

Picture this—you finish a beautiful piece of art, a buyer falls in love with it, they're ready to pay and boom, your payment platform crashes. A total nightmare, right? That's why it's vital to select a reliable platform to handle your digital payments. Here are some points to consider:

Reputation: Look for platforms that other artists have had good experiences with. Word of mouth from your fellow creators can be a valuable guide.
User-friendly: The last thing you want is for your potential buyers to be lost in the complexities of a difficult payment process. Make sure the platform is easy to use.
Cost: Some platforms may charge a fee per transaction. It's important to factor in these costs when pricing your art.
Customer service: If something goes wrong, you want to know there's someone there to help. Check out the customer service options for any platform you're considering.

Remember, your art is unique and so are your payment needs. When it comes to accepting digital payments as an artist, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. So take your time, do your research, and find the platform that fits you and your art just right.

Optimize for mobile payments

Let's paint a picture: Your art lover is scrolling through their phone, admiring your latest masterpiece. They're ready to purchase, but wait! Your website isn't optimized for mobile payments. They put their phone away, promising themselves they'll buy it later on their computer, but then life happens and they forget. That's a missed sale because of a small technical hitch.

As an artist accepting digital payments, ensuring your platform is mobile-friendly isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have. Here's why:

Convenience: Your customers can be anywhere when they decide to purchase your art. Make it easy for them with a mobile-optimized payment process.
Increased sales: Mobile shopping is on the rise, and by catering to this trend, you're likely to see an increase in your sales.
Professionalism: A smooth, mobile-friendly payment process shows you're serious about your work and care about your customers' experience.

So, when selecting your digital payment platform, make sure it works seamlessly on mobile devices. Because in the art world, like in many others, small details can make a big difference.

Ensure security of online transactions

Picture this: An art admirer is about to click 'buy' on your latest piece, their heart is pounding with anticipation. Suddenly, they hesitate. "Is my credit card information safe here?" they wonder.

The last thing you want is for security worries to stand in the way of a sale. In your artist's guide to accepting digital payments, ensuring the security of online transactions is a key chapter. Let's dive into why:

Trust: When customers know their information is safe, they're more likely to make a purchase. Secure transactions build trust, and trust leads to repeat customers and positive reviews.
Compliance: Following data security standards isn't just good for business—it's also a legal requirement in many regions. You wouldn't want your artistry overshadowed by hefty fines and legal troubles, would you?
Peace of mind: With secure transactions, you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing art—without worrying about data breaches or fraud.

When choosing your digital payment platform, look for one with robust security features—such as encryption and fraud detection. Remember, an artist's palette isn't just about colors, it's also about creating a secure and trustworthy canvas for your customers to buy your work.

Consider International Payments

Art has no boundaries—so why should your sales? As part of an effective artist's guide to accepting digital payments, it's important to consider accepting international payments. Let's explore why:

Reach a Wider Audience: By accepting international payments, you're opening up your art to a world-wide audience. Your stunning landscapes might be the perfect addition to a home in France, or your abstract pieces may resonate with a collector in Japan.
Boost Sales: More potential buyers mean more potential sales. Who knows, your next big customer could be on the other side of the globe, waiting to discover your work.
Discover New Opportunities: As you interact with international customers, you might discover new themes or styles that resonate with different cultures. This can inspire your work and open up fresh creative avenues.

Go ahead and add multi-currency support to your digital payment system. Remember, a broader reach can lead to a richer artistic journey and better business growth. So, why limit your art to local borders when the world is your canvas?

Offer Multiple Payment Options

Imagine this: A potential buyer has fallen in love with your work. They're ready to add your masterpiece to their collection. But wait—they can't complete the purchase because their preferred payment option is unavailable on your platform. That's a lost sale, and we don't want that, do we?

As an artist, you want to remove every possible hurdle between your art and your buyers. In this digital age, that includes offering multiple payment options. Here's why:

Customer Convenience: Different customers have different preferences. Some might prefer card payments, while others might find digital wallets more convenient. By offering varied options, you're ensuring that your customers have a smooth purchasing experience.
Increased Sales: Offering more ways to pay can directly lead to more sales. It's simple—the easier you make it for customers to pay, the more likely they are to complete their purchase.
Improved Credibility: Accepting multiple forms of payment also signals to your customers that you're a professional. It demonstrates that you value their convenience and are running a serious business.

So, whether it's credit/debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, or even Bitcoin—make sure your art business is ready to accept them all. Remember, a key part of an artist's guide to accepting digital payments is making sure that no customer walks—or clicks—away because they couldn't pay their way.

Set Clear Payment Terms

Have you ever agreed to do a commission, but then realized you and your client weren't on the same page about when you'd get paid? That's why it's important to set clear payment terms. It's another key part of the artist's guide to accepting digital payments.

When it comes to payment terms, clarity is key. You're not only saving yourself from possible misunderstandings, but also showing your clients that you value transparency. Here are a few tips to help you establish clear payment terms:

Payment Schedule: Be clear about when you expect payment. Is it upfront, upon completion, or split into milestones?
Payment Method: Mention the payment methods you accept and any fees associated with them. This can help avoid any unpleasant surprises for your clients.
Refund and Cancellation Policies: Outline what happens if a client cancels a project midway or asks for a refund. This can help protect you from losses.

Remember, your payment terms should be fair, transparent, and clearly communicated. It's all about setting expectations right from the start. So, the next time a client asks, "How does this work?" you'll have your answer ready. And that's one less thing to worry about on your journey as an artist accepting digital payments.

Automate Invoicing Process

As an artist, your main focus should be on creating art, not on juggling paperwork. One way to reduce the time you spend on administrative tasks is to automate your invoicing process. And it's a strategy that fits perfectly in our artist's guide to accepting digital payments.

Automating your invoicing process means setting up a system that can generate and send invoices automatically. It's not as hard as it sounds, promise! Here are some ways to do it:

Use a Digital Invoicing Service: There are many online platforms that can help you automate your invoicing. They offer pre-made templates and can automatically send reminders to your clients.
Integrate with Your Payment Platform: Some digital payment platforms have integrated invoicing tools. So, when a client makes a payment, an invoice is automatically generated and sent.
Set Recurring Invoices: If you have clients on a retainer or subscription model, you can set up recurring invoices that are sent out at regular intervals.

Automating your invoicing process can save you time, reduce errors, and make your life a lot easier. Plus, it gives you more time to do what you love most—create art. So, why not give it a try?

Stay Informed About Payment Trends

Just like the art world, the world of digital payments is always evolving. New technologies and trends pop up all the time. As part of your artist's guide to accepting digital payments, it's important to stay informed about these changes. Here's why:

Keep Up with Your Customers: Your clients are probably using the latest payment apps and services. If you're not up-to-date, you might miss out on sales.
Stay Competitive: Other artists are probably already using these new technologies. To stay competitive, you need to keep up.
Improve Your Service: New payment technologies often come with benefits like faster transactions, lower fees, and better security. By adopting them, you can improve your service to your clients.

So how do you stay informed? Here are a few tips:

Join Online Forums: There are many online communities where artists and business owners discuss the latest payment trends. Joining these forums can be a great way to stay informed.
Follow Industry News: Regularly check news sites that cover digital payments and fintech. They often report on the latest trends and technologies.
Network: Attend industry events, meetups, and webinars. They are great places to learn from others and discover new trends.

Remember, the more you know about digital payments, the better you can serve your clients and grow your art business. So, why not start today?

Be Prepared for Payment Disputes

Just as colors blend in an unexpected way on your canvas, sometimes digital payments can get a bit tricky. Yes, I'm talking about payment disputes. They're not fun, but being an artist accepting digital payments means you might face them. So, how can you handle these sticky situations? Here are some tips:

Understand the Process: Each payment platform has its own process for handling disputes. Make sure to familiarize yourself with these rules. What are the timelines? What evidence do you need to provide? Knowing the answers to these questions can help you resolve disputes effectively.
Keep Good Records: Documentation is your best friend in a dispute. Keep records of all transactions, communication with the client, and proof of delivering the artwork. These can be invaluable in proving your case.
Communicate: Often, disputes arise from misunderstandings. Reach out to your client as soon as you notice a dispute. You might be able to resolve the issue without involving the payment platform.

Payment disputes can be stressful, but remember, they're a common part of doing business online. With the right preparation, you can handle them like a pro. So, don't let the fear of disputes stop you from accepting digital payments for your art. After all, every artist knows that a little chaos can lead to a beautiful creation, right?

Track and Analyze Payment Data

Alright, let’s shift our focus to something you might not associate with artistry at first glance — the numbers game. That's right, just as you might study the patterns in a beautiful mosaic, it's important to track and analyze your payment data when you're an artist accepting digital payments.

Follow the Money: Keep an eye on your income. Are you noticing a trend? Perhaps you make more sales at certain times of the year, or maybe specific pieces are more popular. This information can help guide your future work and sales strategies.
Understand Your Clients: Payment data can tell you a lot about your clients. Are they mostly international or local? Do they tend to make smaller or larger purchases? This can help you better understand your target audience and tailor your promotions to them.
Spot Issues Early: Regularly checking your payment data can help you catch any potential issues early. For example, if you notice that a lot of transactions are failing, it might be time to switch to a more reliable payment platform.

So, don't shy away from the numbers! Remember, they're just another tool in your artist's toolbox. And who knows? You might find that there's a certain beauty in the patterns of your payment data.

If you found the "Artist's Guide to Digital Payments: Tips" blog post helpful, you'll definitely benefit from Grace Miceli's workshop, 'How to Deal: Navigating Digital Boundaries.' This workshop will provide you with valuable information on managing digital transactions and maintaining a healthy relationship with your clients in the online world. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance your digital payment skills and grow as an artist.