How to Make the Most of the Wrapping Desk
Get to know the Affordable Art Fair Wrapping Desk with a step-by-step guide to getting the most out of this essential aspect of shipping, wrapping and customs.
Erin Peacock
Thursday 3 August, 2023
Our customers love to go home with their artwork straight away, so The Wrapping Desks at our global fairs play a pivotal role in the transaction of art, acting as an often overlooked facilitator in the exciting exchanges that take place amongst the buzz of the surrounding fair.
In this article, we’ll unwrap the importance of the humble, yet essential, Wrapping Desk, exploring its function, aesthetic and effectiveness in promoting art sales.
So, you’ve made a sale and a new artwork is in the hands of an excited visitor. But, what happens next?
Our incredible Global Shipping Coordinator, India Burr-Hersey, is on hand to get your artworks shipped to our fairs with ease, and to provide vital information on how you can best use our Wrapping Desk facilities at your next Affordable Art Fair.
Over to India for her next steps on how to best use a Wrapping Desk from an exhibitor’s point of view, courtesy of advice from The British Shop; our shipping partner for the UK and US.
Step one: The Wrapping Desk will be clearly sign posted and included on fair guide maps, and will be open throughout all visitor hours, so you can always count on your client being able to access efficient wrapping services whenever you make a sale. In most locations, you’ll take the the sold artwork straight to the complimentary Wrapping Desk, whereas in others, you can invite your client to do so.
Step two: Our onsite wrapping partner, such as The British Shop, will assess the artwork to make appropriate decisions on how it should be wrapped. They will consider the size, weight and medium. Different artworks require different packing methods. They wouldn’t, for example, pack a glass sculpture in the same way as they would pack a largescale photographic print.
Step three: The majority of artworks will be packed using three-ply paper blankets, a sustainable packing material, along with recyclable tape. This means the artwork will be sufficiently protected for its journey home with your client.
“Our packaging options are made from recycled materials and are fully recyclable themselves, unlike bubble wrap and similar petroleum based products, which are sadly neither.“
Simon Williams, The British Shop
Step four: Alternatively, a client can opt for a paid home delivery service. This way, they can have an artwork delivered to their home address, which is likely to be the next week after the fair. If your client has purchased a largescale piece or sculpture, they might want to use this service for their ease.
“The British Shop ‘white glove’ service is the only way I would ever choose to move art for my clients.“
Hobby Limon, TAG Fine Arts
Step five: Finally, don’t forget to accurately fill out a purchase slip and provide your buyer with one, too.
The Wrapping Desk at an Affordable Art Fair is an essential resource that you can use to encourage and boost sales across the fair week. Wherever you’re exhibiting in the world, the Wrapping Desk is always complementary and yet another point of excellent customer service for visitors.
For further information on our shipping and wrapping partners, or if you have any questions, please do get in contact with India at shipping@ramsayfairs.com or send us a follow and DM over at @affordableartfairexhibitors.
Main image: The British Shop at work at Affordable Art Fair Hampstead, 2023.