Shipping, Returns, and Payments with Buy Now & Make Offer

Important note: We understand that there may be shipping delays due to the COVID-19 outbreak. We've updated the shipping timeline on our buyer FAQ & are informing collectors on an individual basis so they know what to expect.

If you anticipate a delay in sending out an order, let our team know at [email protected] Please disregard our automatic shipping reminders for the time being. For more information on international shipping during the COVID-19 outbreak, read this article.

How does shipping work with Buy Now and Make Offer?

When uploading an artwork with Buy Now & Make Offer selling options, you will be asked to add shipping fees in the artwork upload form in Artsy CMS. You have the following options: to offer pickup (free to collector), to offer domestic shipping within the U.S., Europe (including the U.K.) or Hong Kong, depending on your location, and to offer international shipping. When the collector places their order, the shipping fees you have entered will automatically be added to their total at check-out. The gallery is then responsible for packing and shipping the artwork within 7 days of order confirmation.

We have more information on Shipping via a Guide to Parcel Shipping Your Artworks.

How do I arrange pick-up if the client chooses this delivery option?

Artsy’s Marketplace Support team will coordinate directly with you and the client to arrange a pick-up time.

Do I receive the collector's contact details?

When you receive an order or offer, you will see the client’s city, state and country. Once an order or offer has been accepted, you will receive the client’s name, address and phone number for shipping purposes. We do not provide e-mail addresses per our privacy policy. 

How do returns work?

Per Artsy’s Conditions of Sale, all sales through Buy Now/Make Offer are final. In the event that the work arrives damaged or not as described in the listing, we will be in touch with you regarding facilitating a return or exchange.

How are returns and cancellations handled for works purchased in the EU?

Pursuant to the European Union Directive on Consumer Rights (2011/83/EC), a buyer in the EU who purchases a work via Buy now or Make offer has a right to cancel such sale contract within 14 days after purchase. An EU Buyer that exercises this cancellation right must return the work and the seller will refund the EU Buyer for payments already made for the purchase and applicable shipping of the work within 14 days of informing the seller. To exercise this cancellation right, the EU Buyer must inform the seller through a clear statement (i.e., a letter sent by post or e-mail) or may use this model cancellation form.

When and how do I receive payment?

Once you confirm an order or accept an offer in CMS, the client’s payment details are charged the full amount of sale, including the artwork price, shipping and sales tax (if applicable). Stripe processes this payment and then immediately begins to remit the net amount, less the transaction fees, to your designated bank account.

To check the status of a payment, please log into your Stripe account for more details. 

What fees are associated with Buy Now & Make Offer sales?

Sales made through Buy Now & Make Offer selling options are subject to a commission and payment processing fee. The commission fee applies to the artwork price and varies based on your subscription level and the processing fee is 4% and applies to the total amount of sale, including shipping and applicable taxes.

How do I price shipping for my works?

We understand that determining shipping fees for large regions can seem difficult, since partners are asked to determine these fees without knowing the collector’s exact shipping address. We recommend always offering pick-up as an option, and for shipping to Continental US or UK, or within Hong Kong, we recommend adding a shipping fee that would cover your cost to your furthest destination in the region. We know that in some circumstances, you may overcharge the client and in others you may undercharge; however, we see that these costs tend to even out for partners over an extended period of time. International shipping is not required.

How are sales taxes calculated? [For US partners]

Artsy uses a third party sales tax api to calculate sales tax, which the collector pays at checkout. Please make sure all of your business addresses are updated and accurately entered into your Artsy CMS locations, as this is essential information used by the api.

How are sales taxes calculated? [For Hong Kong partners]

Artsy does not calculate taxes sold by galleries in Hong Kong and galleries do not need to add taxes to prices on works listed. Please make sure all of your business addresses are updated and accurately entered into your Artsy CMS locations. 

How is VAT calculated? [For European partners]

Artsy does not calculate VAT on the gallery's behalf. Galleries are responsible for listing prices on Artsy as VAT inclusive.

What if I don’t have a VAT registration number? [For European partners]

If you are exempt from collecting VAT and you have a VAT number and you’d like to use Buy Now and Make Offer, we will reach out and collect additional documentation. If you are not exempt and you do not have a VAT registration number, you will not be able to use Buy Now or Make Offer until you apply for and get a valid VAT registration number and add it to CMS.

I'm entering my VAT number but am getting an error. What's wrong? [for European partners]

You may get an error if your VAT registration number is invalid for cross-border transactions. Artsy has collectors located all over the world and our system does not prevent collectors from specific locations from purchasing from you. Galleries will need a VAT valid for cross-border transactions to use Buy Now & Make Offer.

How do I view my invoices? [For European partners]

Artsy does not provide VAT compliant invoices. The gallery will be responsible for creating their own VAT compliant invoices.

To view all completed orders, you may go to your Orders tab in CMS and click on the "Complete" section. You will also receive an order confirmation email for individual orders.

Will Artsy send me a W2 or 1090 at the end of the year for tax purposes?

These two forms are specific to employees and independent contractors who are paid wages or a fee by a company for their services. Neither of these will be sent to you at the end of the tax year.

Which currencies can I use and then which currency am I paid in?

Galleries can list works for Buy Now & Make Offer is USD, GBP, and Euros. Collectors will be charged in the currency you select, and you will also get paid in that currency.

Who do I send an invoice to?

It is not necessary to send an invoice to the collector for sales through Buy now & Make offer selling options. Once the order is confirmed, the client’s payment is immediately charged and you both will receive an order confirmation via email with all of the order details.

Do I receive the client’s contact details?

When you receive an order or offer, you will see the client’s city, state and country. Once an order or offer has been accepted, you will receive the buyer’s name, address and phone number for shipping purposes. We do not provide email addresses per our privacy policy.

Does Artsy have Seller Protection?

We’re here to help you sell with confidence on Artsy as you connect with collectors through our marketplace. We're proud to offer you the protections listed in Artsy's Seller Protection.