Shipping and Returns FAQs

This guide answers shipping questions for works purchased through secure checkout and Artsy auctions.

How will shipping work? How much will it cost?

Our sellers are experts at packing and shipping artworks. They are responsible for organizing shipping and providing quotes and lead times. 

Shipping costs are based on your location and the size of your work and will include the cost of packing materials.

How much is shipping for works available for secure checkout?

For works available for Buy Now or Make Offer, shipping fees will be calculated at checkout. For select works, a preview quote will be available to review on the artwork page.

For works with a “Contact Gallery” button, but available for secure checkout, all shipping fees will be available for your review before placing your offer. Shipping fees are automatically added to your order or offer.

If a gallery doesn’t have a shipping fee listed for your location, get in touch with our team at orders@artsy.net. We’ll get a quote for you.

How much is shipping for works available via Artsy Inquiries? 

If you connected with a gallery through our Inquiry function, a gallery representative will provide you with a shipping quote based on your location, the size of your work, and the cost of the packing materials. 

We recommend requesting shipments with tracking and insurance in the rare case that something goes wrong. If the artwork is being shipped internationally, we also recommend asking whether customs fees are included to avoid any surprises down the road.

Will I need to sign for my package upon delivery?

Your tracking number will generally indicate whether a signature is required to receive a shipment. If you’re worried about a shipment, we recommend shipping to a location where someone can receive your work, like an office building.

I won a lot at auction. How does shipping work?

If you win, we’ll connect you with the seller so you can arrange shipping directly. Generally, buyers will choose between a common carrier (like FedEx) and a specialist fine art shipper. Shipping costs will be your responsibility.

You don’t ship to my country. What should I do?

If a gallery doesn’t have a shipping fee listed for your location, and the artwork you’re trying to acquire is available via secure checkout, get in touch with our team at orders@artsy.net. We’ll get a quote for you. 

If the artwork is listed under the Artsy Inquiry function, a gallery representative will confirm if shipping is available to your location when you place an inquiry. 

Can I return a work or cancel my order?

All auction sales are final. We recommend reviewing the auction’s specific conditions of sale for more information.

All sales made via secure checkout are eligible for cancellation within 24 hours. After this 24 hour period, the sale is considered final.

In the rare case that something arrives significantly different than described, let us know at orders@artsy.net. We’ll work on a resolution.

Note: Due to the unique nature of art, if your work is meaningfully not as described, inauthentic, does not arrive, or arrives damaged, we will work with you to find the best resolution, including getting your money back. For full details, please see The Artsy Guarantee.

If you inquire about a work via the “Contact Gallery” button, and your payment is processed outside of Artsy’s secure checkout, be sure to ask the gallery about their return policy before buying.

Works purchased outside of Artsy’s secure checkout are not eligible for returns through Artsy. Returns must be organized with the gallery directly.

Where can I check the status of my order?

You will receive an email from orders@artsy.net whenever there is an update to your order. The shipping confirmation email will include tracking information so that you may follow your shipment’s status. 

Note: In the case that your order does not have a tracking number, you will be contacted by phone to schedule delivery.

You can review the current status of your order through the Order History tab located under the Account icon in the upper right corner of artsy.net. 

Can I pick up the work in person?

Some works available for secure checkout offer local pickup. If this is possible, you’ll see an “Arrange for pickup” option on the shipping page at checkout. 

Note: You can check the work’s location on the artwork page (displayed above the checkout button) or under the artwork title during checkout.

If you opt to pick up your work, our team will contact you after your order is confirmed to coordinate timing and logistics.

For works available via Artsy Inquiries, please ask a gallery representative about picking up your work at the time of inquiry.

My offer was declined, but I’m still interested in the work. What should I do?

If your offer is declined, we’ll tell you why via email or in your Conversations tab.

If the gallery found your offer too low, reopen negotiations by clicking “Make Offer” again, or purchase it outright by clicking the “Buy Now” button (if available). Offers within 10% of the asking price have the best chance of being accepted.

If the work is no longer available or if the gallery can’t ship to your location, contact us at orders@artsy.net. Our team can help you find a similar work.