Have you ever had any art damaged during shipping? What about a return shipment from a gallery you had no control over? How did you feel and what did you do?
Yesterday I got a return shipment from a gallery. Of the 11 pieces, every single one was damaged. I'm honestly impressed they managed to bat 1000 and go 11/11. The frames on 10 pieces need to be replaced because of scratches, dings, divots, and the like. There was also a specialty piece on a clear acrylic frame that cannot be restored to its original integrity. More than the value of the damage from a monetary sense, it's emotionally disheartening, and this isn't the first time I've seen something like this.
What Went Wrong:
In this case, the package never had any hope from the start. The packaging missed on even the very basics of shipping artwork. One reason this is particularly concerning is because this was shipped by an established gallery in a major market that handles valuable works. Luckily, these were some of my lesser valuable works.
-Loosely packed in box.
-No reinforcement around perimeter or edges.
-Corners not protected
-Pieces stacked back to front so hardware touching frames.
-No dividers.
-Pieces not individually wrapped or even wrapped in sets.
-One loose piece of bubble wrap around entire shipment.
-None of the packaging materials I sent were used, including the box the specialty piece came in, which would have almost assuredly avoided damage to that piece.
What The Gallery Is Doing To Right It:
I have emailed the gallery and will see how they respond. My hope is we can find a resolution, but I want to use this as a learning experience regardless, because it was avoidable, and these things happen. In this case, the gallery was contractually responsible for the shipment. Though contractually liable, we will see if they cooperate, and to what extent. People don't always do the right thing.
Things Worth Pointing Out:
It is unlikely that the work was insured, or at least insured at value, because of the shipping method used. Most carriers will not insure artwork at value, particularly if not packaged by them. It looks like they were trying to take a shortcut in this case. It did not work out. Though the gallery is liable, it is not that simple if they choose not to cooperate. People are always quick to point to lawsuits, but with the gallery in another state, in accordance with the contract, jurisdiction falls under that state. Artists seldom, if ever, have the money, time and resources to pursue these types of losses. It wouldn't even make sense in this case. Even if I was to win, it would be a loss. Galleries and businesses know this, and they also know that many artists don't have the business and legal savvy to fight back. It's sad, but a very real truth in this industry. I'm not saying that's the case with this gallery, but I have seen this happen time and time again.
Suggestions For Properly Shipping Art:
I have a previous blog post and a number of videos on shipping artwork. Here are just a couple tips below, sharing my methods. Yours may vary, and I welcome your tips in the comments.
-If you are shipping valuable art and have the resources, I strongly recommend you use a professional art shipper that can provide turnkey shipping services including pick up, packaging, shipping, and insurance. This is the best way to protect yourself as much as possible. Ask questions, including whether or not they can insure at value.
-When shipping smaller works of lesser value, I love USPS flat rate boxes, though I understand they are a calculated risk.
-If using a service like FedEx, UPS, or USPS, verify if insurance will actually cover the work. Many will not cover it unless they handle the packaging, and even still, there may be limitations.
-Spend the extra couple dollars for extra padding. It's worth it.
-Make sure package is compact so things can't bounce around.
-Reinforce perimeter of box, and add extra padding/protection on corners.
-Individually wrap pieces if possible.
-Use cardboard or foam dividers.
-Stack back to back and front to front.
-Be mindful of hardware or things that can poke and scratch.
-Don't neglect the insurance, or risk taking the loss.
-Don't forget about duties/tariffs for international shipments. You don't want to surprise a collector with a big bill.
-Cheaper is not always better.
-Hand delivering will always be the safest bet, but that also has risks.
I hope some of these tips help. I'll do a support talk on my page soon and drop this blog post on my site. Much more artist support on my other social pages. I welcome you to join me on this journey. I share the ups and downs completely transparently.
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