Urban Art Association

It works like this.
The auction house never takes responsibility for shipping. Most have 4 or more shipping companies that they reccomend which you can contact and use ( Just ask them they will give you their list) or you can just employ one yourself and arrange a pick up after you have settled the invoice.

I have used both options and to be honest neither is better or worse as long as you know the shipper if you are employing. The auction house reccomends tend to be a little bit pricier but in general they are all used to to shipping art or specialize in art.

Eg if you just pick anyone they may not be used to handling or shipping art.

Shipping prices can be quite high though so an alternative I have used is as follows.

All auction house contracts say they will charge you for storage but if you email or better still give them a call and ask them not to and hold onto it for a bit for you give them a date and they usually they will for free. If you have the time you can then go and bring it back yourself either carrying as hand luggage or pack really well and put in the hold. I have done this with a few pieces both bought from auction and privately. You basically get a holiday and your piece for the same price as shipping.

Yes I have an AXA insurance that usually covers. Depending on how it is bought. Eg from an auction it is covered but not if a private sale. So I make decisions accordingly - also depending on cost of the piece.

But carrying on board is safer than shipping if piece small enough and just say to hostess this is a valuable picture can you put somewhere safe as do not want in overhead lockers. They always find somewhere usually where they put jackets etc.

Sometimes prints are more exspensive to ship than to just put in an A1 type folder and stick in the hold some risk but not that much plus no shipping, insurance and import duties etc

So varies for me put have also really well packed canvassks and put in hold sometimes insured and some times not. As mentioned above depending on how bought.

Not saying correct but what I do as an alternative to the shipping cost. Also have packed really well when back home and shipped myself through post office which is also massively cheaper and not much different to a shipper.

I also do use shippers as mentioned above depending on price of piece and also
If I have time to travel
Johnny