I love getting mail.  I especially love getting mail about art openings whatever the venue.  I love getting mail about new bodies of work.  I love getting mail about artist talks.  But I don't love getting mail I have to pay for.

I recently went to my mailbox (that's the everyday thing I do) and pulled out an envelope that was from an artist I know.  I was anxious to see what the artist was sending me but I had to get past one huge obstacle...the envelope came postage due.  I have a great mail carrier who attached an envelope to the mail saying she had already paid the postage due all I had to do was reimburse her.  I was grateful for her taking care of this because it saved me a trip to the post office. 

Can you imagine the look on my face when I saw that the invitation to the show came postage due.  I had already planned on going to the show because it's someone I know.  When I saw the artist at the show I said to her...I can't believe you sent the info package postage due...she gasped in horror.  She graciously offered to pay back the 56 cents I had reimbursed the mail carrier.  The other huge grasp came when she shouted "how many others went out that way?"  Yes,  a huge moment of embarrassment.

You have to wonder what impact it had on the attendance at the opening.  Granted, it was a first Friday, but did anyone else stay away because of this error? 

Obviously the lesson is to be mindful of your actions.  Remember that attention to detail is important in making a good impression.  Don't forget that to have your work sell they have to attend the event, so don't put them in a negative space with this type of faux pas.

Weigh twice...stamp once!
Greg

coaching artists to success