Sending your art work
Episode 38: Sending work by post or courier;
It’s something we are all doing more since lock-down. In this episode Peter and Laura have some practical tips for sending your artwork, and other items, safely to your client.
The Useful Stuff
1. The way you wrap your items reflects on your business, so budget for decent packaging. You may want to wrap with recycled materials. If you recycle packaging yourself, do make sure it is tidy, looks professional and maybe add a sticker or note to explain your packaging policy. Opening a package from the artist is a big moment for the art buyer and tatty packaging can seriously dampen the mood!
2. Consider the item you are sending and ways in which it might be vulnerable. Peter’s frames are a support for his paintings, but frames need protection too and he uses a foam tubing as a buffer. Laura often uses cardboard tubes so invests in sturdy, high quality cardboard with rigid plastic ends. Whatever material is involved, the outside of all parcels must be tightly wrapped with any loose or folded edges taped and well sealed.
3. Check and check again that you have the correct address information from the client, plus any special delivery instructions. Using online postal or courier sites to pay and print your labels is a good way of ensuring that you have all the correct documents, including any customs forms etc. Always use a tracked and signed service when sending artwork and never send anything without a return address. It’s your decision who pays for the P&P. Laura’s rule is that artwork is sent at her cost in the UK, at a small charge internationally and charges full P&P on everything else she sells.
4. Unless you invest in a specialist courier service, it is impossible to insure work behind glass in transit and many couriers and the general post will not ship glass. If the client insists, ask that they confirm in writing that any artwork behind glass goes at entirely at their risk. Compromise if you can: invite the client to your studio to collect and throw in a tour, arrange to meet them half-way to hand over the work, or consider delivering the work yourself if the cost justifies it. Going the extra mile is always good for business.
5. Always check with your gallery if you are sending them work, galleries often have their own goods in transit insurance that will cover your package.
6. Popping a little extra card or sketch is a lovely surprise for any client, but every parcel should at least include a personal note, full details of the artwork or goods enclosed and your contact details.
The Takeaway
Always read the small print when it comes to posting or sending your artwork by courier, wrap the parcel securely and never send anything without your return address!
