Seller FAQs

Sell to High-Intent Buyers. Art Inbound connects you with motivated buyers who have created open projects describing exactly what they want. Browse those projects, submit proposals with artwork from your existing inventory, and get paid when the buyer accepts.

How It Works

How do I find opportunities?

Browse the project feed to find buyers looking for artwork that matches what you create. Each project includes the buyer's dimensions, budget, style preferences, and often photos of their space. When you find a good fit, submit a proposal with your artwork.

What goes into a proposal?

Upload images of the artwork, provide dimensions, describe the medium, and set your price. The platform calculates shipping and fees so the buyer sees one transparent total. You can submit proposals to multiple projects.

What happens when a proposal is accepted?

The buyer completes payment through Stripe, and you'll receive an email notification. You then package and ship the artwork with tracking. Payment is held in escrow and released in two stages — 25% after the platform reviews your packaging photos and tracking confirmation, and the remaining 75% after the buyer's 48-hour inspection period closes.

Payment

How do I get paid?

Payment is split into two stages:

Initial payment (25%): 25% of the purchase price plus 100% of your shipping label cost. Released after the platform reviews your packaging photos and tracking confirmation. Email both to artinbound1+shipping@gmail.com once the artwork is packed and shipped.

Final payment (75%): The remaining 75% of the artwork price. Released when the buyer confirms receipt or when 48 hours pass after delivery with no damage or return reported.

Who pays for shipping?

You are the shipper of record and must arrange your own carrier, packaging, and insurance. The platform releases 100% of the shipping label cost after reviewing your packaging photos and tracking confirmation. Factor packaging material and insurance costs into your proposal price — the buyer pays one transparent total with no separate charges.

Who pays for packing materials?

You are responsible for the cost of packing materials and insurance. Factor these into your proposal price. The platform releases only the shipping label cost once tracking is emailed.

When do payouts arrive?

Payouts are processed through Stripe Connect to your linked bank account. You'll need to complete Stripe onboarding before your first payout. The initial 25% is released after the platform reviews your packaging photos and tracking confirmation; the final 75% is released after the inspection period closes.

Packaging & Insurance

What are the packaging requirements?

Every shipped artwork must follow our layered protection standard:

  1. Surface protection. Wrap artwork in glassine or acid-free paper — never plastic directly on the paint.
  2. Moisture protection. Add a thin plastic layer or waterproof envelope over the protected artwork.
  3. Shock protection. Use at least two layers of large-cell bubble wrap with reinforced corners.
  4. Structural protection. Ship in a double-walled corrugated box or crate with at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides. The artwork should not move when you gently shake the box.
  5. Proof of compliance. Email three required photos to artinbound1+shipping@gmail.com before sealing the box.

Failure to meet these requirements can void insurance coverage and forfeit payment eligibility.

What do I need to email before shipping?

Before shipping, you must email the following to artinbound1+shipping@gmail.com:

  1. A clear photo of the artwork's condition.
  2. The artwork in its protective wrapping and internal packaging inside the open box.
  3. The sealed box with the shipping label visible.
  4. The tracking number and tracking confirmation.

These serve as proof of compliant packaging and shipment if there is a damage dispute.

Every shipment must also include a paperwork packet inside the box containing at minimum: (1) a bill of sale and (2) a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the artist. The Certificate of Authenticity should include the artist's name, the title of the work, the medium, dimensions, year of completion, and a brief statement of authenticity.

Is insurance required?

Yes. You must purchase full-value shipping insurance from your carrier for at least the artwork's sale price and keep your receipt and any documentation required to file a claim. If artwork arrives damaged and you did not purchase adequate insurance or failed to pack to platform standards, the buyer may be refunded in full and you may forfeit all or part of your payment.

Why do I have to provide photos of my packing?

This protects you. If a buyer claims the artwork arrived damaged but your photos show professional, compliant packing, it provides the evidence needed to win an insurance claim against the carrier and ensures the platform can support your side of the dispute.

What if the carrier denies my insurance claim?

Carriers typically only deny claims if the packaging does not meet their transit-ready standards. By following the platform's packaging guidelines — double-walled boxes, 2-inch buffer, glassine — you significantly decrease the risk of a denied claim. The platform is not responsible for denied carrier claims.

Damage & Returns

What happens if artwork is damaged in transit?

If the buyer reports damage within 48 hours and provides photos, the platform reviews your packaging photos alongside the buyer's damage photos.

Because the artwork arrived not as described, you will be required to return the initial payment and, if necessary, provide a prepaid return shipping label.

What if the artwork doesn't match the project specifications?

If the artwork shipped differs from the project specifications (size, medium, or other key details), you will provide a full refund, including the cost of return shipping and insurance.

What if the buyer just changes their mind?

If the buyer initiates a change-of-mind return within the inspection period:

  • The buyer pays for return shipping and insurance
  • The buyer must use the original packaging
  • Once you receive the artwork back in original condition and confirm it, the platform processes the buyer's refund for the artwork price
  • Outbound shipping is not refunded to the buyer

Platform

Is Art Inbound a gallery or agent?

No. Art Inbound is not an art dealer, gallery, or shipping company. You, as the artist, are the seller and shipper of record. Buyers contract with you for the artwork — the platform simply provides the marketplace and payment flow.

Ready to start proposing?

Apply to join our artist community and start submitting proposals to buyers who are looking for exactly what you create.

Apply as Seller →