Upselling might sound a bit pushy but, when done right, it’s simply a way to help customers get a bargain while boosting your income at the same time.
This works for any creative business.
I’ve been selling my art for over 20 years, and upselling has been one of the easiest ways to make more money without finding new customers. When it was pointed out to me it was the game-changer we all hope for.
It’s not about pressure. It’s about adding value. Here’s how you can do it too.
Ok – first things first….
What is an Upsell?
An upsell is when you encourage a customer who’s already interested in buying something to spend more by offering them:
- A higher-priced version of the same product
- Additional items that complement what they’re buying
- Bundles or sets at a slight discount
- Upgrades that add more value
Key point: The customer is already interested in buying. Upselling is about increasing the value of that sale without pressuring them.
Examples outside art include:
- A café offering a large coffee instead of a medium
- A shoe shop suggesting shoe cleaner with a new pair of boots
- An airline offering a seat upgrade after you’ve booked a ticket
In art sales, an upsell might be:
- Offering a discount if someone buys multiple prints instead of one
- Selling matching pieces as a themed set
- Providing a framing option for an extra cost
Upselling is different from cross-selling, which means suggesting other unrelated products. For example, selling greeting cards featuring your art is more of a cross-sell than an upsell if the customer came for prints.
Cards and gifts might work if you included them in a bundle but they come with a risk. They also act as a cheaper alternative to your main offer, meaning you risk losing sales. You must bear that in mind. It happens.
So, an upsell is about increasing the value of the customer’s purchase by offering them something extra or better that fits with what they’re already considering.
How I Use Upsells to Increase My Art Sales
In my wildlife art business, upselling is built into how I present my work and prices. It’s been an effective way to increase my income over the years without relying on high-pressure sales tactics.
Here’s how I use upselling:
- Using a Built-In Price Discount for Multiple Prints:
I have a pricing system that offers customers a better price when they buy more than one print. - Arranging My Display to Encourage Sets:
I group similar animals or themed prints together in my display so customers can easily imagine how they’d look as a pair or a set. - Offering a cheaper ‘freebie’
I sometimes offer a ‘free’ print to encourage the purchase of a more expensive print. It’s a type of ‘bundle’ offer
Another excellent way for artists to upsell is by offering prints with mounts or even already framed. Many buyers prefer art that’s ready to hang, and it adds value to the sale. The only reason I don’t currently offer framed work is because my stall space is limited.
If I had a bigger setup, I’d definitely include framed options because I know I’d make a great deal more money from those sales.
Upselling is simply part of how I sell my work. It helps customers discover more pieces they love and increases my overall sales without needing more foot traffic.
How I Upsell Using Sales Talk
One of the ways I upsell my prints is through how I talk to customers during a sale. If someone expresses interest in one of my limited edition prints, I sometimes offer them an extra incentive to help close the deal.
If I sense they’re hesitating over the price, I’ll say something like:
“If you’d like to go for the limited edition, I’ll include an open edition print as a free gift.”
This isn’t giving away profit.. I’ve already factored the cost of the open edition print into my overall pricing. For me, it’s a way to add extra value in the customer’s eyes without significantly affecting my bottom line.
The customer feels like they’re getting a real bargain, which makes it more likely they’ll go ahead with the higher-value purchase. And I move a limited edition print that might otherwise sit unsold, for the printing costs of one ‘free’ print.
This method has helped me increase sales and keep customers happy because they feel they’ve walked away with something special. It’s a simple example of how upselling can work through careful sales talk, rather than relying purely on product displays or signage.
How to Upsell Your Art Commissions
Upselling is not just for prints. It works well for art commissions too, and it is a practical way to increase the value of each job.
Here are some ways artists can upsell their commissions:
- Offer Framing Services:
If your artwork fits a standard frame size, you can offer to sell it already framed or mounted. Many customers prefer art that is ready to hang, and framing adds value to the sale. - Encourage Larger Sizes:
Larger pieces naturally command higher prices. If a customer is considering a small commission, suggesting a bigger size can be an easy way to increase the order value if it suits their budget and space. - Design Work to Fit Standard Sizes:
Creating your artwork to match standard frame dimensions makes it easier to upsell framing and saves customers from custom framing costs. This makes it more attractive for them to spend extra. - Offer Prints or Merchandise:
If you have a high-resolution scan of the commissioned piece, you can offer the customer additional prints or products featuring the artwork. This could include prints, cards, or items produced through print-on-demand services.
These upsells are not about pressuring customers. They are about offering more ways for people to enjoy your art while increasing the value of your work.
How to Upsell Using an Email List of Previous Customers
An email list of previous customers is one of the best tools an artist can use for upselling. People who have already bought from you know your work and are far more likely to buy again, especially if you give them a good reason.
Here are some practical ways to upsell using your email list:
- Announce New Work First:
Let your previous buyers see your new prints or commissions before anyone else. People love feeling like insiders, and offering them first pick is a great way to secure sales quickly. - Offer Exclusive Bundles or Sets:
Create special offers only for your email subscribers. For example, offer a deal for buying a set of prints together at a lower price than buying them separately. - Promote Limited Editions:
Use your list to let customers know when you have limited edition prints available. Stressing that numbers are limited can encourage faster decisions and higher-value purchases. - Offer Repeat Customers a Loyalty Discount:
Reward your best customers with a small discount if they buy again. It feels like a thank you, and it often leads to higher-value orders. - Promote Upcoming Events, Exhibitions, and Workshops:
Let your email subscribers know where you will be showing your work next, whether it is a market stall, an exhibition, or a workshop. Inviting people to come and see you in person is a great way to build relationships and often leads to more sales.
It is important to keep in touch and build a solid fanbase. A simple newsletter once a month is enough. The idea is not to try to sell something every time.
It is more about reminding your customers that you are there when they need a gift, want to decorate their home, or decide to commission a special piece of art.
Email is powerful because it goes directly to people who already trust you and value your work. Used well, it can help you increase the value of every sale without ever feeling pushy.
How to Upsell Your Art Online
Upselling online is another powerful way to increase your income as an artist. Unlike selling in person, online upselling relies more on clever marketing tactics and using your website and social media to guide customers towards bigger purchases.
Here are some practical ways artists can upsell their art online:
- Use Lead Magnets to Attract Potential Buyers:
A lead magnet is something you give away for free in exchange for someone’s email address. For artists, this could be a free downloadable art print, a behind-the-scenes video of your drawing process, or a mini-guide on how you create your art. Once someone joins your list, you can follow up with special offers or showcase higher-value products like prints or commissions. - Offer Bundles and Sets Online:
Create online listings where people can buy sets of prints at a discounted price. This not only raises your average order value but makes customers feel they’re getting more for their money. - Promote Affiliate Products:
You can earn extra income by promoting art supplies, courses, or products made by other artists through affiliate links. If your audience trusts your recommendations, they may buy these products, earning you a commission at no extra cost to them. It’s another way to upsell value to your followers while adding an income stream to your art business. - Offer Upgrades at Checkout:
Many online shop platforms allow you to add offers during the checkout process. For example, suggest a larger print size, a framing option, or a second matching print at a discounted price before the customer completes their order. - Run Exclusive Offers for Email Subscribers:
Give your email list special discounts or early access to new artwork. This makes people feel valued and can encourage them to spend more than they planned. - Create Upsell-Focused Landing Pages:
If you’re launching a new series of artwork or a special promotion, build a landing page that explains the story behind it, shows beautiful images, and points customers towards premium options or bundles. - Leverage Social Media to Point Towards Upsells:
Post teasers on social media that lead followers to your website or shop where they’ll see your higher-value offers. Always include clear links and calls to action, like “See the full series” or “Special offer inside.”
These methods work because they guide customers gently toward buying more without making them feel pressured. The goal is to offer genuine value and let people know about options they might not have considered otherwise.
Upselling Art: Final Thoughts
Upselling is not about pushing people into spending more than they can afford. It’s not trickery, but it is a sales device that benefits both parties.
It is about giving customers genuine choices, and helping you to make a decent living.
A few simple tweaks to how you present your work, talk to your customers, and follow up afterwards can make a real difference to your income.
Keep things clear, honest, and customer-focused, and upselling will feel natural for both you and your buyers.
If you found these tips helpful and want to learn even more about selling your art and making a living from it, check out my book Selling Art Made Simple.
I share everything I have learned from over 20 years of selling my wildlife art, including practical advice, real examples, and honest insights to help you succeed.
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- How to Make Prints of Your Art – Printing Art Explained in Detail
- How to Deal With Difficult Customers in an Art Fair
- 10 Best Ways to Sell Your Art Locally: Mega Guide
- Pricing Art For Beginners: Originals, Art Prints, and Formulas
- How to Get Art Commissions: The Easy Way and Make Money
- Who Buys Art and How to Spot a Buyer? (Secrets Revealed)
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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