The influx of technology and availability has made shopping online a one-click process. What’s another item added to your shopping basket?
However, there are loopholes and certain things you should go over before you take the plunge and buy art online. How do you distinguish the art you’re buying from something everyone else has? In this free guide, we will exam a few of the mistakes to avoid before buying artwork online
1. No Quality Control
Buying from auction houses seems like a safe bid. However, the practice of outbidding on artworks to increase the value of the artist can happen, this can result in overpaying for art pieces. The quality of the artwork presented in auction houses is not always comparable, and pieces that aren’t necessarily special or valuable, are up for auction with quality ones.
Acquiring artwork through a reputable online gallery with experienced art advisors is key to getting original artwork. These pieces have been selected for their quality and value. Observing rules of buying art allows you to build a relationship with art dealers and gallerists.
Developing relationships with gallerists will help strengthen your knowledge of the art scene. They offer a wider context on trends, artist and what is happening in the art market.
They will know your taste and be able to alert you when new artists work fits your taste and needs.
2. Not Having a Safety Net
Another common mistake you should avoid is buying art from unreliable providers. This detail though minute is important. There is no hard rule between reliability and the dark web – simple rules of thumb? Read the terms and conditions of the site you’re buying from and check for icons of safe surfing.
Look for an art dealership with consistent customer service, and timely responses. Find reputable galleries specialized in working with artists.
Learn all you can about the company or individual before committing to a purchase.
3. Overlooking Care and Conditions
Viewing art online can be tricky. Is that little thumbnail of the painting to scale? How can you be sure what you’re buying is what you’re getting?
A good art dealer will be happy to go over the conditions of the painting. Most sites will provide this option and have additional information ready on site for you. The dealer will always be happy to help reassure that you’re making a steady and safe investment.
4. Forgetting the 3P’s: Provenance, Payment, and Privacy
Another common mistake you should avoid is buying art from unreliable providers. This detail though minute is important. There is no hard rule between reliability and the dark web – simple rules of thumb? Read the terms and conditions of the site you’re buying from and check for icons of safe surfing.
Look for an art dealership with consistent customer service, and timely responses. Find reputable galleries specialized in working with artists. Learn all you can about the company or individual before committing to a purchase.
Provenance
A qualified authority is a difficult concept. Art dealers and online galleries should have significant background and experience with the artist and artwork they have in their collection.
When all your documentation is verified and certified by the right experts, you can have confidence in your collection and its provenance. Buying from reputable galleries and art dealers with essential credentials and documentation of their work. This is key if you want to resell the artwork in the future.
Payment
Secure payments are a must for buying artwork online. The digital age has left buyers feeling insecure when tasked with large online bank transfers and purchases.
Review the website of the authorized dealer. Go over the terms and conditions. Ask questions. Always. If something is unclear do not hesitate to reach out to the gallerist/customer service to illuminate any points that need clarity.
Privacy
There’s nothing more important to you than your privacy. An online sale shouldn’t be an open door to third-party vendors or a barrage of emails from questionable links. Go over the sites credentials and privacy contract.
Make sure that they’re keeping your information safe. If something seems amiss – reach out to customer service and have them verify their terms.
5. No Customer Care
How often have you looked through the FAQ page and not found what you’re looking for? How many times have you scrolled through the site and not seen a place to reach customer service for some live interaction? Too often.
A good customer care team is a great part of the online shopping experience. Apart from working with the art dealer or the gallerist, they can answer questions to help make your online shopping experience a seamless one.
If you’ve ever purchased art online, you know that overall the process is seamless: Online art dealers are a bank of knowledge and are generally happy to help you not only with your art selection but any questions and concerns you may have. If you’re a first-time buyer – realize that buying artwork online doesn’t have to be daunting. As technology evolves, the ability to acquire fine art does too. The subject is a lengthy one. For added convenience, we’ve made up a Guide to Buying Art.
Sign up to RDN Arts to receive it now; follow these simple rules before you click confirm, and go from buyer to collector.