Gallery owner and art dealer Albert Barsky enjoys Kim Schmitt Thomas’ work at his gallery in Hoboken NJ.

Art is an extension of who we are, even if we aren’t the artist. It invites conversation with our guests, sets the tone of a room, and elicits emotions within every time we look at it. That’s why we refer to art buying as an investment, not merely a purchase— we invest a little bit of ourselves in the work.

Statista points out that in 2020, the global art market was valued to be $50 billion, down 14 billion from 2019, as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The sharp decline caused art dealers and antiques to invest in their online presence. In turn, the online art market went from $6 billion to $12.4 billion.

These numbers prove that, on a global scale, our interest in art is unwavering. However, buying art online comes with a host of uncertainties, which can end up being more of a stress than a joy.

Unreliable Seller

Online art dealers can be unreliable. Remember, if they can deepfake a face, they can fake a review.

One of the quickest ways to spot an unreliable online art dealer is to ask questions about the piece you’re interested in. Art galleries and dealers are always willing to get on the phone to answer questions. So, if you’re looking for answers and the online supplier is being evasive that’s a strong indicator that you should close the tab.

Artwork Authenticity

If you’re an art collector, or aspiring to be one, always ensure that artwork is authentic. Forgeries or fakes are common, especially with the online art market.

Request documentation with every purchase, commonly known as provenance in the art world. In-person galleries or auction houses will have this on hand.

Dedicated Barsky Gallery art installers ensure you will receive the best installation of your valuable art in the Hoboken, NJ area.

Dedicated Barsky Gallery art handlers ensure you will receive professional installation of your valuable art in you NJ home or office.

Quality Assurance

The most obvious reason not to buy art online comes down to quality assurance. Unlike online clothing stores, purchasing art solely based on a computer image can cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars (and that’s not even including the shipping fees!). Images are distorted or the colors are enhanced.

You want to connect with a piece, have it fit your style. That’s why nothing compares to the old, “what you see is what you get” in-person experience.

Proper Measurements

Artwork might look great online but that doesn’t mean it will fit just right in your home. It’s absolutely necessary to double check the size and do proper measuring.

What’s more, ordering art online places a lot of pressure on DIY installation (not everyone is an HGTV expert). When you buy directly from a gallery you get personal art services so all that’s left is to sit back and enjoy the view!

All art shipping is not the same. Since 2011, Barsky Gallery has designed, built and utilized the best shipping materials to secure fine art on their trip across the country.

Shipping Anxiety

Let’s say you’ve navigated the online art market and you hired a company to do the heavy lifting. The order is placed. Your artwork is en route. Then, it arrives damaged. Now what?

Depending on where you ordered the piece from, art online can go through several rounds of handling (and mishandling). And artwork that arrives damage, especially larger pieces, are a hassle to return. This is the biggest anxiety for online art buyers, and there’s nothing you can do about it until it arrives at your door.

When it comes to buying art online our advice is simple— don’t. While there are several reliable dealers, nothing will provide you with as much security and satisfaction as going in-person.

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