More and more artists start selling artworks online. Even if virtual sales cannot replace offline exhibitions or auctions in full, it is still a great boon for creative folks. Selling and getting money for art is indeed exciting, but the same cannot be said about shipping. Packing and moving canvasses could be quite stressful for both the artist and the buyer. To help you prepare for your first sale, check out our artwork shipping tips for freelance artists.
Artwork Shipping Tips for Artists Selling Art Online
Discuss it with a client
A seller is the one who is almost always responsible for shipping. Be it Etsy, Saatchi Art, Amazon, or Artnet, artists make sure that a customer receives their purchased items. That is why it is a service provider who decides how to pack and ship art. Though it is not a usual practice, discussing shipping with a client turns out to be quite effective and rewarding. Because of the peculiarities and fragility of the pieces, as well as the distance, some standard options may not work. In this case, it is a good idea to agree with a customer.
Be wise with your packaging
The cost of packaging is often included in the cost of a product, but you don’t want it to make it pricey for your buyers, don’t you? To avoid additional expenses, you need a solid packing strategy. First, create a checklist of what materials you need for one shipment and then compare the prices of supplies with several dealers. We don’t recommend cutting costs by buying cheap packing products. Keep up with the times and opt for eco-friendly materials such as recycled cardboard and packing paper, corrugated bubble wrap, biodegradable packing peanuts, etc.
Research shipping companies in your region
Finding a perfect art moving company in your region is challenging yet possible. Pay attention to logistics firms that ship artworks across the country, as you will most likely have clients from different areas. If you are doing business with customers abroad, you should think of international artwork shipping services as well. You have two options: either hire the second company for international transportation or find handlers such as Fine Art Shippers that can do both.
Wrapping up
A positive shipping experience plays an essential role in winning the hearts of your clients. At the end of the day, no one likes to see a canvas with a tear or a sculpture with a crack. These artwork shipping tips will definitely benefit your online business!