Transporting Works Of Art: What You Need To Know For Successful Delivery

Transporting works of art cannot be improvised and requires special attention.

Whether it is an exceptional painting or a monumental sculpture, each piece must be handled with care. During transport, a work of art is exposed to several risks: impact, temperature variations, humidity, broken glass, etc. And whether you are a private individual or a professional, the goal is to ensure that the customer does not receive a work that has been damaged during transport.

How should I pack my artwork? Which carrier should I choose? How can I make sure the artwork arrives at its destination? This article will try to answer all these questions. If you still have questions, the Artsper team is here to help you make sure your artwork gets there safely.

Step 1: Proper packaging is key to successful transport of works of art

Packaging is the most important step in successfully transporting artwork. If it is not done correctly, the artwork is likely to be damaged. So don’t neglect the packaging of your artwork!

Firstly, never wrap your artwork directly in bubble wrap, cardboard or a box. To protect the colors, rough edges, and all the details, wrap it in tissue paper first. Even rolled works, such as posters or prints, should be covered with tissue paper beforehand to ensure they are properly preserved.

Second, for works with corners, such as canvases, adding corner reinforcements is highly recommended. This is because the corners of artworks are a weak point, easily damaged and unable to withstand shocks. So, in addition to tissue paper and bubble wrap, consider using corner reinforcements to reduce the risk of damage during transport.

Thirdly, all you have to do is slide it into its final packaging. You can choose a sturdy cardboard box or a custom-made wooden crate depending on the fragility of the artwork. Whatever packaging you choose, make sure that the artwork is protected from water and moisture and that it cannot move around in its packaging and bump against the sides.

Key takeaway: Poor packaging means running the risk of the artwork being damaged in transit and the customer being dissatisfied. So never skip this step. Transporting artwork takes time!

Step 2: How to choose my carrier

Once the artwork has been packaged, you need to choose a carrier to transport it to the customer. There are two options: traditional carriers or carriers specializing in transporting artwork. Transporting works of art with the first option is ideal for less fragile pieces or those that do not require special attention. The advantage of this service is its price, which is more attractive and affordable. The latter has the technical expertise to package the artwork. Therefore, if the artwork is fragile, protected by a protective glass cover, or of high value, the Artsper team recommends that you consider shipping via a specialized carrier. The choice is entirely up to you and the type of artwork, but the goal is always to ensure customer satisfaction.

Remember: if you choose to ship via a traditional carrier, don’t hesitate to pay extra attention to the packaging—it’s better to be overly cautious.

Depending on the carrier you choose, whether traditional or specialized, you may be offered insurance to ensure optimal delivery.

Step 3: tracking the shipment

Once the package is ready and the carrier has been selected, it is your responsibility as the sender to ensure that the customer receives the package. For international shipments, it is essential to stay up to date on the delivery stages. Thanks to real-time package tracking, you can avoid unpleasant surprises. This step is simple: using the order number provided by the carrier, you can easily track the package. By following this step carefully, you can react quickly if the package gets stuck somewhere.

The different types of shipments

When shipping domestically (within the same country), fewer administrative procedures are required. However, thanks to platforms such as Artsper, you can sell and ship your artwork internationally. The sender is therefore responsible for ensuring that all documents required for customs clearance are provided. The order tracking stage is therefore even more important for international shipments, which involve crossing borders and checking the documents provided. It is not uncommon for an artwork to remain in customs for several days, so be vigilant!

Any delivery costs associated with this shipment, such as customs duties, are the responsibility of the buyer and depend on the policies of each country (see United States). The mandatory documents also include certificates and invoices to certify the authenticity of the works.

Conclusion

Transporting works of art is a key step in the sales process on the Artsper platform. The goal is to satisfy the customer, which means delivering the artwork in perfect condition. The shipper must therefore follow certain steps.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our teams or consult the relevant articles and FAQs.

Towards more responsible transport of works of art

At Artsper, we are committed to making our business more sustainable.

We encourage you to do the same by taking a few simple steps: check the emission levels of carriers, which are usually available when you place your order. If two carriers offer similar advantages, compare their emission levels to help you make your choice. You can also opt for recycled, recyclable, or reused packaging. If you have any tissue paper, bubble wrap, or corner protectors left over from previous deliveries (and they are in good condition), feel free to reuse them to reduce the amount of plastic used in shipping.

Although the safety of the artwork and its proper delivery are our top priorities, let’s not hesitate to make small gestures!