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Return Policy

Each artist on Artbase Gallery sets their own return policy. This guide explains how returns work and what to expect.

Per-Artist Return Policies​

Not a Unified Policy​

Important: Each artist has their own policy

Common Policies:

  • 14-day returns
  • 30-day returns
  • No returns (final sale)
  • Custom policy

Where to Find:

  • Product page: "Return Policy" section
  • Checkout: Review before purchasing
  • Order confirmation: Included in email
  • Artist profile: Policy overview

Gallery recommends artists offer:

14-Day Returns:

  • 14 days from delivery date
  • Item in original condition
  • Buyer pays return shipping
  • Restocking fee optional (up to 20%)

What Artists Typically Accept:

  • Unused, undamaged items
  • Original packaging
  • All tags/certificates intact
  • Approved return request

Return Process​

Step 1: Contact Artist​

Within Return Window:

  1. Go to your order page
  2. Click "Contact Artist"
  3. Request return, include reason
  4. Artist responds within 24-48 hours

Information to Provide:

  • Order number
  • Item to return
  • Reason for return
  • Photos (if damaged)

Step 2: Return Approval​

Artist Reviews:

  • Checks return eligibility
  • Verifies within return window
  • Confirms item condition expectations

Possible Responses:

  • ✅ Approved: Return instructions provided
  • ❌ Denied: Reason explained
  • 💬 Questions: May ask for more info

Step 3: Ship Return​

Once approved:

Return Shipping:

  • YOU pay return shipping
  • Use trackable method
  • Insure high-value items
  • Keep tracking number

Packaging:

  • Original packaging preferred
  • Pack securely to prevent damage
  • Include order number note
  • Photo package before shipping

Step 4: Artist Receives​

Upon Receipt:

  1. Artist inspects item
  2. Verifies condition
  3. Processes refund
  4. You receive notification

Inspection Timeframe: 2-3 business days

Step 5: Refund Issued​

Refund Details:

  • Processed to original payment method
  • Product price refunded
  • Restocking fee deducted (if applicable)
  • Shipping NOT refunded
  • Returns in 5-7 business days

What Can Be Returned​

Eligible Returns​

Generally Accepted:

  • ✅ Item not as described
  • ✅ Wrong item received
  • ✅ Arrived damaged (with photos)
  • ✅ Changed mind (within policy)
  • ✅ Quality issues

Non-Returnable Items​

Cannot Return:

  • ❌ Custom/commissioned work
  • ❌ Final sale items
  • ❌ Digital downloads
  • ❌ Used/altered items
  • ❌ Items without original packaging
  • ❌ Past return window

Return Costs​

Who Pays Shipping​

Return Shipping (buyer pays):

  • Changed mind
  • Don't like color/size
  • Personal preference

Return Shipping (artist pays):

  • Wrong item sent
  • Item damaged in shipping
  • Significantly not as described
  • Defective product

Original Shipping: Never refunded (unless artist error)

Restocking Fees​

Some artists charge restocking fees:

Typical Fee: 10-20% of product price

When Charged:

  • Returns for personal preference
  • Opened but unused items
  • No longer in original packaging

When Waived:

  • Artist error
  • Damaged items
  • Quality issues

Example:

Product: $100
Return shipping: $15 (you pay)
Restocking fee: $10 (10%)
Refund: $90
Out of pocket: $25 ($15 ship + $10 fee)

Damaged Items​

Report Damage Immediately​

Upon Delivery:

  1. Inspect package before signing
  2. Photo any visible damage
  3. Open carefully and photo contents
  4. Report within 48 hours

Contact Artist:

  • Include photos of damage
  • Show packaging condition
  • Describe the issue
  • Keep all packaging

Damage Claims​

Artist Will:

  • File insurance claim with carrier
  • Offer full refund or replacement
  • Provide return label (if needed)
  • No cost to you

Your Part:

  • Provide photos
  • Keep packaging for inspection
  • Available if carrier needs to inspect
  • Return item (sometimes required)

Wrong Item or Missing Items​

Artist Error​

If you received wrong item:

Contact Artist Immediately:

  • Explain what you received
  • What you ordered
  • Photos of received item

Resolution:

  • Artist ships correct item
  • Provides return label for wrong item
  • Full refund if preferred
  • Expedited shipping (usually)

No Cost to You: Artist covers all costs

Refund Timeline​

Processing Time​

After Return Received:

Day 1-2: Artist receives return
Day 2-3: Artist inspects item
Day 3: Refund processed
Day 3-10: Refund appears on card

Total Time: 7-14 days from artist receipt

Checking Refund Status​

Order Page:

  • Shows "Refund Processed"
  • Amount refunded
  • Date processed

Credit Card Statement:

  • May show as credit
  • Or reduced charge
  • Contact card issuer if not appearing after 10 days

Exchanges​

Item Exchanges​

Most Artists:

  • Don't offer direct exchanges
  • Process return + new purchase
  • Ensures inventory availability

Exception:

  • Defective items may be exchanged
  • Wrong size/variant
  • Artist discretion

International Returns​

Returning from Outside US​

Challenges:

  • Expensive return shipping
  • Customs/duties on return
  • Longer transit times

Options:

  • Negotiate with artist for partial refund
  • Keep item, receive discount on future purchase
  • Return (expensive but possible)

Customs:

  • May owe duties to return item
  • Varies by country
  • Not artist's responsibility

Gallery Assists If:

  • Artist unresponsive (48+ hours)
  • Dispute about policy
  • Artist won't honor policy
  • Fraudulent activity

Contact Gallery:

Buyer Protection​

Gallery monitors return requests:

Fair Treatment:

  • Artists must honor stated policies
  • Reasonable response times required
  • Proper refund processing
  • Professional communication

Consequences for Artists:

  • Warning for policy violations
  • Gallery review for disputes
  • Removal for repeated issues

Next Steps​

→ Contact Artists

How to communicate about returns

← Order Tracking

Track your order status

Return questions? Contact the artist first, then support@artbase.studio if needed.