Ask the Experts Negotiations Q&A

A gallery that recently bought some of my jewelry asked me not to sell similar designs through my own website, at shows or to other galleries. I'm not sure how to respond to their request? It feels too restrictive. Any advice would be appreciated.

- Yvonne

The upside is that they want to exclusively sell that design or line. The downside is restricting what you can sell on your own. Before agreeing to that kind of arrangement, estimate how much revenue you'd give up (through missed sales to others) in return for having the gallery sell your work. 

If you don't have many other outlets, it might be easy to comply with their request. If you have several other options, though, it might not be profitable for you. 

As an alternative, ask if they would like you to design a special line that would only be sold in their stores. In return, see if they are willing to pay a little more for that ''signature'' line.

- Dr. David Weiman