For the longest time, physical art fairs and auctions were the moving force of the art market. That is, it was like this up until COVID-19 hit. In post-pandemic years, major players in the industry reported a never-before-seen increase in online sales. Lockdowns and social distancing forced auction houses and galleries to look for ways to adjust to the new harsh reality. Fortunately, they were left with a lot of options. While it took some time to get used to the drastic changes inflicted by the global pandemic, the leading figures in the art market managed to successfully transfer their sales online. Now, buying art online feels natural to most art collectors.
Buying Art Online: Why Collectors Choose Online Marketplaces
Buying artwork and antiques at e-commerce platforms and online auctions is not just something people do out of necessity. For many, it has opened an entirely new road of possibilities.
First off, buying art online has become incredibly easy. Online galleries have worked hard throughout these years to make their interfaces as user-friendly as possible. All it takes is just opening a website, typing in the name of the artist, genre, medium, or country of origin, and you will be immediately presented with hundreds of items available for purchase. For those who missed the joy and thrill of participating in auctions, online bidding has become a go-to option.
Moreover, buying art online frees you from the constraints of time and distance. You no longer have to spend money on traveling to the auction or art fair that is happening in another part of the country simply to purchase one work of art. And once you pay for your new possession, you can have it shipped right to your door by professional art shipping companies. The field of art logistics has experienced impressive growth in the past several days, especially since more and more people have been discovering the convenience of online shopping and quick and safe delivery.
While there are countless ways to purchase art online, to do it or not to do it is still the collector’s choice. There are pros and cons to both methods: for example, online shopping might not be the best idea for customers who prefer to look at a piece with their own eyes before buying it. Whether you decide to buy art in person or on the Internet, the most important thing is that you enjoy the process. Luckily, there are great solutions for everyone today.