Vend helps Art for the People manage their large community of artists
Watch ART FOR THE PEOPLE'S story
Home & Gifts
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Single-store
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US
United States
Art for the People is an Austin-based Artisan Market & Art Gallery that showcases local artisans and rotating exhibitions.
Single store location in Austin combining an art gallery, a workshop and a homeware and gift store.
artforthepeoplegallery.comAt a Glance
Orders, inventory and commissions for over 100 artists managed easily.
With Vend, Art for the People:
The Challenge
Austin gallery Art for the People needed a point of sale that would help them manage their community of artists.
Art for the People is a boutique gallery and a home for the Austin art community. Located on eclectic and vibrant South 1st, Art for the People is nestled into a neighborhood full of South Austin charm. With an outside patio space, a large gallery built through the historic home, and a community workshop, the space is beloved in the neighborhood.
When owner Deanna Serra decided to start the business, she knew that the plan to have rotating exhibitions and to represent over a hundred local and regional artisans in store would mean that managing inventory, sales and commissions would be an intimidating feat. On top of that, staff would need to be able to focus on helping customers and easily identify, discuss and track every piece they’re selling.
“Buying art is very personal and our staff needs to speak about each of our artisans and their pieces and products, to help customers connect on that personal level. With over a hundred vendors, it could be impossible - Vend makes it easy.”
Lynnie Goodman, Creative Director
The Solution
In Vend, Art for the People found a solution that would integrate with the apps they wanted and would allow them to focus on what they’re passionate about - the art and their customers.
Before opening the store, Art for the People chose Vend as their point of sale, mainly due to its integrations. “We had already decided to go with PayPal and it integrated with Vend so that made it a good choice,” explains Creative Director Lynnie.
With Vend and PayPal, the team would be able to minimize checkout times and focus on showcasing their range of art and sharing stories about the artists and designers. The flexibility and mobility of the integrated solution meant that staff wouldn’t be trapped behind the counter, and would be able to access information and checkout customers anywhere in the large gallery space using Vend on iPad.
“Vend makes it easy for our staff to talk to and sell what’s on the floor, our management team to know what’s in inventory and our artists to know what they’re owed - it helps us run smoothly on the gallery floor and in the back office.”
Hallie Rae Ward, Art Business Director
Art for the People brings their solution together with the best in retail
The Results
With growth comes new questions, challenges and opportunities - and Vend is helping the team at Art for the People address every one properly.
Vend’s product directory makes it easy for the team to manage the details of the hundred plus artists they show at any given time. Product and artist information is available at their fingertips and photos in the system make it easy for staff to identify what they are selling at checkout. Overall, Vend and integrated cloud tools like Xero have allowed the team to cut admin time in half.
Vend has also helped the team manage their stock levels and build great relationships with their suppliers. Commission details can be pulled at any time, ensuring artists are paid quickly, without a lot of admin. Vend’s reporting has also made it easy for them to see what items, artists and product types are selling well, allowing them to know what’s working and change things as needed. “When we get new product in from one of our artists, we’re able to track if it sells better than a previous item,” explains Lynnie. “We can also see if there’s a certain color, fabric or style that sells better and adjust things accordingly.”
As the business continues to grow, Art for the People has started adding more frequent exhibits and expanded to offer event services. Plus, the team are looking into even more opportunities in the future. “That is what’s nice about Vend, it gives us the flexibility to try new things,” says Lynnie.
“One of the most exciting things about Vend is the opportunity we have to do even more with the software. We’re excited to see how it helps us grow in the future.”
Lynnie Goodman, Creative Director
