The digital age has made it not only possible but also secure to buy art online. With knowledge, caution, and the support of our know-how, you’re all set for a seamless online art shopping experience. Here’s our valuable, rapid-fire checklist of 50 considerations we believe are likely to assist in ensuring a safe and delightful art buying journey online.
1. Trustworthy Platforms:
Begin with recognized platforms. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with an online search for “where to purchase art online”, and look for trust signals which indicate that a platform is built on authenticity, offers secure transactions, and genuine art pieces. Look out for platforms which demonstrate a commitment to prioritizing your safety as highly as they do the quality of art offered.
2. Secure Payment Methods:
Always ensure the platform uses encrypted payment gateways. This protects your financial information from potential threats.
3. Certificates of Authenticity:
Genuine artworks come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA). This provides some assurance that a piece is original and not a counterfeit.
4. Research the Seller:
Dig a little deeper into the seller’s history, past sales, and customer reviews. A reputable seller will have a trail of satisfied customers.
5. High-Resolution Images:
Quality platforms will provide clear, high-resolution images from multiple angles. Enough to give you a detailed view of the artwork, and to feel confident that it will match your expectations.
6. Clear Descriptions:
A thorough description of the artwork, including medium, size, artist, and other pertinent details, indicates transparency and authenticity.
7. Return Policies:
Always check a seller’s return policy. A straightforward and fair return policy indicates the platform’s confidence in the art they’re selling.
8. Art Provenance:
Know the history of the artwork. Provenance provides details about the piece’s previous ownership, exhibitions, and can validate its authenticity. Are you able to establish any facts with regard to the provenance of the artwork?
9. Artist Information:
Platforms that provide detailed profiles of artists indicate transparency and establish trust. Are the platforms you’re looking at interested in benefiting the artists who sell work through their site? Does the platform limit their takings to a fair and appropriate commission?
10. Shipping and Insurance:
Choose platforms that offer insured shipping. This ensures that even if the artwork is damaged during transit, you’re covered.
11. Safe Packaging:
The way art is packaged speaks volumes. Reputed platforms will ensure artworks are packaged securely, maintaining their condition during transit.
12. Direct Communication:
Some platforms offer direct communication with sellers or artists, adding an extra layer of transparency to your transaction.
13. Privacy Policies:
Always review the platform’s privacy policy. It should guarantee the safety of your personal information.
14. Detailed Invoices:
After purchasing, you should receive a detailed invoice with all necessary information. It serves as a record of purchase and attests to the platform’s professionalism.
15. Avoid Too-Good-To-Be-True Deals:
If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Always approach such situations with caution.
16. Secure Websites:
Ensure the website’s URL starts with ‘https://’ and has a padlock symbol. These indicate a secure, encrypted site.
17. Ask Questions:
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the platform with any queries. A reputable platform will be responsive and assistive.
18. User Reviews and Testimonials:
Reading experiences of previous buyers can provide insights into a platform’s reliability.
19. Track Your Shipment:
Opt for platforms which offer tracking services, so you always know the status of your artwork’s delivery.
20. Know Your Rights:
Educate yourself about your rights as a consumer. In case of disputes, this knowledge is invaluable.
21. Check for Signatures:
Original artworks often come signed by the artist, adding another layer of authenticity to your purchase.
22. Seek Recommendations:
Ask fellow art lovers or collectors about their preferred online platforms. Personal experiences can guide you to trusted sites.
23. Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Transactions:
Making purchases over public Wi-Fi networks can expose you to vulnerabilities. Always use a secure, private connection.
24. Keep Documentation:
Store all correspondence, invoices, and documentation related to your purchase. They’re crucial for future references or disputes.
25. Stay Updated:
Join newsletters or follow platforms on social media. This will keep you informed of any changes, updates, or new safety or security measures they implement.
26. Beware of Red Flags:
Be cautious of sites with poor design, multiple pop-up ads, or ones that demand unnecessary personal information.
27. Art Forums and Communities:
Engage in art communities. Fellow enthusiasts will often be more than willing to share their online buying experiences, recommending trustworthy platforms or highlighting potential red flags.
28. Use Credit Over Debit:
Credit cards often have better fraud protection than debit cards. Consider using them for online art purchases.
29. Know the Market:
Being informed about the general price range of artworks can help you to identify suspiciously cheap or overpriced deals.
30. Verify Contact Details:
Check the platform’s contact details. A genuine platform will have clear, verifiable contact information.
31. Art Guarantees:
Some platforms offer guarantees on their artworks. This speaks volumes about their confidence in the pieces they sell.
32. Digital Authenticity Tools:
Some modern platforms use digital tools or blockchain to verify the authenticity of artworks, offering an added layer of security.
33. Avoid Pressure Tactics:
Steer clear of platforms or sellers that pressurize you into making a quick purchase. Genuine art platforms will let you take your time.
34. Use Strong Passwords:
If the platform requires an account, ensure you use a strong, unique password. It’s an added defense against potential breaches.
35. Two-Factor Authentication:
Opt for platforms where possible that offer two-factor authentication, further securing your account and transactions.
36. Understand Shipping Costs:
Transparent platforms will clearly list any additional costs, including shipping, ensuring there are no surprise charges.
37. Regularly Update Your Devices:
Keeping your devices updated ensures you have the latest security features, making online transactions safer.
38. Independent Authenticators:
If in doubt, you can always employ an independent authenticator to verify an artwork’s genuineness.
39. Secure Browsing Tools:
Consider using secure browsing tools or VPNs when making a purchase for added online security.
40. Check Affiliations:
Trusted platforms often have affiliations with art councils, societies, or organizations, adding to their credibility.
41. Feedback Channels:
Reputable platforms will have channels for feedback and will be responsive to customer reviews and concerns.
42. Read the Fine Print:
Always read terms of service, return policies, and other fine print before making a purchase.
43. Consistent Quality:
Seek out platforms which maintain consistent quality across their listings, as this may indicate a commitment to only trading in genuine art.
44. Transparency in Pricing:
The pricing should be transparent, with no hidden fees or charges.
45. Collate All Art Details:
For every artwork, note down details like the medium, dimensions, year of creation, etc. This is likely to be useful to you for future reference.
46. Safe Art Resale:
If you ever wish to sell an artwork, some platforms offer secure resale options, ensuring you are protected and supported even post-purchase.
47. Regular Account Checks:
Regularly review your account and transaction history for any anomalies or unauthorized transactions.
48. Privacy Matters:
Ensure the platform respects your privacy and doesn’t misuse your data or share it without consent.
49. Local vs. Global:
This can be an important one: When buying from international platforms, be aware of customs, duties, and international shipping nuances.
50. Stay Informed:
The digital landscape is evolving, as are safety measures. Regularly educating yourself with regard to innovations and developments within the online art marketplace space will keep you ahead and secure.
While the vast world of online art shopping may seem daunting, it can be incredibly rewarding and safe to purchase artworks online when you approach reputable online art sales platforms with informed caution.