Shipping art is a tricky thing. If you’re an independent artist or a small business, shipping art can be a challenge. There are many different options for shipping your artwork and that can get confusing fast. Thankfully, there are some great tips to help you figure out what works best for your business and your artwork! Here are our top tips for shipping art:
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Create an art package label
The first thing you need to do before shipping your art is create a shipping label. This label will be the “wrapper” of your artwork, so it needs to be properly protected and packed. You can print your shipping label at home, but if you want to save some time and money, you can look for a pre-labelled shipping envelope online.
Alternatively, you can just write your address on the address side of a piece of paper and fold it into a label. Shipping couriers will often ask to inspect the package before it is dropped off. While this is not standard practice, it is important to make sure your package is not damaged.
The best way to prevent this is to put the package into a sturdy envelope and ship it in a way that will protect it from getting banged around. If you’re worried that your package might get damaged during shipping, you can have it insured.
Secure your artwork
Next, you need to make sure that your artwork is properly secured. This goes without saying, but it is surprising how often this is overlooked. The most common mistake is not affixing a signature to the back of your artwork. You may have heard that the back of the artwork is not as valuable as the front, but the customs agents always see the back.
If your art is not signed or is only lightly signed, it could be considered either a fake or a fraud item. If you are using a wooden frame, make sure to screw the frame to the wall securely. You could also consider using a marine-grade acrylic frame, which is thicker and more durable than standard wooden frames. If you are using artwork that was created for an exhibition, consider having your art shipped in a protective tube.
Know the laws and customs of your destination country
Shipping a piece of art is a huge step. You need to be aware of the laws and customs of the country you are shipping to. Each country has different rules and regulations, and you will need to be knowledgeable of these regulations to avoid unnecessary fines or issues. You can find information on the laws and customs of each country on the US Customs and Border Protection website.
If you are shipping to a country for the first time, you should research the country’s customs regulations to be sure that you are not violating any rules. You may also find it helpful to learn about the culture, traditions, and history of the country you are shipping to. This can help you to better understand the people you are shipping to and their traditions.
Print shipping labels and packing materials ahead of time
Shipping labels are only good for one use, which means you will need to print new ones for each package that you ship. Fortunately, printing shipping labels at home is extremely easy. The printing process is not complex, so you don’t need to be an expert to do it. You can also save a lot of money by printing your shipping labels.
When it comes to packing materials, you can never have too many boxes! It is also a good idea to have a variety of sizes so you can pack your art in the largest possible box, yet still be able to ship it. If you are using a wooden frame, make sure it is securely screwed to the wall.
Don’t skimp on packing materials
You will be glad you splurged on some additional packing materials when you ship art. Most likely, your art will end up being shipped somewhere with a lot of humidity, such as the West Coast of the US. The wood in the frame and the paper it is printed on will cause your art to swell up and become warped. If you do not use proper packing materials, your art could end up damaged or even destroyed.
You want to use materials that are moisture-absorbent and cushion the artwork to protect it from getting banged up during shipment. You also want to use materials that are lightweight, yet strong enough to protect your art. If possible, add a tracking number to your package If you’re shipping to a new country, it may be worth it to add a tracking number.
If the package goes missing or is held up in customs, this will let you track it down. You can find a lot of tracking services online, and many of them offer free trial periods so you can test them out before you purchase a subscription. Make sure your artwork arrives dry and undamaged This may seem obvious, but you would be surprised how often this is overlooked.
After you have packed your art, make sure it is completely dry before you seal it up and drop it off at the shipping depot. Make sure there is no liquid in the box, and make sure the art is not damp. If your art is damp, it will be extremely difficult to ship it without damaging it.
It may be best to ship it during the daytime or at night when it is cooler. You may also want to consider packing your art in a climate-controlled environment, such as a temperature-controlled van or a temperature-controlled shipping container.
Stay in touch with customers after the sale
Shipping art is an incredible way to connect with your customers and build lasting relationships with them. At the end of the sale, you can send your customers a custom gift from your stores, such as a signed print or postcard. You can also send them a card and a handwritten note, which can be a great way to say thank you and to show that you care about their feedback and experience with your art.
Shipping art is the perfect opportunity to send handwritten notes because you cannot see the art that you are shipping. Handwritten notes are more personal, and they let your customers know that you care about their experience.
Final words
Shipping art can be a daunting task. With so many factors to take into account, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Luckily, there are a lot of resources available to help streamline the process. Here are our top 10 tips for shipping art.
