Buying Art: Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about purchasing, viewing, framing, delivery and returning artworks through CISTA ARTS. For advice relating to a particular artwork, please contact us before placing your order.
- Can I view an artwork before purchasing it? Depending on the artwork’s location and availability, an in-person viewing may be possible by prior arrangement. Where a physical viewing is not practical, we can provide additional photographs, close-up images, condition information or arrange an online conversation to help you consider the work in more detail. Please contact info@cistaarts.com with the title of the artwork you are interested in.
- Are the artworks original and authenticated? The individual artwork page will state whether a work is an original, a print or part of a limited edition. Where applicable, original artworks are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity or other relevant documentation confirming the artist, title, date, medium and dimensions. Please contact us before purchasing if you require further information about an artwork’s authorship, condition or provenance.
- Will the artwork look exactly as it appears online? We make reasonable efforts to present artworks and colours accurately. However, colours and visual details may vary slightly depending on photography, lighting and individual screen settings. Please refer to the dimensions, medium and other information provided on the artwork page. Additional images may be requested before purchase.
- Is framing included in the price? Framing is included only where this is clearly stated on the individual artwork page. Where an artwork is sold unframed, framing may sometimes be arranged separately. Please contact us before purchasing to discuss the available options, estimated cost and additional preparation time.
- Can CISTA ARTS arrange installation? Installation support may be available for selected artworks and locations, subject to availability and an additional quotation. The requirements will depend on the artwork’s size, weight, medium, location and installation conditions. Please contact us before purchasing if professional installation may be required.
- How are artworks packaged? Each artwork is packaged according to its size, medium, framing and level of fragility. Depending on the work, packaging may include a protective tube, reinforced flat packaging, specialist wrapping or a custom-built wooden crate. Original artworks and fragile pieces may require specialist art-handling materials and additional insurance.
- Is shipping included in the artwork price? Shipping is not included unless this is expressly stated on the product page. For standard products, delivery charges may be calculated at checkout. Original artworks, framed works and oversized or fragile items may require an individual shipping quotation. We will confirm any additional specialist packaging, insurance or delivery costs before dispatch.
- Do you ship internationally? CISTA ARTS can arrange delivery to selected international destinations. Availability and cost depend on the artwork’s size, weight, location, value and destination. International buyers are normally responsible for any import duties, customs charges, local taxes and brokerage fees imposed by the destination country.
- How long will delivery take? Estimated preparation and delivery times depend on the type of product and destination. Printed publications are normally prepared more quickly than original, framed or oversized artworks, which may require specialist packaging and courier arrangements. Where tracking is available, the tracking information will be sent after the order has been dispatched. Delivery dates are estimates and may be affected by couriers, customs or other circumstances outside our control.
- Can I return an artwork or publication? For most eligible physical products purchased online by consumers, you may notify us that you wish to cancel within 14 days of receiving the order. After notifying us, you normally have a further 14 days to return the goods. Some exceptions may apply, including personalised, specially commissioned or custom-made products. Returned items must be kept in good condition and packaged securely. Please contact us before returning an original artwork. Full information is available in our Shipping & Returns Policy.
- Who pays for return shipping? Where a customer returns an eligible product because they have changed their mind, the customer is normally responsible for the cost and risk of returning it. Where an item is faulty, damaged on arrival, incorrectly supplied or not as described, CISTA ARTS will discuss the appropriate remedy and reasonable return arrangements. We recommend using a tracked and appropriately insured service when returning an artwork.
- What should I do if an artwork arrives damaged? Please contact info@cistaarts.com as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of delivery, and provide: Your order number Photographs of the external packaging and shipping label Photographs of the internal packaging Clear photographs of the damage Please retain all packaging until the matter has been investigated. The request to contact us promptly helps us make a claim with the courier or insurer and does not affect your statutory consumer rights concerning damaged, faulty or misdescribed goods.
- Who owns the copyright in an artwork after it is purchased? Purchasing an artwork transfers ownership of the physical object but does not transfer copyright or reproduction rights. Copyright in all artworks and artwork images remains with the relevant artist or copyright holder unless a separate written copyright assignment expressly states otherwise. Artwork images may not be reproduced, published, commercially used, modified or distributed without the copyright holder’s permission.
- Can I reproduce or publish an image of an artwork I have purchased? Owning the physical artwork does not automatically give the buyer permission to reproduce or publish it. Please contact CISTA ARTS if you wish to use an artwork image for publication, commercial promotion, merchandise, editorial use or another public purpose. Permission from the artist or relevant copyright holder may be required. Personal photographs showing the artwork within a private interior are generally different from reproducing the artwork itself, but commercial or publication use should always be discussed in advance.
Can CISTA ARTS help me select an artwork? Yes. Our Art Advisory service supports private collectors, interior designers, businesses and organisations seeking original contemporary artworks. We can prepare a tailored selection based on your interests, preferred medium, available space, dimensions and approximate budget. Explore Art Advisory Services
- Still Have Questions? For questions about a particular artwork, purchasing, delivery or advisory support, please contact us. Email: info@cistaarts.com Suggested subject line: Artwork Enquiry