Today I am writing about Fine Art America.com (FAA) in a continuing series of the best free software and websites. FAA is a great option if you are looking to have a low-cost site to display your latest and greatest art creations. The platform offers the ability to sell these items in a variety of ways. The final product could be anything from a framed print, T-Shirt, or household item. Almost any type of artwork may be submitted such as photographs, paintings, or digital creations. There is no approval process and your submission will be immediately displayed as available for sale.
The free version limits your submissions to a total of 25 images. As with most of the free offerings, there is also a paid version which is only $30 per year. The premium edition will allow unlimited uploads and some minor customization of your web page.
Basic Features;
Sales are completely automated. FAA handles all the sales and shipping details.
Sell digital downloads and licenses of your images. Set your own pricing.
Participate in contests and groups, with blog posts and discussions.
Auto-promote on social media.
Get started with just a PayPal account.
Additional features with the paid version;
Unlimited uploads
Create your own website.
Create and send graphical emails.
Sell from your own website with Shopping Cart Widget.
And, just a few minor issues.
The items are expensive. FAA touts the fact that you may set your price plan. However, you are actually setting your “Markup”. If you accept the default pricing you may only receive $15 on a $100.00 sale. Set the prices any higher and the cost becomes prohibitive.
FAA states that the site has over One Million artists. It logically follows there are many millions of images. Perhaps quite easy to get lost in the shuffle?
FAA is certainly fun and easy to start with little or no investment. I have the most fun with the internal contests but they are little more than an exercise in mutual admiration. Also in full disclosure, I have never sold anything from the site.
Hope Springs Eternal.
