Please review the information on this page carefully before completing our artist application form located here:
As an artist, what can I sell with Mystry Mart?
All art must be original. Items have to be no more than 5” width x 7” height x 2” depth or smaller in order to fit into the machine.
Examples include:
Small Paintings
Prints
Mini Sculptures or figurines
Jewelry
Photography
Zines, Books, or Graphic Novels
Stickers
Keychains
Pins
Textile-Based Items
Games or Puzzles
DO ARTISTS HAVE TO PAY ANYTHING?
It’s a 50/50 partnership! There is no cost for participation. Artists set a price for their work in our Artist Application, keeping in mind that 50% of the item’s sale will be shared with Mystry Mart. We operate as a consignment business, which means artists provide their work to us to sell on their behalf, and they retain ownership of the items until their items are sold. This ensures that artists can participate without any upfront costs..Payouts are processed at the beginning of each month, based on the sales of your work from the previous month. Every payment is done securely through our business Zelle account.
100% Sell-Out Streak: Every artist who has worked with Mystry Mart has achieved a 100% sell-out of their items. This track record demonstrates the effectiveness of our approach and the demand for the art featured in our machines.
I don’t have zelle, can we use a different payment method?
Currently, we only process payments through Zelle. This method allows us to offer a secure and streamlined process for all parties. Most major banks in the U.S. use Zelle, so you may be able to access it directly through your bank’s mobile app. If not, you can still sign up by downloading the Zelle app and connecting it to your bank account.
What are the Requirements for Artists?
A public, artist-focused Instagram account with your work clearly showcased is required. We include your Instagram handle on the packaging so that customers can see who they are purchasing from, connect with you directly, and explore more of your work. Failure to provide a public and active Instagram account could affect the approval process.
Sign your work. Please sign all of your work if possible and If you are offering exclusive prints or original pieces, please include numbering (e.g., 1/50 for the first print out of 50).
Packaging is mandatory. Although your artwork will be placed into our special chip bag packaging, it is required that you also package your work before submission. If you do not have your own branded packaging that fits the 5x7x2 inch frame, we recommend using plastic sleeve bags like these: Plastic Sleeve Bags to keep your work neat when being removed from our chip bag.
Include corrugated cardboard for light items. For lightweight items such as paper, pins, keychains, magnets, etc., it is mandatory to include corrugated cardboard. This helps with weight distribution, ensuring items vend properly in the machine, and prevents potential damage. You can use inserts like these: Corrugated Cardboard Inserts. Canvas boards do not require corrugated cardboard as they are the proper weight for vending.
If you need assistance with packaging, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to help!
Quality matters. Your art represents not only your unique vision but also the collective spirit of all the artists involved in Mystry Mart. We encourage you to take care with the quality and presentation of your work, as it reflects us all.
How many items would an artist need to provide to participate?
We designate 1 slot for each artist we work with. This helps us keep everyone’s work organized and easy to determine payouts. Each slot contains 12 spot holders, our initial minimum requirement is 20 items to conduct a trial run. Once the initial batch sells and feedback is positive, we’ll contact you to discuss further involvement.
Item Preferences:
We have found that some items sell better than others. Our best-selling items are typically:
$20 or lower retail price (we can sell items up to $100 retail, but most of our sales are on the lower end). Higher priced items in applications will also be reviewed more intensely to determine if they are the right fit for customers. But, we encourage everyone to still shoot their shot no matter the price!
We no longer accept sticker packs in order to ensure we’re not solely known as a sticker machine. If you wish to submit stickers, please include them alongside other items such as prints, pins, keychains, etc.
Item Requirements:
Ensure your item is heavy enough to drop straight down 5 feet, this is to ensure your items will vend properly in our machine.
Packaging for Prints or Canvas: If you do not have your own packaging, consider using Clear Resealable Cellophane Bags. These will not only protect your work but also present it in a professional manner.
Paper Quality for Prints: If you are selling prints, consider using thicker card-stock paper. This enhances the weight distribution, ensuring your items vend properly in the machine and appear more appealing to customers.
Support for Light Weight Items: For artworks printed or created on lighter paper or items light in weight such as pins, keychains, or magnets, adding a sturdy backer can provide the necessary support for proper vending. Consider using a Corrugated Cardboard Backer.
Boxed packages are also welcomed for more intricate items (such as jewelry, miniature figurines, or ceramics) but must be within the 5” width x 7” height x 2” depth dimensions. Consider Corrugated Cardboard Boxes. You can also use Mesh Bags instead of boxed packaging.
For Ceramics or equally delicate items, please use Bubble Wrap to protect your work.
Ensure your package keeps your item from breaking or getting damaged in transit.
We encourage everyone to sign their work and incorporate their own branding elements, such as a sticker, business card, or something more simple like a thank-you note with their items. These little touches can create a lasting impression.
In most cases, we are happy to help with packaging as we have additional equipment to make your life easier, just reach out!
Meeting these requirements makes it more likely that we can accept your item, and that it will sell well in our machines. Please see below for examples:
What Is Not Allowed?
Sticker(s)-Only Sales (this includes sticker packs and sheets)
Collages that do not feature the artist's original work
Controversial topics
Licensed characters, even if altered
Art featuring famous celebrities
Visuals of drugs
Derogatory remarks
Extremely explicit content
Holiday content
AI-generated content
We must be mindful of different perspectives and remember that children may also access items from our machines.
What does Mysty Mart do for artists?
Revenue Sharing with Host Locations: Mystry Mart splits a percentage of our share from the revenues with the locations where our machines are hosted. This collaborative approach ensures that both Mystry Mart and the host locations benefit mutually from the presence of our vending machines, without imposing any direct rental costs on our artists.
Handles all business-related taxes: Mystry Mart takes care of all the taxes linked to the business, removing the tax burden from artists.
Markets artists on social platforms: Mystry Mart actively promotes artists on its social media platforms, including creating and editing content for them, which helps in increasing their visibility.
Provides free art wrapping services: In some instances, we may offer to wrap art pieces at no cost to the artist, adding value and protection for the artwork during distribution.
Funds advertising and PR: The project covers the cost of advertising and works with public relations professionals to gain media exposure for the project, simultaneously providing artists with significant exposure.
Covers machine maintenance costs: Mystry Mart is responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the vending machines, ensuring they are always in good working order.
Tags items with artist information: Each item sold through the vending machine includes tagging with the artist's information, helping customers identify and learn more about the artists.
Maintains organization for easy distribution: Mystry Mart ensures that all items are well-organized within the vending machines for straightforward and efficient distribution.
how can I apply to sell my work with Mysty Mart?
Please fill out our artist application and we will get in contact.
Timeline:
Application Review: The review process can take up to 1-2 weeks.
Submission of Work: Once approved, artists have one month to submit their initial inventory.
Weekly Updates: Inventory levels will be updated weekly through a shared spreadsheet.
what are the benefits of selling my work with Mysty Mart?
Increased accessibility: Vending machines are often located in high-traffic areas which can provide increased visibility and accessibility for artists' work. This means that more people, including potential customers who may not typically visit art galleries or studios, can easily view and purchase the artwork. It can attract impulse buyers who may not have planned to buy art but are enticed by the convenience and novelty of purchasing artwork from a vending machine.
Cost-effective distribution: Traditional methods of selling art often involve gallery representation or online marketplaces, which may require significant commissions, fees, or overhead costs. In contrast, selling artwork through a vending machine can be a cost-effective distribution channel for artists.
Unique marketing opportunity: Artwork sold through a vending machine can be seen as a unique and innovative marketing opportunity. The novelty of purchasing art from a vending machine can generate buzz and attention from the media, social media, and the local community, which can help to raise an artist's profile and increase their exposure. Artists can leverage the uniqueness of vending machine sales to create interesting marketing campaigns or collaborations, generating buzz and attracting new audiences to their artwork.
Hands-Off Convenience: Mystry Mart handles all the logistics involved. Artists simply provide their work, and we take care of the rest. This allows you to focus on creating, without the stress of managing sales logistics.
can artists take art back from the machine?
Yes! Your work is your work. If you feel you need your items back, please do not hesitate to get in contact with us at info@mystrymart.com and we will set up a schedule to return your work! No questions asked! Please note that shipping costs for returns are the artist’s responsibility.
What if my items do not sell?
We can ensure we do everything in our power to make sure items are given a fair chance to sell in the machine, and we have our special ways of making it happen. Being chosen to put your work in the machine means we whole-heartedly believe in your masterpieces. However, if we see an item is not being sold after a year of trying, we will return your work in the same condition. But, we are not even going to put that sort of doubt into the universe!
After Your Application is Approved...
You’ll receive a step-by-step guide on what to do next, including instructions on sending your 20 pieces.
Once your work is available through Mystry Mart, we encourage you to share the news on Instagram! Tag us to let your followers know that your art is now available through our vending machines, and we’ll happily repost to support you. It’s a great way to spread the word and build excitement for your work!
Can I paint a vending machine?
If you would like to paint one of Mystry Mart’s machines, please download our MM machine designs template from here and send your design ideas to info@mystrymart.com.
Contact us.
info@mystrymart.com