The Cheapest Way to Ship Paintings as an Artist: Tips and Tricks

As an artist looking to sell your work, shipping can be a significant expense. However, there are ways to minimize the cost while still ensuring your art arrives safely. In this article, we'll explore the cheapest method for shipping your paintings, taking into account the size of your artwork and the best strategies to keep costs down.

Understanding the Shipping Cost for Art

Shipping paintings can be a bit trickier than shipping standard packages. Due to the size and fragility of art pieces, special attention must be paid to proper packaging and transportation methods. Growing up, artist Phillip Schubert, known for his extensive knowledge in this field, has provided valuable insights into the process. Yet, with the current landscape, you may not need to go through all the hassle if you live in a community with FedEx or packaging and shipping companies that are experienced in shipping art.

Utilizing Local Shipping Services

Most communities today have FedEx or packaging and shipping companies that are relatively familiar with shipping art. These services can save you a lot of time and effort, allowing you to focus on what you're best at: creating art. Whether your paintings are small or large, these services can provide the necessary expertise to ensure your artwork arrives in perfect condition.

Handling Large Paintings

For larger paintings, special care is needed. Sometimes, an actual wooden crate may be required to provide the necessary protection. However, building your own crate is not always the best approach. Besides the logistics of building it, your time is much more valuable when used for creating art instead of construction. Therefore, it is highly recommended to find a professional to build the crate for you. This not only ensures the safety of your artwork but also helps you conserve time and energy.

Billing for Shipping Costs

Since shipping - and crating or boxing - should be an expense that you bill to your purchaser. Providing "free shipping" with your art is unrealistic and generally not feasible. Increasing the price of your artwork sufficiently to cover shipping costs is a better approach. Most art buyers understand and are willing to pay for the cost of shipping, especially for large works. This way, you can maintain your prices and still cover your expenses.

Negotiating Discounts and Optimizing Costs

Furthermore, it is recommended to negotiate professional discounts for all shipping and crating expenses, including FedEx. By doing so, you can pass on these discounts to your buyers, reducing their costs and providing them with the assurance that you are working on their behalf. This can take you to a slightly heroic position, making you appear as someone who is willing to go the extra mile for their customers.

Personal Experience

After 40 years of experience both making and selling art worldwide, including some very large pieces, I have found that I have never personally built a crate. My advice comes from firsthand knowledge of the art shipping process, and I can confidently recommend these strategies to fellow artists.

In conclusion, while shipping costs are a consideration for artists, there are practical and efficient ways to manage them. Utilizing local shipping services, understanding what your artwork needs in terms of packaging, and making shipping a billable expense can help you set yourself up for success in the art world. By following these tips, you can ensure your art reaches its destination safely and with minimal additional cost.