Selling a painting online is an exciting moment. Whether you are an artist sending a commission, a gallery arranging a sale or a collector finding a new home for a piece, the next step is getting it safely to its buyer.
Shipping paintings involves more than choosing packaging and booking a delivery. Collection arrangements, condition records and access at the destination all need attention. Agreeing these details early helps prevent confusion and makes the handover easier for everyone involved.
At Aardvark Art Services, we transport artwork for artists, galleries, auctioneers and private collectors throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Here is our checklist for planning delivery after an online sale.
Agree Who Will Arrange the Painting’s Delivery
Before confirming the sale, establish who is responsible for arranging transport. Will you book it as the seller, or will the buyer organise collection?
You should also agree whether delivery is included in the selling price or quoted separately. A buyer may assume that the price covers delivery to their home, while a seller may expect them to collect.
Put the agreed arrangements in writing, including:
- Who will book and pay for transport.
- The collection and delivery addresses.
- Any agreed delivery timeframe.
- Who will prepare the painting for collection.
- Who the transporter should contact at each location.
Clear communication at this stage helps avoid last-minute changes and unexpected costs.
Gather the Details Needed for Shipping Paintings
A specialist transporter needs accurate information about the artwork before planning its journey.
Measure the painting’s overall height, width and depth, including its frame. If you know the weight, provide that too. Photographs of the front, back and frame can help the transport team understand what they will be handling.
Mention any features that need particular care. These might include glazing, a decorative frame, an unusually large canvas or a fragile surface.
If the painting is newly created, explain this when making your enquiry. Drying and curing requirements vary between materials, so do not assume that a surface which feels dry is ready to be wrapped.
Providing these details helps your transporter recommend suitable handling and packaging arrangements.
Photograph the Painting Before Collection
Create a clear record of the painting’s condition before it leaves your care.
Take photographs in good light, showing the complete artwork and close-ups of its corners, frame and any existing marks. Photograph the back as well, including fixings or other relevant features.
Keep these images with the sale details and share relevant information with the buyer. For valuable or particularly delicate pieces, discuss whether a more detailed condition report would be appropriate.
This gives everyone a useful reference when the painting reaches its destination.
Discuss Packaging Before You Wrap the Artwork
One of the most useful steps when shipping paintings is asking about packaging before collection day.
The appropriate approach depends on the painting’s materials, condition, size and frame. A glazed picture may need different protection from an unframed canvas, while delicate surfaces can be damaged by unsuitable materials touching them.
Explain whether the painting is already packed and send photographs if possible. Your transporter can then advise whether the existing protection is suitable or whether additional arrangements are needed.
Avoid improvising with materials that could stick to, rub against or put pressure on the painted surface. If you are unsure, seek advice before wrapping it.
Check Access at Both Addresses
A collection or delivery can become complicated if access has not been discussed.
Let the transport team know about stairs, narrow doorways, restricted parking or a long distance between the vehicle and the property. Large paintings may require particular planning to move through corridors and entrances.
Ask the buyer to check access at their address too. Useful questions include:
- Is there somewhere suitable for the vehicle to stop?
- Does the painting need to go upstairs?
- Are there lifts, and will the artwork fit?
- Are there building access restrictions?
- Who will be available to receive it?
Accurate access information helps the team plan the people, equipment and time required.
Coordinate Collection and Delivery Dates
Agree a realistic timeframe with the buyer before making promises about arrival.
Specialist art transport may operate through scheduled routes, so collection and delivery arrangements can differ from a standard parcel service. Ask about availability early, particularly if the buyer needs the painting for a specific occasion.
Make sure the painting is ready at the agreed collection time and that someone will be available at the destination. Share the correct contact details with the transport team so they can coordinate each handover.
If the buyer’s plans change, tell the transporter promptly.
Confirm Transport Cover and Documentation
Before the journey, ask what transport cover applies and whether additional insurance arrangements are appropriate for the painting.
Provide an accurate value and keep relevant sale documentation. Cover, limits and exclusions can vary, so clarify the arrangements directly rather than assuming every shipment is covered in the same way.
You should also keep a record of the booking, collection details and any agreed handling instructions.
Plan the Handover With the Buyer
Explain to the buyer what to expect when the painting arrives.
Ask them to have a suitable space ready and to check the artwork’s condition during the agreed handover process. Any concerns should be recorded and raised promptly with the transporter.
If the buyer needs advice about unpacking or handling the piece, discuss this before delivery. This is particularly useful for oversized paintings or artwork with delicate frames.
A well-planned handover completes the sale professionally and gives the buyer confidence in their purchase.
Shipping Paintings With Aardvark Art Services
The journey from seller to buyer deserves the same care as the artwork itself. Accurate measurements, clear communication and careful planning all help make delivery run smoothly.
At Aardvark Art Services, we understand the needs of artists, galleries and private collectors. Our team is trained in fine art handling, and we provide specialist transport using custom-built vehicles.
If you are shipping paintings following an online sale, contact us to discuss the artwork, collection address and delivery requirements.
Call 01253 794673 or visit our website to request a quote.