Interested in Being Stocked at The Gift Horse?

Hello!

If you are an artist or maker who would like to have your work stocked at The Gift Horse, please read the following before getting in touch.

As someone who used to be an artist reaching out to shops, I really understand how nerve wracking it can be to put your work out there. I want to be as supportive as possible of independent artists, but we receive a lot of enquiries and, between running the shop and keeping on top of my slightly chaotic inbox and with ADHD in the mix, it can all get a bit too much.

To help everyone, and to make sure your work has the best chance of being seen, I thought it might be helpful to share some common things to consider before reaching out.

1. What is it you are selling?

It sounds obvious, but sometimes it is not.

Links to a gallery or Instagram are lovely, but please make sure it is clear what you are offering. Are you selling cards, prints, ceramics, textiles, jewellery, candles, or something else? A quick summary helps me understand right away what you are proposing.

2. Packaging and Presentation

This part is very important. Packaging can really make or break a product in the shop.

Not every customer wants to stop and chat. Some do, and we love telling them about local makers or materials, but many prefer to browse quietly. That means your packaging needs to tell your product’s story on its own.

It does not have to be fancy. Even a small sticker, swing tag, or information card can do the trick. Remember, lots of our sales are gifts, so your packaging should help the buyer easily share what makes your item special with the person receiving the gift.

Please consider whether your packaging makes it clear:

• Who made it
• Where it was made – Customers often connect to a place. If you are local to Scotland or the surrounding area, highlight that.
• What makes it unique – Handmade, sustainable, vegan, locally sourced, or any other special feature.
• Some customers prefer not to handle items, so make sure key details are visible from the front. We are a small shop with lots of lovely stock displayed close together, so if your product is opaquely packaged, include a clear photo or illustration on the outside so people can easily understand what is inside.

3. Art Prints

If you are submitting art prints, please ensure they are cello packed with a card backing.

Use a reasonably heavy backing board, as I sometimes display prints standing upright. If a print sags or cannot be propped up, it will not be selected for individual display.

Consider that while you may have used a beautiful, heavy weight paper for your print, if you back it with a lightweight card, it can feel flimsier than a cheaper print that has been well-packaged and feels substantial in the customer’s hands. Presentation makes a big difference in how the value of a product is perceived.

If you are using glassine bags instead of cello, remember that the colour and strength of your print will appear dulled. In that case, consider adding a sticker with a small version of the print on the front or offering a sample print that can be displayed without packaging so customers can see the full impact of the artwork.

 

4. Wholesale Terms

Please include details about your wholesale terms when you get in touch:

• Minimum order amount
• Minimum quantities per item
• Fulfilment or lead times
• Delivery or shipping details

These all help us make decisions about ordering and planning stock.

5. Is It the Right Fit?

Before you reach out, it is worth having a look at what we currently stock. Think about whether your products fit our shop’s aesthetic and customer base.

We are a small space, and while we would love to carry everything, we do not currently have sections for children’s or teen items. Products that appeal to our core audience, such as thoughtful, design led, locally made gifts, tend to do best here.

6. Response Time

It may take a little while to hear back, but please know that we do our best to reply to everyone.

7. How to Get in Touch

Once you have read all of this and feel ready, please send your details (and a few product photos or a lookbook link) via our Artist Submission Form.

That helps us keep everything organised and ensures your message does not get lost in the inbox shuffle.

 

A Final Note

Please do not feel disheartened if we cannot stock your work. Sometimes it is just about timing, space, or balancing our existing range. 

Thank you so much for your interest!