10 IMPORTANT TIPS FOR BUYING ART ONLINE

 

 

Similar to any other online shopping, the trend of buying art online is the very season. Sometimes we see an artwork online and fall in love with it. We immediately see that artwork hanging on our walls or beautifying a corner. However, there are a few points that we need to take into account while purchasing the artwork online. Just like while purchasing clothes, accessories, or any electronic gadget we tend to do a lot of research, similarly, there are a few key points we must consider before finalizing our decision of buying art online. 

1) Trust your educated intuition

Before buying anything online it's important to research well and study the product/item or in this case the artwork which you may be looking forward to purchasing. Whether the artwork is painting, photography, sculpture, or any other form, with change in the market with the time that what seemed more precious sometime back might not hold the same value at present. Nothing can be more reliable than your knowledge in this genre. 

2) Ask about its permanence

Beware of junk, duplicates, and other forms of unauthentic products in the market. Often in paintings, thick paint is reapplied over to make it look original, besides there are many websites that are un-curated and offer amateurish art that is substandard. Compare other artworks of the artist, his/her signatures, and number on the print, etc. Take special care and check if the prints are numbered. Do Your Homework about the artwork, the Artist, and the Site.

3) Whom you are buying from

Often the online sellers are dealers /agents themselves that serve as middlemen between the artist and the audience and earn a percentage of the profit earned from the sale. One must verify about the agent how long has he been in the business which would help in determining the ability and the genuineness of his commitments. However, its best preferred to buy directly from the artist. The artists themselves prefer it as it helps to facilitate direct interaction with the artist which is encouraging and appreciating for him/her and one can get first-hand information about the artwork directly.

4) Resume or biography of the artist/ about the artist.

Before you buy the artwork which appeals to your interest, you should judge, cross-check and research the artist. Check for his works, his profile, whether he has gained recognition locally, nationally, internationally, etc. if he is a part of any recognized artist forum or professional groups. Check out his credentials, such as awards and titles won. Read about the artist's resume or biography to get a closer idea about his/her type of work.

5) Cross-check the Legitimacy and the seller's reference.

Even if you're buying from a trustworthy source, there are some crucial points to remember like; is a second-hand product which was pre-owned, its present condition, ask for a specialist to give his expertise on the product/artwork. Before clicking on the button in online auctions, there is a buyer's premium fee the auction house charges, the buyer can be anywhere from 15 to 30 percent of the final bid so keep in mind all the additional fees!

6) Demand a certificate of authenticity.

One of the best things you could rely on is the certificates awarded to the artwork that justifies its authenticity, besides certificates from a known art gallery forum as well as the signature of the artist on the artwork. You can always demand any documentation with details of authenticity that may be suited to prove from the dealer, gallery, or the artist representative from whom you are buying. Look for credible companies that give all the necessary information.

7) Do pay a fair price for the artwork

Be willing to pay a fair price for the artwork. The authenticity certificate with descriptive details may further add to the price of the item. Beware of duplicated work which may be available at huge discounts than the original. The auction format which often offers secondhand or clearance items may not meet your expectations of the quality, condition, or originality. Do check and compare prices and products before settling with the final payments. Buying art online is affordable but compare prices to get the best deal for yourself.

8) The commitment of guaranteed sale

Before you make online payments, make sure you are buying from a genuine site with proper pay services and guaranteed sales. Make sure the online gallery allows you and gives you a chance to change your mind once an artwork arrives and to return it, after a reasonable period without any hassle, if you are not satisfied with the item you purchased.

9) Check your Delivery medium 

Be sure the seller uses a professional shipper so that you can be certain that your item is delivered safely and reaches you in proper conditions for often one is expected to pay for the shipping being included in the final payment. 

10) Keep upbeat with the reality  

Contact Art Seller

Often what appears online is different from when you see it physically. One should check out several other offline galleries, shops, and artwork seller's zones to get a good idea about the products and can, therefore, judge well about their real appearance and look. Besides the price usually, differ from that of the offline. One should put efforts into gaining sound knowledge and keep upbeat with what's in store offline in reality.