Terms of Service

Marketplace Facilitator

Art Inbound is a neutral marketplace platform. We connect buyers and Sellers, securely hold funds, and release payments based on verified tracking data and buyer confirmation. The platform does not package, inspect, or insure artworks. All liability for transit damage lies with the shipping carrier; all packaging and insurance responsibilities rest with the Seller.

Risk Transfer

Risk transfers from the Seller to the Buyer once the package is marked "Delivered" by the carrier and the 48-hour inspection period has expired without a damage report or return request.

Shipping Responsibility

The Seller acknowledges that they are the sole shipper of record for all transactions on the platform. Art Inbound provides the marketplace and payment facilitation but does not take possession of, inspect, or package the artwork. The Seller assumes all risk of loss or damage until the Buyer confirms receipt or the 48-hour inspection window expires.

Full-Value Coverage

The Seller must purchase third-party shipping insurance for the full retail value of the artwork for every shipment. This requirement is mandatory, not optional.

Reimbursement

The platform will reimburse the Seller for 100% of the shipping label cost only upon the submission of a valid tracking number. Packing materials and insurance are the Seller's responsibility and are not reimbursed.

Insurance Claims

In the event of transit damage, the Seller is responsible for initiating and managing the insurance claim with their chosen carrier. The platform is not responsible for the outcome of any insurance claims or the denial of coverage by a carrier.

Packaging Standards

The Seller agrees to follow the platform's packaging guidelines: glassine or acid-free paper directly on the artwork surface, moisture-resistant layer, at least two layers of large-cell bubble wrap with corner protection, and a double-walled corrugated cardboard box with at least 2 inches of cushioning on all sides.

Paperwork Packet

Every shipment must 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 must include the artist's name, title of the work, medium, dimensions, year of completion, and a signed statement of authenticity. Failure to include these documents may result in a dispute being resolved in the Buyer's favor.

Evidence Requirement

The initial 25% payment is released after platform review of the Seller's packaging photos and tracking confirmation. The Seller must email artinbound1+shipping@gmail.com attaching: (1) a photo of the artwork's condition, (2) the internal packaging with the artwork inside the open box, (3) the sealed box with shipping label visible, and (4) the tracking number and confirmation.

Indemnification

Failure to provide evidence of compliant packaging will result in the Seller being held strictly liable for any damage reported by the Buyer. In such cases, the platform reserves the right to refund the Buyer in full from the held funds.

Payment Split

The Seller acknowledges the 25/75 payment split. The initial release consists of 25% of the purchase price plus 100% of the shipping label cost, released after platform review of the Seller's packaging photos and tracking confirmation. Packing materials and insurance are not reimbursed. The final 75% of the purchase price is contingent upon Buyer acceptance or the expiration of the 48-hour inspection window.

Platform Fee

The platform retains 15% of the proposal price. The Seller receives the remaining 85%. This fee covers payment processing, platform operations, buyer acquisition, and escrow services. The fee structure is disclosed before proposal submission.

Payment Finality

Once the Buyer confirms receipt or 48 hours pass from the carrier's "Delivered" timestamp — whichever comes first — the sale is considered final and non-reversible. The platform shall have no further obligation or liability to the Seller or Buyer regarding that transaction. Completed payouts will not be reversed except in cases of verified fraud.

48-Hour Inspection Period

Buyers have 48 hours from the carrier's delivery timestamp to inspect the artwork and report any issues. The inspection period covers physical condition — damage, defects, or material misrepresentation. It does not cover change of mind, color variation due to screen calibration, or subjective dissatisfaction.

No Change-of-Mind Returns

Returns for change of mind are accepted only within the inspection period. The Buyer is responsible for the cost of return shipping and must use the original packaging with full-value insurance. Original outbound shipping is non-refundable. The inspection period exists primarily to verify the artwork's physical condition matches the proposal.

Transaction Freeze

When a dispute is initiated, the 48-hour automatic payment release is suspended. Remaining funds are held securely by the platform and the transaction status is marked as "In Dispute." Both parties must provide evidence within 24 hours of the freeze notice.

Evidence Requirements

24-Hour Evidence Rule

If a party fails to provide requested evidence within 24 hours of a freeze notice, the platform reserves the right to resolve the dispute in favor of the complying party.

Resolution: Damage in Transit

Resolution: Misrepresentation

If the artwork received materially differs from the proposal — wrong dimensions, different medium, or significant discrepancy not attributable to screen calibration — the Buyer may initiate a return. The platform reviews the proposal images against the Buyer's photographs. If misrepresentation is confirmed, the Buyer receives a full refund and the Seller is responsible for the cost of return shipping and insurance for the return shipment.

Resolution: Non-Delivery

If tracking shows the package was not delivered within 30 days of the shipping date, the Buyer receives a full refund. If tracking shows delivery but the Buyer claims non-receipt, the platform will review carrier documentation and may require a signed statement before issuing a refund. If the Seller has not uploaded tracking for 7 or more days after payment, the order is cancelled and the Buyer is refunded in full.

Resolution: Change of Mind

Final Decision

The platform's dispute resolution decision is final and binding on both parties. Decisions are based on the evidence provided and the terms outlined in this agreement. Repeated policy violations may result in account suspension or permanent removal from the platform.

Seller Vetting

All Sellers are reviewed before being granted access to submit proposals. The platform reserves the right to approve or reject applications at its sole discretion. Approved Sellers who violate platform policies may have their accounts suspended or removed.

Strike System

Policy violations result in strikes against the offending account. Three strikes result in permanent account removal. Strikes may be issued for: failure to ship within the required timeframe, failure to insure shipments, inadequate packaging leading to damage, misrepresentation of artwork, or other conduct violations.