Buying art online could be something new to you. While there are a bunch of other things that we can easily tap on, art isn't one of them. There are a lot of concerns surrounding online art buying and since we've provided some solutions, we have also found some other things often overlooked when doing online transactions, especially with art buying. We gathered tips to help you buy art online safely and practically.
1. Secure Connection Before the Transaction
A lot of people take connection for granted but it's one of the easiest to hack into. When you're purchasing anything at all online, securing your connection should be your first step. Don't use public computers and if possible, don't use public networks as well. It's better to do it at home or with your own mobile data on your own device.
2. Check for Privacy and Return Policies
We bet that whenever you register an account, you just tick on the "I agree" button that pops up on your screen. Better think twice doing this. Terms and Conditions are much more important than you think. Read through it carefully especially when you know you're inputting private details on the site such as full name, address, occupation, credit card details, and more. Privacy policies will protect you when things go wrong later in the process. Not to mention, return policies are not always present for every online art seller so make sure you know their policies surrounding it as well.
3. Ask Seller for Brands Used on the Artwork
If you're a little skeptical on the quality of the work you're buying, don't hesitate to ask the seller for details such as brands of paper or canvas used in a piece. These small details can help you determine the proper means of protecting the artwork you're buying.
4. See Live or Wall Previews of the Piece
Most online art sellers would present the works on a practical setting. While high resolution photos of the artworks would the first you would see on pages while browsing, look through the photos or ask the seller for photos of the artworks situated on a certain setting. It could be a bare wall, a living room, office space, or anywhere else to help you envision the work among your other collections.
5. Consider Buying the Piece Unframed
When you're ready to purchase an item, you'll usually be prompted whether or not you want the item framed—the size of the frame, matting, or if it's floating. It's practical to have this done by the seller themselves but consider buying the piece unframed if you want to save on some dime. It's lighter thus making the shipping cost a bit less than when it's framed, plus there wouldn't be framing charges on your invoice. This will also be practical if you prefer the items framed by one supplier alone; this way your collection would love more cohesive and according to your aesthetic.