In product presentation, one of the first things that a customer will notice is the hang tag. That is the tag that is attached to the product that gives information about it. Telling a story on your hang tags will engage the customer and encourage them to spend a few minutes longer examining the product. The longer they have it in their hands and the more engaging the story, the more likely it is to sell.

During my 13 years as a gallery owner, I have seen a number of hang tags. Some that worked really well, others not as much so and then some products with no information at all. Not including a hang tag with your work is a mistake, especially in a gallery setting. That small piece of paper is an excellent selling tool and will sell your product for you even if the gallery staff doesn’t. Most hang tags are business card size although depending on the size of your product, it could be smaller or larger. The card can be flat, folded, printed on one side or printed on both sides.

Consider what information you should include. The hang tag should include your name, business name, tell a story about the piece and leave space for a price tag. If you are selling the work yourself in a retail or online venue, the tag should include your contact information. If you are selling your work through a gallery, you should check with the gallery about contact information. Most galleries do not want to have your contact information listed as customers will try to buy directly from you instead of from the gallery. If the piece is to be worn, you should also include care instructions for the product on the hang tag. In the US, the law requires you to include care information as well as “ingredients” and where the piece was made.

Hang tags may look different for a wearable as compared to a piece of wall art. With wall art, you might want to include the dimensions of the piece. Many people look for certain sizes of art to fill a specific space. If you include the dimensions, that is one less thing the customer has to discover before purchasing. The more information that you are able to give about yourself and your artwork, the better. Customers love to hear a story about you and what you do.

Here is an example of a “hang tag” that really works. These cake testers are made by Paula Penrod of Apt Designs. This is larger than business card size and measures 5 1/2″ x 8 1/2″. It holds the cake tester and tells its story at the same time. I have carried these for years and sold hundreds of them. The reason they sell is this tag. If the testers were arranged in a bowl or even stuck in foam so that they stood up, people would be asking all kinds of questions. What is this? Why would you buy a cake tester when you can just use a tooth pick? $11? Why would I spend $11 on a cake tester? Click on the photo so you can read the story. Paula answers all the questions the customer would ask and does it in a humorous way. In the US, there really aren’t that many people who bake anymore. But I still sell lots of these cake testers. That is what your hang tag needs to do for your products. I can’t tell you what to write on them, only you know that. But tell a story with your words. Answer any objections before they come up and then your hang tag will really work for you.