Buy Now / Make Offer FAQs 

Note: To see if your country is eligible for Buy Now and Make Offer, please read this article.

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.

I. Benefits of Buy Now and Make Offer and How They Work

Why is Artsy doing this and what are the tools?

Artsy is offering select galleries access to new sales tools that allow our partners to receive click-to-buy purchases, as well as the ability to consider serious payment-backed offers, all through Artsy CMS. Our aim is to provide you with more diverse and effective ways to sell through our platform.

When opting in an artwork for Buy now, you can set a fixed price at which a client can check out directly on Artsy.

When opting in an artwork for Make offer, you reveal the retail price on Artsy and allow collectors to submit offers and negotiate. At the time of submitting an offer, collectors provide payment and shipping details, so that as soon as you accept their offer, the sale is immediately completed and the collector’s payment is processed for the negotiated amount. If you feel the offer is too low, you can counter-offer. If the work is no longer available or extenuating circumstances prevent you from negotiating, you also have the ability to reject the offer.

For artworks you would like to sell through the marketplace, we recommend always opting them in for Buy now. For works over $1000, we recommend opting them in for Buy now and Make offer. You also have the option to use Make Offer only.

Why is this good for me as an Artsy Partner?

The new selling options allow you to sell in ways that were previously not possible on Artsy. The new sales tools make selling easier for you, and buying more seamless for collectors. Using these tools will allow engagement from different kinds of collectors, particularly those who prefer not to send inquiries. Sometimes a collector might know what they want to purchase without needing a conversation. Others may be across the world in a timezone that makes it difficult for them to communicate. Others may not speak English, making inquiries intimidating. Offering works for direct purchase & negotiation expands your Artsy toolbox and can help make your sales processes more efficient.

Why does Artsy charge a commission?

The subscription allows galleries access to Artsy’s comprehensive business tools; Buy Now & Make Offer are optional tools to help galleries make sales through the platform which are directly attributed to Artsy. These dollars are funneled directly back into the company to drive more sales and promotion to our gallery partners.

How should I price my works with Artsy’s commission?

As a start, we recommend choosing Buy Now & Make Offer selling options for artworks where your margins are flexible with Artsy’s commission. For artworks with tighter margins, feel free to adjust prices accordingly; however, your prices on Artsy should match prices you have listed on your website and elsewhere.

II. Shipping, Sales Tax, and Payment

How does shipping work?

Partners can add shipping fees in the artwork upload form in Artsy CMS. You have a few options: to offer pickup (free to collector), to offer Domestic Shipping (for US- US, for UK-UK, for remaining European countries - Continental Europe), and to offer shipping International Shipping. When the collector places their order, the shipping fee 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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

When and how do I get paid?

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 begins to remit payment to your bank account, less Artsy’s commission, immediately. To check the status of a payment, please log into your Stripe account for more details.

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

Galleries can list works for Buy Now & Make Offer in USD, GBP and Euro. 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.

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.

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.

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.

III. Promotion of NSO Listings

How are Buy Now & Make Offer works promoted?

Works with Buy Now & Make Offer selling options are eligible for various exclusive promotional opportunities on and off of Artsy’s platform. On Artsy, these works are eligible for curated collections that are promoted by email, social media, and on various Artsy pages. Additionally, Artsy invests extensively in paid marketing services (like Google, Facebook, etc.) for works with Buy Now and Make Offer selling options. 

Why wasn’t I included in this promotion?

Collections, social media, and email campaigns are put together by our marketing team. Any content they create is under their creative control, and unfortunately those placements cannot be purchased. Rest assured though, that simply by having artworks with Buy now/Make offer selling options you will inherently increase opportunities for exposure for your artworks and your gallery, as these listings receive prominent placement across Artsy’s artist and category pages.

To learn more about Artsy Collections, please see our FAQs About Collections

Questions about BNMO during COVID-19

Is it a good time to start using Buy Now & Make Offer?

We understand that now is an extremely difficult time for galleries. We're in this together with you and want to offer any possible resources for you to continue driving sales for your business. Buy Now & Make Offer selling options provide an easy, secure purchase option for Artsy's collectors, and are easy to manage even if you're not physically in the gallery.

Our research shows that speed convenience, price transparency, and access to available inventory are the three things that make it easiest for collectors to purchase online. By using Buy Now & Make Offer, you are doing all three. This is the time to remove as many barriers as possible for collectors. You can do this by making more artworks available, listing prices, and using Buy now & Make Offer. Our Orders Support team support team is also here as a dedicated resource to ensure all orders are handled smoothly.

I can't ship within 7 days right now, can I still use BNMO?

We understand that shipping may be a challenge right now due to cost and availability. If you cannot ship within 7 days of order confirmation, that is okay - simply let us know by contacting [email protected] Collectors will also be notified upon order confirmation that shipping delays may occur.

For additional questions, please also see our article on COVID-19 Art Shipping Updates