Updated October 21, 2026
Where paying customers come from
In Ireland the earliest customers are usually people you already meet. Neighbours, friends, family and colleagues often commission small pieces or refer you to others. Local schools, community groups and sports clubs commission posters, murals or trophies. Independent shops, cafés and pubs may buy prints or allow you to display and sell work on consignment. Local markets and craft fairs are another place to sell directly.
Online search and social media bring a different kind of customer - people who don’t know you personally but are searching for a service or product. Word of mouth matters here; one good commission can produce further requests. If you do work for a business, that single client can lead to repeat orders or introductions to other businesses.
- Neighbours, friends and workplace contacts
- Schools, community groups and sports clubs
- Local shops, cafés and markets
- People finding you via online search or a profile
How to set a first price and talk about money
Begin by estimating your real cost of a job - materials, any courier costs, platform fees, and the time you spend. Decide whether you will charge per hour or per project. For custom work many artists choose a project price that covers time plus a margin; for small prints or repeatable items an item price is simpler.
When you discuss money, be clear about what is included - number of revisions, delivery or collection method, and what happens if the client asks for extra changes. Put the price and scope in writing before you start. If a client asks to negotiate, consider a limited introductory discount for a first customer but avoid deep, open-ended reductions that eat into your time.
- Calculate materials plus time to get a minimum price
- Decide hourly or project pricing and state what is included
- Put price and scope in writing before starting
What your first ten customers often look like
Your first ten customers are often a mix of people who know you and a few strangers. Typical sources are friends and family buying gifts, a local business commissioning signage or a poster, a school ordering classroom art, and buyers from a market or online listing. You may also get one or two customers from a social post or a listing on a marketplace.
Expect these first customers to give you useful feedback on your process, pricing and delivery. Treat them as learning opportunities - ask for clear feedback and permission to show the work in your portfolio or profile.
- Close contacts buying gifts or small commissions
- Local businesses or schools placing a first order
- Market buyers or people contacting you from an online listing
What to sort out with revenue and registrations
If you sell as an independent person in Ireland check with Revenue - see revenue.ie. Ask how to register as self-employed, how to submit an income tax return, and what records you need to keep. Ask Revenue specifically about VAT registration thresholds, and whether your planned sales require VAT registration.
If you trade under a name other than your own, check with the Companies Registration Office - see cro.ie - about business name registration requirements. Check with your local authority for any permits needed to trade at markets or to display work in public places. If you are unsure about public liability or professional indemnity cover, ask an insurance broker or Citizens Information for what policies apply to artists.
- Contact Revenue (revenue.ie) to register as self-employed and ask about VAT thresholds
- Contact CRO (cro.ie) if you plan to trade under a business name
- Ask your local authority about market stall licensing and display rules
Taking payments and keeping records
Make sure you can accept card payments and bank transfers and that you keep clear records. On Websta, card payments from customers are paid out to your own bank account through Stripe and you set your own prices. Keep copies of invoices, receipts for materials, and a simple record of hours spent so you can complete accurate tax returns.
Separate business income and expenses from personal finances. Even a basic spreadsheet that records date, client, amount, method of payment and a short description will help at tax time. If you use a platform or payment processor, save monthly statements.
- Accept cards and bank transfers and keep records of each sale
- Websta pays card receipts to your own account via Stripe and you set prices
- Keep invoices, material receipts and a time log for each job
Common problems in the first months
New sellers often underprice to win work, then discover time and costs are higher than expected. Scope creep is common - clients asking for extra revisions - so be explicit about limits. Late payments are another common issue; use a simple invoice with payment terms and consider requesting part payment up front for larger jobs.
Other problems include inconsistent work flow and poor time tracking. Build simple systems - an intake form, a short contract or terms, and a reliable way to track jobs and deadlines. Learn from each job and adjust your prices and process accordingly.
- Underpricing and not accounting for time
- Scope creep and unclear revisions
- Late payments and messy records
How a Websta profile fits into your workflow
A Websta profile is a single page you can send to potential clients and share on social media. It shows services, prices, photos, a contact form and online booking so people can see what you offer and book time. On the marketplace people nearby can find you by service and place and post tasks for providers to make offers on.
Use the profile as a public portfolio and a booking hub. Keep it up to date with accurate service descriptions and recent photos. If you list on Websta choose the category artists and designers or matrixPath /marketplace/art so people searching for art services find the right listing.
- Profile page to share with clients and to be found by local search
- Shows services, prices, photos, contact form and online booking
- Payments on Websta are paid out to your bank account through Stripe
Frequently asked questions
- How do I register as self-employed in Ireland?
- Contact Revenue via revenue.ie and ask how to register as self-employed, what tax returns you must file, and what records to keep. They will explain income tax, PRSI and any VAT questions.
- Should I charge per hour or per project for commissions?
- Either is valid. Charge per project where scope is clear and per hour where revisions or uncertain time are likely. Calculate materials and your time first to avoid underpricing.
- Do I need insurance to sell art at markets or to businesses?
- Check with an insurance broker or Citizens Information about public liability and any specific cover for displays or installations. Your local authority can also advise on requirements for markets.
- How do I handle late payments from clients?
- Use clear invoices with payment terms, request part payment up front for larger jobs, and keep polite reminders. For any dispute you can seek advice from Citizens Information or a legal advisor.
- How does Websta handle payments?
- Card payments from customers on Websta are paid out to your bank account through Stripe and you set your own prices. Use the profile as a booking and contact point for clients.
About the numbers
Counts in this guide were read from the Websta catalogue when the text was written and are refreshed above from the live catalogue. Part of the catalogue was built from the public business register and is marked as such on each profile.
Related guides
- How to find, check and hire artists and designers in Ireland
- Artist and Designer Profile Page Setup in Ireland
- How to make money as an accountant in Ireland - practical steps
- How to Make Money as an Artist and Designer in Aalborg
- How to Make Money as an Artist and Designer in Aarhus
- How to Make Money as an Artist and Designer in Antwerp