Do you collect anything when you travel? Most likely, you do, as souvenirs are the best reminders of unforgettable places you have visited, people you have met, and experiences you have had away from home. Almost every traveler has, at least, several fridge magnets, T-shirts, or figurines from different countries of the world in their collection. However, what if you want to acquire something more significant and valuable, like a modern outdoor sculpture, one of the famous paintings by a noted artist, or any other fine art piece? This task is not an easy one, especially if you are not familiar with some of the common pitfalls. So before you buy an artwork abroad, ensure you know exactly how to do it right. Take advantage of the following tips from Fine Art Shippers!
1. Know what you are looking for
While a small and relatively inexpensive work of art usually does not cause many problems in view of international transportation, except that you are not shipping fragile items or antique objects, purchasing valuable and large art pieces abroad still requires advance preparation. Therefore, if you want to make a sound investment, gather as much information about the artwork and the artist as you can before you leave home.
2. Consult an expert
When it comes to expensive, rare, and antique fine art pieces, don’t neglect the advice of experienced art collectors, professional appraisers, and independent experts. If you have a high-resolution digital photo of the artwork you want to purchase, consult serious people first. At least, it will give you the confidence that you are not buying a fake.
3. Take care of insurance coverage
Any valuable artwork is an investment and, therefore, has to be covered with art insurance, especially when you need to ship it internationally. So before going abroad, check your existing policies to find out whether you can purchase fine art pieces overseas and declare them after you return home. Furthermore, you can also call your credit card company and ask whether they offer any protection for artworks you charge. If not, make all necessary arrangements for art insurance in advance.
4. Find a reliable art shipping company
The best way to ensure your newly acquired fine art object is delivered in its pristine condition is to hire a professional art shipping company. Although the most prominent galleries usually handle the customs process and international transportation themselves, sometimes you still need to arrange the shipping on your own. So it’s better to contact Fine Art Shippers and organize the transportation process beforehand.
5. Get a Fair Price
When buying a work of art abroad, make sure that the asking price is reasonable. Consult the expert or do the research on the similar items and other artworks of the same artist to find out the average market price. Please note that if the seller offers you to buy a painting at a too-good-to-be-true price, most likely it’s a fake. The normal discount you can get from a reputable dealer usually does not exceed 15% of the market value.
6. Learn the laws
Finally, before making an expensive purchase, learn what the laws say about the export and import of antique and fine art pieces. Keep in mind that some artworks require a special export permit while others are considered cultural property and cannot be exported. Therefore, we recommend that you consult a licensed customs broker or a trustworthy fine art shipping company before buying expensive items abroad.
Contact our team of experts now, and we will provide you with all the necessary information and services you need!