Getting Started on the Online Marketplace

REDWOOD ART GROUP

SELLER’S GUIDE

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO GETTING STARTED SELLING YOUR ART ONLINE WITH REDWOOD ART GROUP

Email: info@redwoodartgroup.com

www.redwoodartgroup.com

REDWOOD ART GROUP

HOW TO GET STARTED SELLING ONLINE

It’s easy to get started. Just complete these six simple steps, and you’ll be ready to sell your art.

Step 1: APPLY TO BE A SELLER

Let us know you’re interested! Apply to be a seller by completing the Application. Let us know your best contact email, how many years of experience you have with online art sales, and other sites that your work has appeared on. To be a Seller, you will need to submit several images of the work you want to sell on the site.

To verify you as a Seller, we’ll also need a copy of a photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport.

If you are a U.S. based seller, we’ll need a copy of a completed Form W-9. Internationally based sellers will need to supply a completed Form W-8BEN. We recommend you review the form with your personal tax advisor. It is understood that should any information given on said tax form change, the Seller will submit a new form within 30 days of any certification made on the form becoming incorrect.

NOTE: If Redwood Art Goup handles the Online Sale, there will be a 9% processing fee.

Step 2: WAIT TO BE APPROVED

Once you apply to be a seller, our curatorial team will review your application. You will receive an email about whether you’ve been approved to sell online within seven business days.

Step 3: SET UP YOUR DASHBOARD

Once your application is approved, it’s time to set up your dashboard and customize your storefront. Here’s how to make that happen. Just go to www.redwoodartgroup.com. Next, go to ACCOUNT INFO and LOGIN with your Username and Password.

At the DASHBOARD -> scroll down to SETTINGS

1. CLICK ON STORE:

- Add Phone Number

- Add Store Logo

- Add Store Banner (Image of artwork works best)

- Add Artist Bio for Shop Description or info about Gallery

CLICK SAVE

Below are a few examples of what a finished Storefront Banner/Logo page looks like:

https://redwoodartgroup.com/store/syrov-art-inc

https://redwoodartgroup.com/store/chlangrant

https://redwoodartgroup.com/store/anacpslealgmail-com

Add Shop Description: Short bio of the artist and or gallery

STORE VISIBILITY SET UP

1. Select Store Name Position

2. Products per page: 20

3. Only select those items you do not want to appear on the Storefront page

Logo example

Banner image example

Step 4: ADD STAFF (IF APPLICABLE)

If someone else will be helping you manage your storefront, you can add Staff by clicking on Staff (which is located under Settings in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the screen). To add a new staff member, click on Add New. Create a username for them, and enter their email address and name. If you want to customize their access to your storefront, click Custom Capability and configure what to hide from this user. Click Submit. If you don’t have any staff, you don’t have to fill this section in.

Step 5: UPLOAD YOUR PRODUCTS

Now you’re ready to upload your products - your works of art - to the Redwood Online Art Marketplace. To upload your first piece, scroll down and hover over PRODUCTS and click on “ADD NEW”. Everything with an * is mandatory.

1. Artwork Title: ADD the name of the work of art in Title Case. For example: This Is Title Case.

2. Price: ADD the price as numbers only, no commas or price signs are needed. All sellers are responsible for the fulfillment of orders themselves, which means you are required to pay for the packing, including crating when needed, and the initial outbound shipping for an artwork. Include these costs in the price. Product pricing on the Online Art Marketplace must be $250 or higher.

Note: All oversized pieces, including large sculptures, will be listed with shipping costs to be determined at the time of sale in order to allow for shipping distance and special handling. Shipping costs will also be determined at the time of sale for all international sales.

For more information about pricing your artwork, read Chapter 4: How to Price Your Artwork on Page 12.

3. Sale Price: ONLY add if you want to put your item on Sale from the original price. Scroll down to bottom of page and select NEXT.

4. Categories: Click on Choose Categories and select those that apply.

5. Subjects: Click on Choose and select those that apply.

6. Styles: Click on Choose and select those that apply.

7. Tags: Please include artist’s name and gallery (if applicable) and any word that could be used to help your product/image show up in a search. Separate tags with commas.

8. Mediums: Add the substrate used to create the art.

9. Galleries: List those galleries where your work has been on display

10. Fairs: Add the fairs that you have participated in. It helps gain credibility with the collector. Please include any of Redwood Art Group’s Fairs (if applicable). Artexpo New York (year participated), Art Santa Fe (year), Art San Diego (year), Spectrum Miami (year), Red Dot Miami (year)

CLICK ON NEXT

11. Image Gallery: Upload Featured Artwork Image. Click on the square to add image to Media Library. Image files should be at least 1200 x 1500 pixels and no larger than 1MB. Image files must also be named properly before submitting or they will not upload correctly.

You are welcome to upload up to four additional images of this product (can include close-ups, detail shots; shots of the edges or back of the work; images of the artwork in a room setting/ hanging on a wall, etc., so collectors can get a better sense of your work before buying by clicking on the plus sign in the circle to add more images. Use a website like Canvy.

Step 6: START SELLING

Sell your artwork to buyers, collectors, and designers all over the world. Each artist/gallery receives 100% of the sale.

Use these links to help boost your sales.

SOCIAL MEDIA GUIDE

PROMOTING YOUR ONLINE STOREFRONT

Learn more about ART MONEY

If you have any questions along the way, reach out to support@ redwoodartgroup.com.

Step 7: ONCE YOU MAKE A SALE

1. When you make a sale, you will receive an email notification of the new order. The email will include the customer’s details, including their name, contact info, and shipping address. You can also see your buyers’ contact information within your dashboard. Click on the Customer in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the page to find the shipping information. You must ship the artwork within three business days of the sale. Before sending the package, recheck the shipping address to make sure it will arrive at your collector’s correct destination

2. When you ship your artwork go back into your dashboard -> Click on the Customer and click on the Shipping Icon (Truck). Enter the tracking number. An email will be generated and sent to the Buyer with this information. You are also welcome to send a personal email.

CLICK ON NEXT

12. Size of Artwork (without frame): __________Height in Inches x ________Width in Inches

13. Description of Artwork

• Select the type of artwork from the dropdown list

• Please select the substrate used from the dropdown list

• Please select the framing information

• Please select the Shipping container

• Add the year the artwork was created

14. Short Story behind the artwork and/or short bio of artist

CLICK SAVE (wait for the page to refresh) and then select SUBMIT FOR REVIEW

3. Keep track of the delivery date. Follow up with a call or email to make sure they received the artwork. Once the buyer receives the work of art, our refund policy states they have seven days to decide whether they’d like to keep that artwork or return it for a refund. To process a refund, the buyer must contact us first, and then we will get in touch with you. If the buyer has buyer’s remorse, they will be responsible for return shipping costs. If we determine the artwork shipped to the buyer was damaged as a result of poor packaging, the seller will be responsible for return shipping costs. If we determine the returned artwork was damaged as a result of poor packaging by the buyer, the buyer will not receive a refund. Once you’ve made a sale and the buyer decides to keep the piece, your payment will arrive according to the preference you set up in your Storefront: by check within 5 business days; by wire transfer, or Paypal within 1-2 days.

Once the 7-day period has passed, we suggest sending a thank you note to the buyer that includes your contact information, a Certificate of Authenticity (found at https://gdoc.io/certificatetemplates/certificate-of-authenticity-free-google-docs-template), and links to your website and social media accounts. It’s important to maintain a connection with your collectors as they are likely to make repeat purchases. Make sure to inform them whenever you have new artwork or a new series available.

4. Once the sale has gone through, go back into your dashboard -> under products -> select the product/artwork sold -> go into Inventory and change to Out of Stock -> SELECT UPDATE.

CHAPTER 2:

HOW TO PHOTOGRAPH YOUR ARTWORK

Many artists struggle when it comes to photographing their artwork. They’ve spent days and hours— maybe weeks and months—on the intricate details of the piece and, when it comes time to create a proper image for selling online, either aren’t sure where to begin or just take something quickly with their phone.

Remember, this will often be the first sample of your work that people will see, and if the images aren’t good enough, it will more than likely be the last. Let’s get it right so you have great selling success with these pointers.

THE CAMERA

• Use a good-quality digital camera on the highest-quality settings.

• Use a tripod. This helps to avoid taking blurry photographs and keeps your image in focus and properly aligned with your artwork resulting in clear, sharp images.

• If you have to use your smartphone, be sure to use all the settings it offers to your advantage.

THE LIGHTING

• The ideal lighting is diffused natural lighting, such as a cloudy day, to capture the most accurate colors and to avoid shadows.

• Don’t have time to wait for a cloudy day? Get two lights that are exactly the same (wattage and color) and place them at 45-degree angles from the center of your artwork. Try to diffuse the light to avoid glare. Place your camera in the center.

• Do not use a flash. It creates hot spots and glare on your artwork.

• A few sheets of white foam core can be set up to simulate a “raking light” effect where the lights are pointed at the foam core and the whiteboard reflects the light back at the piece.

THE SETUP AND COMPOSITION

• Use a clean, uncluttered background. Nothing but the artwork should be in the photograph.

• Always take the picture with the artwork parallel to the camera.

• Avoid image distortion by taking the picture with the camera level with the center of the artwork.

• Fill the frame as much as you can with the artwork, cropping out borders, matting, frames, etc.

• Take some closer detail shots of the piece. Are there special details and finishing on the sides? A remarque, sketch, or special signature on the verso side? If it’s a sculpture, be sure to take shots from all sides and angles.

THE FILES

• Your artwork images can not include any of the below:

• Logos, watermarks, or digital time stamps

• Digital text overlay of anything that is not part of the artwork (e.g., artist’s website)

• External people holding or standing next to the artwork

• Review your image at 100% to choose the best shot and the best focus.

• Edit your photos to perfection:

• There are plenty of free or inexpensive photo editing software alternatives out there that will help minimize any inconsistencies. Photoshop is considered the best, but Photoshop Elements or Gimp have basic functions such as color correction, cropping, and other adjustments. Lightroom also offers a subscription-based editing program that professional photographers swear by.

• Free image editing software:

• Preview (included with any Mac)

• Paint.NET (Windows)

• GIMP (Windows/Mac)

• PhotoScape X (Mac)

• Artwork should be properly rotated upon submission.

FILE NAMING

When naming your file, please use the below format:

• Use lowercase letters only

• First name

• Last name

• Add title

• Date using the YYYY-MM-DD format

• If applies, include a version number if you have multiple images of the same piece

• Use hyphens only for the file name - never underline

Example:

• First file: firstname-lastname-title-date-001

• Second file: firstname-lastname-title-date-002

CHAPTER 3:

HOW TO SUBMIT IMAGES CORRECTLY

It’s important that you take high-quality photographs that accurately represent the appearance of your artwork, capturing as much detail as possible. Remember, you are trying to sell your art to someone who may not have ever seen your work in person. You want to capture as much detail as possible so your creativity and techniques shine through.

SHOW JUST THE ARTWORK—NOTHING ELSE. YOUR ARTWORK IMAGES CANNOT INCLUDE ANY OF THE BELOW:

• Background of the room or hanging on a wall in a room

• Logos, watermarks, or digital time stamps

• Digital text overlay of anything that is not part of the artwork (e.g., artist’s website)

• External people holding or standing next to the artwork

FOR YOUR IMAGE TO BE ACCEPTED AND SHOW YOUR ARTWORK PROPERLY ONLINE, YOUR IMAGES MUST BE:

• A JPEG file in RGB color format (not CMYK)

• At least 1200 pixels x 1500 pixels

• Less than 1MB

• All submitted files must be optimized. To learn more about optimization, read this article

• Free image optimization software: squoosh

Note: If you are unable to follow these image standards, our team can edit and optimize your artwork images for a fee. For each piece of artwork you wish to sell on the Online Art Marketplace, you are able to upload up to six shots of the piece. There will be a fee of $25 per image. If you have more than three images that require editing, the fee will drop to $20 per image.

So, for example, if you want to sell a piece of art in the Online Art Marketplace and you need help editing and optimizing six images of the piece of artwork, then it would cost $120 ($20/image). If you want to sell another piece of art and need help editing those six images, it will cost another $120.

For questions about submitting images correctly, email support@redwoodartgroup.com.

Two Umbrellas By Samir Sammoun

CHAPTER 4:

HOW TO PRICE YOUR ARTWORK

Pricing your original artwork correctly is critical to selling your work. As an artist, it is important that you have a basis for how and why you priced a particular piece. Therefore, it’s important to be consistent and base your pricing on facts and conventional methods.

If you’re new to the market, the following are some five basic pricing principles and methods for you to consider.

1. PRICE YOUR ART BASED ON COMPARISONS TO OTHER SIMILAR WORK.

Look at artists with similar experience and who work in similar mediums. Always consider factors such as dimensions, medium, materials, and the artists’ achievements, such as prizes, exhibitions, affiliations, press, and so forth, that can influence the price. When comparing, look at art that is sold, not art that hasn’t yet sold.

2. REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENS AT RETAIL.

Gallery owners need to make a living, too. They normally take a 50 to 60% commission. So, for instance, you price a piece at $2,000. If the gallery owner is taking 50%, you’ll receive $1,000.

Think in terms of time, labor, and materials. What’s your hourly wage? How many hours did it take to create the artwork? And what were the costs of your materials?

For example, if you spent $100 for materials, your hourly rate is $25, and it took you 30 hours to create the piece, then the cost of goods is $850 [($25 x 30) + $100 = $850.] Therefore, if you are thinking like a retailer, the price for this piece should be $1,700.

Of course, if you are a new artist and new to selling your work, you can decide to lower the retail price. It’s up to you. But it’s important to be consistent with your pricing. If you are selling in multiple channels—at galleries, art fairs, and online—make sure the price is consistent everywhere. Also think about the size of your work; larger pieces should generally be priced higher than smaller pieces.

3. OFFER ARTWORK AT DIFFERENT PRICE POINTS.

When selling online, make sure you are offering artwork at different price points. This gives collectors a choice when they can’t afford one piece, but the lower price point piece makes it attainable.

Of course, once you’ve established some sales, you can always increase your prices. The evidence of prior sales, collectibility, and continued development as an artist justifies the increase. Remember, it’s always better to sell your work and create more than to have an overpriced piece sitting around unsold.

4. PACKING AND SHIPPING ARE THE ARTIST’S RESPONSIBILITY.

When you are pricing your artwork for Redwood Art Group’s Online Art Marketplace, remember the cost of packing and shipping the artwork is your responsibility and should be included in the price. Please read our chapters on How to Safely Pack Your Artwork (Page 16) and How to Ship Your Artwork (Page 24) and review the required packing materials and shipping procedures carefully so you can create the right price and are prepared when your artwork sells. When you are pricing your artwork for Redwood Art Group’s Online Art Marketplace (36” x 48” or less), remember the cost of packing and shipping the artwork is your responsibility and should be included in the price.

5. OVERSIZED & INTERNATIONAL WORKS OFTEN COST MORE.

Note that larger, oversized artworks will require a wooden crate for shipping. All oversized pieces, including large sculptures, will be listed with shipping costs to be determined at the time of sale in order to allow for shipping distance and special handling. See Chapter 6: How to Safely Pack Your Artwork (Page 16) and Chapter 7: How to Pack Artwork in a Crate (Page 22) for more information.

Note: You can put your item on sale or offer buyers a coupon code.

To put a piece of artwork on sale, select the product and enter the sale price. If you want to the product to be on sale for a set period of time, such as the weekend, click Schedule under Sale Price and add the time frame in YYYY-DD-MM format. Click Save.

To create a coupon code, click on Coupons, which is located in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the screen. Click Add New. Choose a code, such as BUYART2020. Select the discount type, and set the coupon amount, and expiration date. If you want the coupon code to appear on your storefront, click the Show on Store box. Click Submit for Review.

CHAPTER 5:

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU MAKE A SALE

When you make a sale, you will receive an email notification of the new order. The email will include the customer’s details, including their name, contact info, and shipping address. You can also see all of your buyers and their contact information within your dashboard. Simply click on Customers in the menu bar on the left-hand side of the page. You must ship the artwork within three business days of the sale.

At Redwood Art Group, we envision our team as your partner and want to be your online art gallery. Unlike other online artselling platforms, we encourage you to reach out to your buyers.

Once the 7-day period has passed, we suggest sending a thank you note to the buyer that includes your contact information, a Certificate of Authenticity (found at https://gdoc.io/certificate-templates/certificate-of-authenticity-free-google-docstemplate), and links to your website, your Storefront page of the Online Marketplace and social media accounts. It’s important to maintain a connection with your collectors since they are the ones most likely to make future purchases. Remember to reach out to them whenever you have new artwork or a new series available.

Once the buyer has received the artwork and the return period has passed, we encourage your to send the buyer a thank you with your contact information, website, and social media links. You want them to keep connected with you. After all, they are the most likely people to buy again.

For more information about safely packing and shipping your artwork, read Chapter 6: How to Safely Pack Your Artwork on Page 16, Chapter 7: How to Pack Artwork in a Crate on Page 22, and Chapter 8: How to Ship Your Artwork on Page 24.

Once the artwork has been shipped, use your Redwood Art Group Dashboard to record the sale. This is an easy way to keep track of what was sold and who your collector was for the piece.

Click on the Notification Board icon (a yellow bell) in the upper right-hand corner. Scroll down until you see Send Direct Message - To Store Admin. In the box, send us the tracking number. For example:

“Sold TITLE OF ARTWORK and shipped it via NAME OF COURIER to NAME OF CUSTOMER on DATE. Tracking number: TRACKING NUMBER.”

Once the buyer receives the work of art, our refund policy states they have seven days to decide whether they’d like to keep that artwork or return it for a refund. To process a refund, the buyer must contact us first, and then we will get in touch with you. If the buyer has buyer’s remorse, they will be responsible for return shipping costs. If we determine the artwork was damaged as a result of poor packaging, the seller will be responsible for return shipping costs.

Once you’ve made a sale and the buyer decides to keep the piece, your payment will arrive according to the preference you set up in your Storefront: by check within 5 business days; by wire transfer or Paypal within 1-2 days.

CHAPTER 6:

HOW TO SAFELY PACK YOUR ARTWORK

You’ve sold your artwork! Now it’s up to you to ship the artwork so it arrives in perfect condition. Your collector has fallen in love with your artwork— and the way you pack it will make a lasting impression when it arrives. The appearance of the packing is also a confirmation that you are a professional who values them as a collector.

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

• Tape measure

• Shipping scale (optional)

• Double-wall corrugated picture/mirror box or sturdy shipping tube or crate when necessary

• Glassine paper: Acid-free (archival quality) glassine paper is an absolute necessity when wrapping artwork for both shipping and storage. Archival quality materials are pH neutral (i.e., between 7 and 8.5) and will have no chemical interaction with any objects it contacts. Although other types of archival paper are available, we highly recommend that you buy glassine. It’s readily available by the roll from most art supply, craft, or frame stores.

• Scissors

• Artist tape or painters tape

• Cling film (optional)

• Cardboard corner protectors: Corners of flat artworks are especially vulnerable to shipping damage. That’s why we require artists to use cardboard corner protectors. You can buy corner protectors ready-made at many art supply, moving supply, or frame stores, or you can construct them yourself. A quick search on Google will lead you to online resources offering instructions on how to make them.

• Bubble wrap: An adequate amount of bubble wrap will provide a surprising amount of protection by distributing pressure and impact across a wide area. Bubble wrap does two important jobs: It cushions the art in the event of impact and it fills empty space, preventing unwanted movement within your packaging. For these reasons, bubble wrap should be your padding and filler of choice.

• Remember, bubble wrap never goes next to your artwork. The “bubbles” can end up sticking to the artwork—leaving an unsightly pattern of bubblewrap pits and craters all over the piece. Always wrap with acid-free glassine paper first. Use bubble wrap as padding and filler.

• Foam boards: A sturdy support is necessary for safe packaging and storage of all flat artworks. Foam board (also called foam core) is ideal for this purpose, and you can find it at most art supply, craft, or frame stores. Foam board comes in varying degrees of thickness (depending on the amount of protection needed for your work) and can typically be purchased individually or in bulk. We recommend you use foam board of at least 1/2-inch thickness. Archival-quality foam board is also available from some manufacturers and should be used if it will come into direct contact with the artwork.

• Pressure-sensitive packing tape: Always buy good-quality packing tape! Sturdy tape ensures your outer package remains shut throughout transit. When wrapping your artwork, highquality tape ensures fully sealed seams, keeping damaging moisture out. It’s also easier to separate from the roll and usually comes with a more efficient dispenser, making it faster to apply.

10 STEPS FOR PACKING AND SHIPPING ARTWORK

1.

MEASURE YOUR ARTWORK.

Measure the length, width, and height of your artwork in order to select an appropriately sized box, crate, or shipping tube.

2. SELECT AN APPROPRIATE SHIPPING CONTAINER.

Ship unframed artwork that’s larger than 48 by 48 inches and framed pieces that are larger than 18 by 24 inches in a wooden crate. See Chapter 7: How to Pack Artwork in a Wooden Crate (Page 22) for a guide on building crates or use one of our recommended crate suppliers.

Ship smaller works of art in a new, double-wall corrugated box that will minimize movement and offer adequate space for padding. Add 6 inches to each length, width, and height number in Step 1 to allow for cushioning. Double-walled mirror or picture boxes that are well-suited for framed and mounted artwork are available in a variety of sizes.

Don’t reuse a box. Not only will a recycled box provide less protection, but it also looks unprofessional.

Unmounted or unstretched artwork that may be rolled up without damage can be shipped in a sturdy shipping tube that’s at least 4 inches longer than the shortest side of the flat artwork. Allow for 4 to 5 inches of padding on each side of the rolled art.

3. PREPARE YOUR WORK SURFACE.

Be gentle with your artwork. Protect it while you prepare it for shipping by padding your work surface with protective materials such as cardboard, foam, bubble wrap, or cloth to avoid scrapes and scuffs.

4. COVER UNFRAMED ARTWORK WITH GLASSINE PAPER.

Wrap canvases completely in acid-free, archival-quality glassine paper to help protect against dust and moisture. Ensure that the paper covers all sides and edges of the art, and then secure it with acid-free artist tape.

If you’re going to roll your painting, protect it with glassine paper. First, place it on top of two sheets of glassine paper that are at least 2 inches larger than the artwork on all four sides. Place paper-based art (drawings, photographs, prints, watercolors) face up on the glassine. Position fabric-based works (canvas, linen) facedown before rolling to help avoid cracking or breaking.

Shipping multiple pieces in a tube? Place a sheet of glassine paper between each work before rolling. Layer the art from largest to smallest, and make sure every piece is facing the same direction (face up or face down). Keep the roll secure with a strip of artist tape.

5. PROTECT GLASS OR ACRYLIC ON FRAMED ARTWORK.

Tape four strips of artist tape or painters tape to the surface of glass or acrylic in a star pattern (two X shapes that overlap in the center). Alternately, wrap a glass-covered painting tightly with cling film. That way, if the glass breaks, either method will help prevent pieces from coming loose and ripping or puncturing the art

6. PROTECT THE CORNERS.

The corners are especially susceptible to damage. Protect framed and unframed mounted art with cardboard corner protectors. Secure the triangle pieces to all four corners with artist tape.

7. WRAP YOUR ARTWORK IN BUBBLE WRAP.

Your artwork has already been wrapped with acid-free glassine paper as in Step 4 above. Now, protect the artwork by wrapping all pieces in two to three layers of bubble wrap. Place the smooth side against the art with the bubbles facing outward as an extra precaution to avoid potential impressions.

Make sure all surfaces are completely covered with at least 2 inches of bubbles, including edges and corners. Tape all seams of the bubble wrap with packing tape to provide a barrier against moisture.

For rolled artwork, after preparing with glassine paper as in Step 4 above, then wrap the painting with at least one layer of bubble wrap, sealed with tape, before placing it in the mailing tube.

ULINE Corrugated Corner Protectors

8. SANDWICH YOUR WRAPPED ARTWORK BETWEEN FOAM BOARDS. Position your bubble-wrapped artwork between two pieces of foam board that are at least 1/2-inch thick for an added layer of protection. Tape the boards together with packing tape to create a “sandwich.”

Note: Don’t tape your boards together too tightly as excessive pressure may damage the surface of the art.

9. FILL VOIDS IN YOUR SHIPPING CONTAINER WITH ADDITIONAL BUBBLE WRAP.

When shipping artwork, movement and friction are the enemy. Don’t skimp on the padding at the top and bottom of the box or tube, as these areas are especially vulnerable.

Depending on the size of your shipping container, you may either wrap your foam board “sandwich” with additional layers of bubble wrap or pad any space remaining in your box with bubbles.

Avoid packing peanuts, which can settle into the bottom of the box and leave the top edges of the art exposed.

10.

SEAL YOUR CONTAINER WITH HEAVY-DUTY, HIGH-QUALITY PACKING TAPE.

Cover all seams on the top and bottom of the box or tube completely with strong, pressure-sensitive poly tape that’s at least 2 inches wide. Apply additional vertical strips of tape across the sealed flaps for reinforcement.

Do not use duct tape or other household tapes to seal the container. Tape that is not designed for packaging may not be sturdy enough for transportation. It also gives your package an unprofessional appearance.

9 DOS AND DON’TS FOR PACKING YOUR ARTWORK

DO GET QUALITY PACKING MATERIALS.

DO DOUBLE-CHECK DRYING TIMES.

Some types of paint seem dry when they’re not. Always check drying times and make sure that your painting is completely dry before shipping it.

DO THINK ABOUT WHETHER TO ROLL OR FRAME.

You may save on shipping costs if you ship rolled artwork to a framer or art handler to be stretched and framed at the destination.

DO AVOID FINGERPRINTS.

If you’re shipping mounted photography or other high-gloss art, wear dustless nitrile or cotton art-handling gloves to prevent fingerprints or other potential blemishes.

DO SHIP SCULPTURES IN WOODEN CRATES.

Ship a sculpture that’s more than 12 inches tall or weighs more than 5 pounds in a custom wooden crate. Ensure that your sculpture falls within your carrier’s weight and size limits.

DON’T USE STYROFOAM PACKING PEANUTS. They’re a hassle for those who have to unpack and repack artwork. They also settle during shipping and don’t provide good protection.

DON’T USE SECONDHAND FILLER.

Do not use scraps of newspaper, magazine pages, or plastic market bags to package your artworks. These materials don’t provide adequate protection and they may also leave an unfavorable impression on the collector who has bought your work.

DON’T USE NONARCHIVAL-QUALITY TISSUE PAPER FOR WRAPPING ARTWORK.

Don’t wrap your artwork in nonarchival tissue paper. Remember that anything that comes into direct contact with the work must be archival quality (i.e., acid-free, pH neutral). But you may use wadded nonarchival tissue paper as filler for empty space within the box or crate in the absence of bubble wrap (our preferred filler). Note that when we refer to tissue paper, we do not mean facial tissue paper (such as Kleenex). Facial tissue is for blowing your nose—never for packaging artwork!

DON’T USE GARBAGE BIN BAGS.

You don’t want your artwork associated with garbage, so don’t use garbage bin bags to pack it. You want your collector to remain absolutely confident in their decision to purchase your work. Using items such as garbage bin bags, secondhand filler, or other items not intended for shipping artwork will, more often than not, leave a bad impression on art collectors.

5 MORE HELPFUL REFERENCES

If you’re concerned about spending money on quality packing supplies, always bear in mind that buying cheap packing materials could end up costing you more if your artwork gets damaged.

1. The UPS Store: Pack and Ship Artwork

2. Uline Cardboard Crates

3. Uline Wooden Crates

CHAPTER 7:

HOW TO PACK ARTWORK IN A WOODEN CRATE

You will need to use a custom wooden crate for artworks such as sculpture, unframed artwork that’s larger than 36 by 48 inches, framed pieces with artwork larger than 18 by 24 inches, all artwork to be shipped internationally, and fragile items.

ITEMS YOU WILL NEED

• Four planks of plywood or lumber for the side frame of the crate (1/2-inch to 3/4-inch thick depending on size and fragility of the work)

• Two plywood sheets for the front and back panels

• Drill

• Saw

• Clamps

• 1 1/4-inch wood screws

• Wood glue

• Foam board, 1/2-inch thick

10 STEPS FOR PACKING ARTWORK IN A CRATE

Follow these 10 steps to help safely pack your artwork in a crate.

1. MEASURE YOUR PRE-WRAPPED ARTWORK.

Be sure you wrap the artwork according to the packing guidelines for your particular work. Write down the height, width, and depth of the wrapped piece. If you’re shipping a painting, use these measurements to calculate the dimensions for your pieces for the side frame of your crate. Keep in mind that you will add 1/2-inch foam board lining to your crate, so accommodate for this. If you’re shipping a sculpture, make sure that the crate’s dimensions are approximately 3 to 4 inches larger on all sides than the sculpture itself. The extra space will be filled with bubble wrap.

2. CUT THE PLYWOOD.

Cut four pieces of plywood or lumber according to the dimensions you took in Step 1 above in order to build a crate frame with an opening that can snugly fit your wrapped work. Remember to account for the thickness of the wood when measuring length and height, and cut accordingly. The top piece of the frame should sit on and extend over the top edges of the side pieces, as in the photograph.

3. BEGIN BUILDING THE CRATE.

Clamp everything together. Build the frame by drilling pilot holes in the sides. Then assemble the side wood strips together with screws and wood glue.

4. CUT THE FRONT AND BACK OF THE CRATE.

Cut two sheets of plywood to the same dimensions of the assembled frame. These will be the front and back panels of your crate.

5. SECURE THE BACK PANEL.

Secure one sheet to the back of the frame using wood glue and screws. Be sure to use your clamps to get everything lined up before you put it together.

6. LINE THE CRATE FRAME.

Line the inside of the crate sides with strips of foam board, securing them on with tape or glue. If using glue to line the sides with foam board, wait for it to dry before finishing the packing process.

7. COMPLETE THE PACKING PROCESS.

Finish packing your artwork by placing it inside and sealing the crate around it. Lay a piece of foam board (the same size as the frame) inside the open crate, and place your pre-wrapped artwork on top. There should be no room for movement inside.

8. SECURE THE FRONT PANEL.

Cover your artwork with another layer of foam board. Place the other sheet of plywood on top of the frame. Use your clamps again and line everything up. Secure the top wall with screws. Do your best to ensure that the crate is air and moisture tight.

9. MARK THE CRATE CLEARLY.

Clearly indicate which panel is the front and removable lid by writing “UNSCREW THIS SIDE ONLY” so the collector knows which panel to remove. If needed, write any instructions (using a black felt tip pen) on the crate that will help the collector easily remove the lid.

10. READY IT FOR SHIPPING.

Affix the shipping label to the outside and put clear tape over the label so it doesn’t get removed during shipment. Clearly mark the crate as “FRAGILE.”

If at any time you need help during the packaging process, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: support@redwoodartgroup.com.

CHAPTER 8:

HOW TO SHIP YOUR ARTWORK

Your artwork is carefully wrapped and packed. Shipping is next. Shipping artwork can be a difficult task, as most forms of artwork are, by their nature, fragile and delicate, meaning extra care must be taken when shipping them. Using a shipper you trust becomes a priority.

Remember, your packing and shipping costs should be included in your selling price when you list it on the Marketplace. Do your research carefully to determine your costs. If you don’t include shipping n the selling price, be sure shipping is discussed as an additional cost with the Buyer at purchase time.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SHIP ARTWORK?

The cost of shipping artwork depends on several factors. These typically include:

• Size and dimensions of the package

• Weight of the package

• Travel distance of the parcel

• Pickup charges, if applicable

• Taxes and customs duties, if applicable

• Insurance costs, if applicable

After that, evaluate the available courier options and choose which one works best for you. There will always be those that are the cheapest, fastest, or best value solutions, but no matter which you choose, you want to be sure you choose one that offers tracking and insurance.

5 STEPS FOR SHIPPING YOUR ARTWORK

1. PICK A COURIER COMPANY FOR SHIPPING.

If your artwork is especially valuable and fragile, choosing the one with the best track record for safety and the best tracking system should be your priority. Delivery time and budget are also critical factors to consider. Specifically, USPS typically offers the most affordable shipping solutions, while private couriers such as UPS and FedEx are generally more reliable and safe options with excellent point-by-point tracking systems. Artwork in crates will need to go with a reliable crate shipper.

2. VISIT THE WEBSITE OF THE COURIER YOU CHOOSE AND REGISTER WITH THEM.

Be sure to check if any special shipping services for fragile items or artwork are available. If the courier offers pickup services, it may be a good idea to opt for that if you’re looking to ship especially fragile or large or crated pieces of art.

3. CHOOSE THE SPECIFIC SHIPPING SOLUTION THAT WORKS BEST FOR YOU.

4. INVEST IN SHIPPING INSURANCE FOR YOUR ARTWORK.

It is always required that you procure insurance when shipping artwork to cover the risk of damage, theft, or having the shipment lost during transport.

5. RECHECK THE SHIPPING ADDRESS.

Before sending the package, recheck the shipping address to make sure it will arrive at your collector’s correct destination.

If you are working with UPS, as many artists do, the UPS® shipping system—WorldShip®, UPS CampusShip® or ups.com— will determine the dimensional weight for you after you’ve provided the pertinent information. They also have point-by-point tracking and offer insurance as part of their services.

FedEx also has Custom Critical Service, a custom service for shipping artwork and can handle everything from packing to shipping, complete with insurance and tracking services.

Shipping artwork can be tricky. By packing your art securely and choosing the courier that offers the best value overall in terms of safety, tracking, insurance, speed, and cost, you’re sure to find that it’s a lot simpler than you thought!