These days, buying art online is commonplace.
This is true for home decor.
And it's true for art collectors.
However, a work of art is not an ordinary object.
Especially when it comes to fine art photography.
Therefore, before confirming your order, ten checks are essential.
With this in mind, the prudent buyer also reads the terms and conditions.
And even the general terms and conditions of sale (GTC).
Because, in online sales, everything is regulated.
Notably by consumer law.
Thus, these checks protect the buyer.
And they also protect the artist.
1) Identify the artist and the coherence of their artistic vision
First, you must verify the artist's identity.
Name, website, credentials, contact information.
This is fundamental.
Next, you must assess the coherence of their work.
Series, style, intention, consistency.
Indeed, a collection is built over time.
Take the example of a series like Imaginary Planets.
There is a universe.
There is a visual signature.
And there is a process.
In this regard, the 35+ buyer often seeks a lasting piece.
Therefore, the artwork must "hold up."
And it must remain a powerful presence in an interior.
Art photography by Paul Marnef: Babayaga
2) Verify the exact nature of the artwork: fine art photograph, print, finish
First, the buyer must know what they are ordering.
Is it a fine art photograph?
Is it a fine art print?
Is it an unsigned decorative print?
More specifically, the description should indicate:
- technique,
- support,
- finish,
- size,
- options (framing, box, hanging system).
Under these conditions, a "ready-to-hang" artwork does not have the same price as a print alone.
Furthermore, the finish changes the appearance.Matte. Satin. Glossy.
Or mounting on a rigid support.
3) Check the edition: limited edition, numbering, rarity
It's important to emphasize that the value of a work also depends on its status.
Unique. Or multiple.
Open series. Or limited edition.
Therefore, the buyer should check:
- the number of copies,
- the number (e.g., 3/15),
- the presence of a signature.
Compared to buying in a gallery, buying online requires a methodical approach.
So, if the edition is unclear, ask.
Immediately.
4) Demand a Certificate of Authenticity and Clear Intellectual Property Rights
Currently, a certificate of authenticity is essential.
Especially for an art collector.
Indeed, this document specifies: title, format, finish, technique, year, edition number, and signature.
And it confirms that the work is indeed a fine art print.
Furthermore, it's important to distinguish between the artwork and its uses.
The buyer purchases the artwork.
But the intellectual property rights remain with the artist, unless otherwise stated.
Therefore, reproduction, commercial use, or advertising must be regulated; in my case, reproduction rights are not transferred to the buyer of one of my photographs.
5) Examine the images and request confirmation if necessary.
At first glance, a photo on a screen can be appealing.
However, screens can sometimes distort images.
Colors. Contrast. Brightness.
In this case, the buyer should check:
- an overall view,
- details,
- and, if possible, a view in context.
Moreover, for fine art photography, detail matters.
Sharpness. Texture. Micro-contrast.
Therefore, if the images are too small, you should request additional information.
Art photography by Paul Marnef: Not the Last Tree
6) Check “your order”: shopping cart, order form, confirmation
Next, you should reread the order summary.
It’s a simple step.
But it prevents mistakes.
In practice, the buyer checks: size, finish, framing, quantity, address.
And they verify the order form or the order summary.
At this stage, confirming the order is binding.
So, it’s better to check beforehand.
Rather than considering cancellation afterward.
7) Payment, Invoicing, and Security: Credit Card, Bank Transfer, VAT Included
Generally speaking, a reputable website offers a clear payment method.
By credit card.
Or by bank transfer.
Furthermore, the price must be clearly displayed.
VAT included.
Shipping costs.
Options.
In addition, a well-designed invoice page clearly specifies the VAT and the payment steps.
And, generally, an order confirmation email is sent.
With a read receipt.
This way, the buyer retains: order number, confirmation, invoice, and terms and conditions.
This is useful in case of a dispute.
8) Delivery: Delivery times, delivery address, your package, merchandise
It's important to remember that delivery is a critical aspect.
Especially for a work of art.
Especially for an art print.
Therefore, the buyer should check:
- delivery times (in business days),
- delivery method (standard delivery, express delivery, pickup point),
- order tracking,
- packaging, protection, insurance.
Indeed, your package must arrive intact.
Otherwise, you must be able to prove the damage.
Photos upon receipt.
Any reservations.
Furthermore, the terms and conditions should specify who is responsible in case of breakage.
And the time frame within which a claim must be made.
Art photography by Paul Marnef: Life in Life
9) Check the Returns and Cancellation Policy Before Buying
Next, the buyer checks the return policy.
This is essential, especially when buying remotely.
First, they check if cancellation is possible.
Then they verify the applicable timeframe.
And, most importantly, the starting point of the timeframe.
For example, from the date of receipt of the package.
However, some artworks may be subject to exceptions.
Particularly if the artwork is made according to specific specifications.
Specific format.
Specific finish.
Custom framing.
In this case, it's necessary to read the terms and conditions.
And understand exactly what is being ordered.
Because a standard print and a custom order don't always offer the same options.
Next, the buyer checks the procedure.
How to submit a request.
To whom to send it.
And in what format.
Email, form, or letter.
Furthermore, he checks the fees.
Return shipping costs.
Packaging responsibility.
And shipping conditions.
Finally, he checks the refund.
Stated delivery times.
Refund method.
And any deductions if the artwork is returned damaged.
This ensures a smooth ordering process.
And purchasing a fine art photograph becomes a simple experience.
Without any unpleasant surprises.
10) Guarantees and Disputes: Legal Guarantee, Hidden Defects, Force Majeure, Customer Service
Finally, the buyer should check the terms of the guarantees.
This is an often overlooked point.
Yet, it protects the buyer.
The General Terms and Conditions of Sale (GTC) must address:
- legal guarantee,
- conformity,
- hidden defects.
Furthermore, a procedure must be outlined in case of a dispute.
Contact information, customer service, response times, and potential mediation.
Moreover, certain situations constitute force majeure.
Shipping delays. Strikes. Severe weather.
In this case, the contractual terms specify what happens.
Thus, the buyer knows what to expect.
And the purchase remains a positive experience.
In conclusion: ordering art online can be a worry-free experience.
Ultimately, buying a piece of art online is simple.
But the process requires careful consideration.
Especially when it comes to limited-edition art photography.
All things considered, these ten checks help avoid unpleasant surprises.
They clarify the contract.
They secure your order.
And they enhance the relationship with the artist.
Finally, for a lover of original décor, the goal is clear:
To choose a piece that transforms a space.
And that lasts.
And for a collector, the goal is even clearer:
To obtain a coherent art print.
Numbered. Signed. Documented.
With a certificate.
And with transparent terms of sale.
So, before placing your order, simply check.
Then choose.
And finally, acquire a piece of art that matters.