Frequently asked questions by our buying collectors
Buying art online needn't be a daunting experience but we appreciate that you might have some questions before you commit to your purchase.
We've compiled answers to some frequently asked customer questions and we hope you find the information you need.
If you have a more specific question, then feel free to drop us a message using our instant messenger app or using our contact page. We'll get back to you as soon as we can.
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes, we ship worldwide. At checkout, you will be asked for your shipping address and a quote is automatically generated to give you the total price payable. It is your responsibility to provide an accurate delivery address and to advise us of any special shipping instructions at the point of sale or immediately after.
How much does shipping cost?
If you are a buying an artwork directly from our website, please find our shipping rates below:
- UK: £55
- EU: £85
- US: £150
- Rest of the world: £150
If you order an artwork that is framed, high value (£5,000 or more) or sold on consignment from one of our clients, shipping costs will vary and be confirmed at point of sale.
How long will it take for my artwork to arrive?
Once you've bought an artwork, we aim to ship your order within 5 working days. You will be updated with the tracking information.
Transit times vary depending on where you are based. If you are in the UK, your artwork should be delivered the next working day. If you are outside the UK, you should receive your artwork within 1 week of dispatch, subject to customs checks.
If there are any delays in shipping, we'll notify you. If an artwork requires bespoke packing or is sold from our consignor network, we will contact you after you have placed your order.
Any questions?
You can contact us through our contact page! We will be happy to assist you.
What is a consignment work?
We are pleased to offer a selection of editions and multiples available on consignment.
Consignments are artworks sold on behalf of our clients. Some consigned artworks are available to purchase directly through our website.
If you are interested in an artwork that we are selling on consignment, please fill out the form or contact us by email and a member of our gallery team will confirm the artwork’s availability with our consignor and get back to you as soon as possible with further details.
Can you organise framing?
For works which are sold unframed, we don't offer a framing service as it can significantly increase the cost of shipping and adds additional risk. We advise you to frame locally in order to keep the cost and risk of shipping down and, of course, because framing is a personal preference.
Do you guarantee artwork authenticity?
Yes, we guarantee that all artworks bought from Lougher Contemporary are genuine and authentic. We conduct detailed checks on all artworks prior to buying them and pride ourselves on our diligence and market knowledge. Please refer to our Refund Policy and Terms of Business for further details.
How will my artwork be shipped?
All artworks are professionally packed to the highest standards by trained gallery professionals or our experienced logistics partners. We work in partnership with DHL, Pack & Send and Flight Logistics to offer the highest standard of service, offering both speed and efficiency as well as quality.
Why am I being asked for ID prior to shipping?
Since 10 January 2020, the 5th EU Money Laundering Directive has required art market professionals, including secondary market dealers (under which Lougher Contemporary falls), to undertake anti-money laundering checks on all buyers who acquire a work of art priced at €10,000 or more (or have acquired more than one work of art with an aggregate price of €10,000 or more).
We take our responsibility to comply with anti-money laundering regulations seriously and we ask you to respect this. While we recognise that it may be a minor inconvenience, if we ask you for proof of identification and confirmation of address, please understand that this is now a requirement placed on us by law.
How sustainable is your postage and packing?
We are committed to the environment and are always working on ways to make the brand and what we do more environmentally friendly. Currently, we offer DHL Green shipping rates, paying the extra to go green. We also use biodegradable packing peanuts, as well as keeping all packing material to a minimum to reduce waste. This is an ongoing process and wherever possible we will try to offer the greenest solution to logistics.
Get in touch if you have any ideas on how we can improve after you've received a parcel from us.
Are artworks insured during transit?
If we arrange the shipping (which is typically the case when buying from us), we insure all artworks for their full value. We kindly ask you to notify us straight away in the event of damage or loss in transit.
What if an artwork arrives damaged?
In the unlikely event that an artwork arrives damaged, please contact us immediately. If there is any noticeable damage to the packaging, please do not open it to inspect the artwork but contact us immediately for advice on next steps. Under our Terms of Business, it is the Buyer's responsibility to notify us of any damage within 5 working days. If you contact us after 5 days, we cannot accept responsibility for damage to the artwork as it will be difficult to prove when the damage occurred.
What if I am unsatisfied with my purchase?
In the unlikely event that you are not happy with your purchase, send us an email as soon as possible and we'll get back to you. We'll be happy to advise further and discuss your options.
Do I have to pay import duty and taxes if I order from outside the UK?
Buyers ordering from outside of the UK may be required to pay import duty and/or taxes. Please note that any import taxes or duty are the responsibility of the buyer – this includes EU-based clients from 1 January 2021. We cannot accept any responsibility or liability for import tax and/or duty charged by your local tax authority if you are importing a work of art ordered from us into your country.
Get in touch.
Any questions?
Email:
art@loughercontemporary.com
Phone:
Sales: +44 (0)7443 407531
Office: +44 (0)1179 596411