contracts for artists

["George Graham" <georgergraham@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Jerry,
As its a dreary, gray and snowy day here in western NY, its a good day to
talk about customers and contracts.
I try to not need contracts when I'm dealing with private collectors. After
having talked openly and clearly about their budget, the kind of stone
needed, delivery, setting up, the size of the piece, need of a pedestal,
etc, etc, etc., both parties have a clear idea of cost. But, if after all
that, if either side wants to put things in writing, I use a personalized
version of a contractor's invoice. Its full page size, for lots of space to
put information on, and its 3 page sets of carbonless paper that copies
everything written down. I have my business title , name , address, phone
numbers, and logo on it. Then a section for the customers address, job name,
location and date. Most of the page is devoted to the description of work to
be performed. At the bottom is the place for the amount of money involved to
be spelled out. Finally, a place for both parties to sign and date the
contract.
If I'm dealing with a business, large organization, and especially a gallery
that new to me, both parties usually feel comfortable having an official
paper used.
Some times after talking with someone, I get a sense that they are
unreliable. Those are the times when my "CYA" business methods kick in.
That's , cover your ass, to the unburned out there. I want everything
spelled out , in triplicate. Everybody has a copy that is signed, and I
don't start until I've got 50% in my pocket.
There is a more easy going way of setting up a commission, that I use most
of the time. If a customer says , I want a piece similar to one that's
already sold, and if its something that I can sell to the general public,
then I will agree to do the piece, give them first chance to buy it. That
gives the customer a chance to change their mind, and I'm left with either a
sale or a good piece to use for competitions, self promotion, building up my
body of work, or if nothing else, have around for my own enjoyment.
It unfortunate that you can't always do business with just a handshake. If
you get any uncomfortable warning signals about the person you are dealing
with, then protect yourself. The more you deal with the public, the easier
it becomes. When I'm meeting a new client, I'm giving all my attention to
what they are saying, how they live, and what they want. If warning bells
start going off, don't ignore them!
George Graham