The pandemic has seen great shifts in consumer behaviours. Footfall for retail has dropped and people are going online for their purchases ranging from daily necessities to luxury purchases. You will be surprised to know that even the art world has not been spared. Many art collectors are now browsing and buying art pieces online. Appreciating and buying paintings, sculptures and photography online can be a simple and fun process but care must be taken to ensure a positive experience. With fraud cases around, one needs to be able to confirm the legitimacy of the website, the authenticity of the art piece among other concerns. This article seeks to offer the necessary tips for buying art online.
Why Buy Art Online?
During the pandemic when all of us are stuck at home. Being able to browse, appreciate and purchase a beautiful work of art online can help lighten the mood and changes the entire experience of buying art. With the positive experience, the trend to peruse and buy art online has only continued to heighten over the years. Galleries now actively use digital platforms to present works of art and renowned auction houses carry out digital auctions regularly. Art sellers have also made the process of collecting art much easier with better pricing transparency, variety as well as efficiency.
Tips for Buying Art Online
It is important to always start your experience through a trusted and reliable platform selling real works of art from renowned artists. Here are some essential tips to consider before you make that decisive online purchase!
1. Always Purchase From A Reliable Source
You must first determine the reliability of the online seller that serves as the intermediary between the artist, gallery, and the client. You want to be absolutely sure that you are shopping on a genuine site. Look for positive customer testimonials and ensure that the website is a legitimate and verified source before purchasing artworks.
2. Authenticity & Credibility
Every reliable online art platform that sells art should provide a Certificate of Authenticity. This is a document that accompanies every work of art. It shows information about the artwork artist, date of creation, and provenance. This certificate is important when you plan on reselling the piece in the future.
3. Security
It is important to also make sure the method of payment is secure. Credit card payments will be the safest followed by alternative options such as PayPal. You can buy art with bitcoin too!
4. Shipping & Insurance
When you buy a piece of art, you would want it to be handled and shipped with love. Shipping fees differ according to your shipping country and the size of the work. Art pieces that are more expensive generally have higher insurance fees.
5. Returns Policy
Check if the art you purchased allows a returns policy. The seller should set a clear period where the item can be returned should you not want the artwork anymore.
Now that you have read the guidelines, you know that buying art online can be fun and easy. It’s time to get started on your experience.
