We always reach a point in our lifes, when we need to buy art. Whatever your goal is - collecting, decorating, investing or gifting - buying a painting or a sculpture oline has definately crossed your mind.
However, art costs much more than other goods we usually buy on the internet, so you may have doubts if your purchase will be secure and won’t result in a failure and frustration.
That is why I decided to discuss whether it safe to buy online by listing the most common fairs and giving advice to make sure your online art acquisition is safe and will bring you a rightful dose of dopamine!
1. Will my art look as good in reality as it looks on a screen?
Believe me, if you like this tiny image on your computer or phone screen, you will definitely love the artwork when it arrives, because it will be much bigger, you will be able to see true colours, shapes and textures.
If you have any doubts about the appearance of the artwork you like, feel free to ask the artist or the online art gallery to e-mail you more detailed photos.
2. How do I know the artwork is unique?
Before you buy an artwork online make sure it is signed and dated. If it has an edition — it has to be numbered.
Artists and galleries usually provide Certificates of Authenticity, so don’t be shy to ask if there is one accompanying the work you have chosen.
3. Is it safe to make an online payment?
Yes, if you are paying via trusted service. Make sure you are choosing an artwork on a serious platform.
I sell artworks on Artsper as well as my own online gallery where collectors can pay with PayPal or Credit Card, using secured payments.
If you are buying from an artist directly, I would advice to use PayPal as well. This service is easy to use and you can always file a dispute and get your money back if something goes wrong.
4. What if I don’t like the art I’ve bought online?
Most online art selling platforms offer a 14 day return.
Please make sure you read the terms & conditions page before you buy an expensive artwork.
If it is not what you expected, you will have to return it within a certain period of time, so don’t miss the deadline.
5. What if the artwork arrives damaged?
Galleries and artists who are shipping art of high value always insure it.
So if you receive a damaged artwork, refund should not be a problem.
However, I would advice to check it with the seller prior to the purchase and make sure that the artist or gallerist you are buying from will insure the piece shipped to you.
Hope you found this blog post useful. If you have more questions, do not hesitate to ask in the comments!
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Thinking about buying art online? Visit ArtGoda.com and take a look at my curated contemporary art collections!
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