Refunds and returns are one of those things that worry artists when they first start selling. The thought of dealing with an unhappy customer can feel stressful, and it’s easy to imagine it as a bigger problem than it really is.
The truth is, refunds hardly ever come up, and when they do, they’re not as bad as you think. Learning how to handle them calmly will save you a lot of worry and even help you make more sales in the long run.
In this article I’ll share how I deal with refunds and returns at art fairs, what I’ve learned over the years, and why keeping it simple has always worked best for me.
Do I Accept Returns and Refunds on Prints?
Yes, I do, always. It doesn’t come up often, but when it does, I don’t make a big deal about it. Over the years I’ve found that having a clear and open attitude to refunds makes life simpler. Why make extra stress for yourself?
A lot of artists worry about the idea of giving refunds, but the truth is customers almost never return. The odd refund isn’t a threat to your income, and the reassurance it gives buyers is worth more than the occasional missed sale.
To me, it’s part of good customer service. A fair policy builds trust, gives me a good reputation, and that trust helps people feel confident enough to buy in the first place.
How I Handle Print Refunds in Practice
If someone comes back with a print, the first thing I do is keep my body language relaxed. No crossed arms, no sighs, just a friendly face. That alone takes the sting out of what could feel awkward.
I don’t have a refund policy on my stall, and I never point to terms and conditions. Everything is handled one-to-one, quietly and without fuss. That way the customer feels looked after, and I don’t end up with an awkward situation.
If they’re swapping one print for another, I’ll re-wrap it neatly and make it feel like a fresh purchase rather than an exchange.
It’s all about making the return as smooth as can be, so the customer leaves feeling respected.
What Happens if a Print is Damaged?
Unfortunately, many of the prints that do get returned are damaged. It’s not that customers deliberately mistreat them, it’s simply that very few people handle paper with the same care that we do as artists.
They don’t notice when they’ve buckled the paper, creased a corner, or left a small mark.
I know this, so I never make a big deal of it. If a print comes back in less than perfect condition, I just accept it as part of the business, c’est la vie. Making someone feel awkward achieves nothing, and it only adds stress where it’s not needed.
As I said refunds are very rare but exchanges are more common. I’ve always said yes, without question. It’s no trouble to me, and it leaves the buyer walking away satisfied with what they really wanted.
This approach has served me well for years. I avoid unnecessary conflict, and the customer feels looked after, even if the print itself is a write-off.
Why a Refund/Return Policy Helps Sales
I don’t put up signs with refund policies, but if someone asks whether they can exchange a print later if they’ve made a mistake, I always say yes. I do remind them it needs to come back in good condition, but I’ve never gone back on my word.
What matters is that people feel safe buying from me.
A guarantee takes the pressure off. When buyers know they can come back without concern, they’re more relaxed about making the decision in the first place. That reassurance is often the difference between making a sale or losing one.
The other big reason to be flexible is because happy customers come back for more. If someone feels looked after, they’re far more likely to buy again.
Selling to an existing customer is easier than finding a new one, and on top of that, they often turn into your ambassadors. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve made sales because someone told a friend about me: word of mouth has been one of my biggest assets.
I also make sure people know how to reach me. Every print goes out with a flyer or business card tucked in, so customers see I’m running a real business and not a fly-by-night. It shows I’ll stand by what I sell, and that builds the kind of trust that keeps sales coming in.
What About Originals and Commissions?
No one has ever asked me for a refund on an original, and honestly, I can’t see it happening at an art fair. Buyers know what they’re getting when they hand over money for an original piece, so it’s not the sort of thing that gets returned.
The only real risk I can imagine is if an original is damaged while being shipped, especially overseas. Getting insurance for original art is difficult, and when you do find cover, it’s usually very expensive. That’s one area where you really have to weigh up the risks.
The bigger issue is commissions. I’ve never had a customer flat-out refuse to pay, but I know plenty of artists who have. The problem is, what do you do if someone is disappointed with the finished work? Personally, I’d be mortified.
I couldn’t force someone to buy something they didn’t like, and I wouldn’t want my art hanging on a wall where it wasn’t wanted.
That’s why I stopped taking commissions once my print sales took off. It was such a relief to be free from that pressure. Prints let me sell confidently, knowing I’m not gambling my time and reputation on one person’s reaction.
Returns and Refunds: Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, refunds and returns are a tiny part of selling art at fairs, but they carry more weight in your head than they do in real life.
The key is to stay calm, stay approachable, and remember that you’re building a reputation every time you interact with a customer. If people see you as fair and easy to deal with, they’ll trust you, and that trust lasts far longer than the sting of a lost print.
I’ve learned that the best approach is to protect your peace of mind first. Once you stop worrying about the odd setback, selling becomes more enjoyable, and your stall becomes a place people feel comfortable visiting. That’s where the real success lies.
If you’d like to know more about how I make a living from selling your own art I’ve laid everything out in my book Selling Art Made Simple. It’s packed with the same straight-talking advice I use myself, and it might just save you a few years of trial and error.
Wanna know more about selling in art fairs? Check these out:
- What Size Art Sells Best? Frames and Apertures – FREE Chart
- 10 Best Ways to Sell Your Art Locally: Mega Guide
- Cheap Art Display Panels: Make Your Own For Art Shows
- How to Sell Art on The Street: By a Street Artist
- What Kind of Art Sells Best? All The Secrets Revealed
- 7 Sales Props for Artists
- How to Make Prints of Your Art – Printing Art Explained in Detail
- How to Sign Art Prints Like a Pro
- Basic Tax Expences for Artists
- Art Business Checklist
Pin This
Hi, I’m Kevin Hayler
I’ve been selling my wildlife art and traveling the world for over 20 years, and if that sounds too good to be true, I’ve done it all without social media, art school, or galleries!
I can show you how to do it. You’ll find a wealth of info on my site, about selling art, drawing tips, lifestyle, reviews, travel, my portfolio, and more. Enjoy