Thanks to the rise of online platforms, it’s easier than ever to buy art online. However, while the convenience and accessibility have opened the door to a wider audience, purchasing high-value artworks online comes with risk. It's not something to be looked over! But if your goal is to finally make your first investment or expand your collection, instead of avoiding buying art online, educate yourself and see what you can do. In this guide, we will walk you through the process, ensuring that your online art transactions are secure, informed, and successful.
The rise of online art transactions. Everything you need to know
Buying art online isn't simply about "the comfort of your own home." Its benefits exceed that part, way more than you'd expect. But imagine that you have found a fantastic artist living and working thousands of miles away from you. You could, of course, travel there to visit them and make your purchase there, but then the cost of such an investment would increase significantly. Many artists were skeptical about selling their art abroad just a few years ago, but thankfully, it's changing rapidly. That's why today, all you have to do is to find the artwork you love and… purchase it with one click.
That's not the only influence of technology — learn more about art and technology!
From major auction houses like Sotheby’s to specialized online galleries, numerous platforms allow you to buy art online with just a few clicks. Some websites even offer virtual viewing rooms or detailed close-up images so you can see the piece in great detail before deciding. An interesting fact is that sometimes you can get to know and understand the painting or sculpture better online than in person!
But let's be clear about one thing. Just like with any other online purchase, there are risks involved. High-value art transactions require extra caution, and you, an investor, have to make sure that you’re dealing with reputable platforms and sellers. Luckily, by taking a few steps we'll introduce to you in just a second, you can ensure a safe art purchase every time.
Safe art purchase in 5 steps
When you choose to buy art online, particularly high-value pieces from the greatest artists, you should follow the following five steps to protect yourself, your budget, and your investment.
1. Research the platform and seller
Before completing any online art transactions, always research both the platform and the seller. Reputable platforms will have transparent terms of service, privacy policies, and customer reviews. Look for sellers with a proven track record, particularly those with clear contact information and established credibility in the art world.
Reading reviews from previous buyers can provide insights into the seller's reliability. You can also contact the artists to ensure they're involved in the process.
2. Authenticate the artwork
Art forgery is a significant concern in the online market, and it doesn't matter whether you're dealing with high-value works or less significant artists' artwork. Before purchasing, ensure the piece is authentic. The seller should provide proper documentation, such as a certificate of authenticity or provenance, outlining the artwork’s history and ownership.
Don't buy the artwork if the seller isn't willing to provide the necessary documentation!
If you are unsure about the piece's authenticity, you may want to consult with an independent art appraiser or authentication service. Many art marketplaces offer third-party verification services.
3. Request high-resolution images
Since you can’t physically inspect the piece, request high-resolution images or videos of the artwork from various angles. Look closely for details (such as the artist's signature or specific texture), and don't hesitate to ask for close-ups of particular areas of the piece. Inquiring about art is more than okay — the artists and the galleries expect that from the buyers.
Many online platforms also offer AR tools that allow you to visualize how the artwork will look in your space. These tools help ensure that the piece's scale, colors, and mood are what you expect.
4. Get to know the return policy
Of course, while buying, you're not considering returning the artwork you've loved so much that you decided to purchase it. But when making any online art transactions, knowing the platform’s return and refund policies is essential. Some platforms offer a grace period for returns if the artwork isn’t what you expected, while others may have more stringent guidelines. Know your rights as a buyer! In some cases, high-end art pieces might have insurance policies attached, further protecting your investment. If it doesn't, we highly recommend purchasing shipping insurance, particularly in the case of international transport.
5. Secure payment methods
For high-value online art transactions, ensure the payment methods are secure and traceable. Avoid paying through wire transfers or any method that doesn’t offer buyer protection. Trusted platforms will offer secure payment options like credit cards or PayPal.
So, the next time you decide to buy art online, remember these tips and confidently make your purchase!
