ABoriginArt Galleries launched it's business on the web just 3 years ago [1997] Business continues to be brisk. The combined talents of Simon's expertise at sales and marketing combined with Peter flair with computers and photography has led to a successful blend of quality and service unsurpassed in the On Line Inuit Art gallery world.

ABoriginArt Galleries display over 1000 works of art by over 400 Canadian Inuit and First Nation artists. "Sculpture, Original Paintings and Limited Edition Prints by Canada's best known and young talented artists are all available thru our web site " says Simon. "And at unbelievable prices" adds Peter. Simon adds "Without the overhead costs associated with a large architecturally designed retail space we can offer individual and corporate collectors the same quality art at much lower prices – usually 35-40% less."

With the flexibility that e-commerce offers they are both able to travel extensively, do the research for new supplies themselves and completely satisfy customers requests. "A web base virtual gallery is open 24 hours a day every day. Visitors from around the world can browse at their convenience" says Peter.

Based in Toronto, this newly created company is improving every day. Their web site, http://www.inuit.net/, is now available in English, French and German. Orders are received over a secure order form that encrypts the credit card data. Once an order is received the client gets an immediate welcome telephone call. "The web doesn't have to be impersonal" says Simon "we have very close relationships with many of our clients - from Australia, the USA and Europe – the personal touch is a positive client building approach that has been successful for businesses since time began. The web shouldn't change that."

Future success, explains Hickman, lies in aggressive marketing to corporations, establishing themselves on the various search engines found on the Internet, and of course, through word of mouth. ABoriginArt also engages in advertising on auction sites such as eBay where links to their own site are visible. What's more, coincidentally, the company initials AB are at the top of the alphabet, thus their site is often the first to pop up within the search engines.

More foreign links are needed and sourcing locations and connection can be a full time job. "The web is our retail gallery and we treat it like a regular gallery treats their space…we manage it daily – we add new pieces and it up so it's always fresh for repeat clients and prospects" says Griffiths "that's the secret to managing the web".

Hickman and Griffiths claim that they are generating as many sales months on the Internet as retail galleries that have been in business for a decade. "The potential opportunity to reach out to clients across the world at a low cost, while increasing our potential market initially attracted us to e-commerce" says Griffiths. "I believe that people are becoming more comfortable with making purchases on-line, as our average sale is well over $600."

Cyber space is where it's happening for ABoriginArt.

For further information, please contact:

Simon Griffiths
Owner
ABoriginArt Galleries
Tel: (604) 913-2428 or (888)228-8210  [now in Vancouver]
E-mail: info@inuit.net
URL: http://www.inuit.net/