how much commission should a gallery take for selling an artist's work?

Answer 1

I have run a small gallery for 14 years and my commission is 35%. For this fee, I explain to the potential customers:
- the medium and how it is used,
- the "message" if there is one,
- the location if it's a landscape etc.,
- give a biography of the artist (usually verbal because I know them)
- the justification for the price if there's a great difference between similar art,
- explain framing concerns if any
- Quite often we will highlight an artist and advertise for them (free)
- maintain consistent quality of art, good natural lighting, a pleasant atmosphere for customers, intense knowledge and professional manner from staff

When the buyer makes their decision, I
- wrap their purchase carefully
- often package it for shipping and take it to the shipper personally,
- take name & address for the artist's mailing list,
- charge the appropriate taxes and submit said taxes to the government so the artist doesn't have to
- maintain records for all sales over 5 years
- pay the artist IMMEDIATELY at the end of that month

The ratio of tire-kickers to actual buyers is about 1 to 70. Multiply that by 20 minutes per artist, and there's a lot of time invested in each sale. And 40% is the average fee for all these services.

Additionally, an artist's work should sell for the same price regardless of where the sale takes place, whether it's at a show, your studio, a restaraunt (ugh... who would subject their art to cooking grease and kids' dirty fingers??) or gallery. If you sell your work cheaper here and more expensive there, buyers have no confidence in your integrity. Your work is worth what it's worth ANYWHERE. If artists don't keep consistent prices, I won't show their art.

And that's why galleries charge a fair commission - it's a service for artists.

Answer 2

Art Gallery Commission

Answer 3

I have always known galleries to charge a standard 50% commission. Some smaller galleries may charge less, giving the artist more take, but a 50/50 split is pretty standard, from my experience, anyway.

Answer 4

It can be anything from 10% to 50%, depending on location, etc. If it's just a small local gallery, don't give them anything more than 30%. A larger one in a city, usually expect to pay them 50%
Remember to factor this in when pricing your paintings

Answer 5

33% on the total number of paintings sold is the going commission rate at any gallery which doesnt accept a pre-payment,here in Mumbai, India.
It also depends on how popular the gallery is.The more the better.What matters to you is publicity and good publicity.The commission will pinch you initially but ultimately the gallery helps you market your work and when you rake in the moolah you wouldn't mind the commission.

Answer 6

Most legit galleries in the LA area charge 40%.

To some you who thinks that seems high just remember it is the gallery that is footing all the cost, doing the mailers, making the calls, setting up and paying for the reception, etc. Plus, they have to pay the rent on the gallery just to keep it open

Ask your self this: Would you rather have 60% of a sale or 100% of nothing?

Answer 7

The average commission in London is 50-60%, which is fine if you are an established artist who can sell at grossly inflated prices. If you are a newcomer talk to other artists and find your own spaces. I ran a successful project in London where we hung exhibitions in offices, wine bars and some really weird places. With low overheads our commission rate was 10%.
As an artist it is your duty to think outside the box!!

Answer 8

Galleries charge up to 60% for commition, but most of them charge around 50% plus framing. Don't forget they do all the advertising for the artist and lot of them manage the artist as well.

Answer 9

It depnds on the gallery and how much draw they have. Does the gallery promote itself well, will they promote your work? Is the gallery well known for "good taste" (whatever that is). Galleries usually thake 25-60%, but some galleries allow you to rent space, and do not take anything off of the back end. Good luck.

Answer 10

depends on location of gallery, the popularity of the gallery et cetra, but i know of galleries who charge a 50% commission on works. and these are top class gallaries who have artists who charge millions for their work. i personally think its a rip off put what can you do.