Worldwide Shipping & Delivery Information
Packaging & Transportation Options
We will gladly assist you with the packaging and delivery of artworks purchased from any of our galleries or online.
There are various packaging options. In all instances, we will recommend the most suitable option for packing your specific artwork(s).
We make use of approved and reputable third-party courier companies who will deliver to virtually any destination around the world. The transport companies use air freight, sea freight, and road freight, depending on the goods being transported and your choice of delivery.
All shipment and courier deliveries are insured in-transit, offering you additional peace of mind.
There are three packaging options:
✓ Rolled & Tubed
Wherever possible, this is our preferred packaging option. This option offers the best combination of safest and most cost-effective means of packaging and delivery. Depending on the paint technique and finish of an unframed canvas painting, we can remove the canvas from the stretcher frame, roll it and then place it inside a sturdy and protective cardboard tube. This greatly reduces the risk of damage to the painting (the tube is very strong) and it significantly reduces the dimensions of the package and therefore the cost of transportation. We offer to package your artwork using this method at no additional charge, wherever applicable. It is a simple task for your local framer to re-stretch the canvas upon delivery in your hometown.
✓ Flat-Packed / Boxed
We package the artwork as-is, on its stretcher frame or frame (where applicable). We securely wrap the artwork in bubble wrap followed by cardboard, to make a secure, sealed box. If the artwork is larger in dimensions we may also add protective board, for added strength and rigidity. This option offers good protection of your artwork while in-transit, without the additional cost associated with custom-crating. We offer to package your artwork using this method at no additional charge, wherever applicable.
✓ Custom-Crated
A custom-crate is specifically made for your artwork to be transported in. This offers the very best protection for your artwork while in-transit as the crate is extremely strong and sturdy. However, this is also the most expensive option as aside from the additional cost of manufacturing the custom-crate, the crate increases the finished size and volumetric weight of the package. This method is specifically recommended for transportation of sculptures, fragile ceramics, and very large paintings.
Based on your choice of packaging, there are three delivery options:
✓ Door–to–Door:
This is your most convenient delivery method and is used in most instances. It involves the courier company transporting your packaged artwork from us in South Africa to your closest international airport, liaising directly with you to clear Customs and process any payment due. Once payment has been received the package is released from Customs and the courier company will proceed with the final delivery to your home or office.
✓ Door–to–Airport:
This option is more cost effective and suited to larger and/or heavier packages, like sculptures, and involves transporting your packaged artwork to your nearest international airport from where you can arrange for Customs clearing and collect the parcel directly yourself (or arrange for a clearing company to collect it and deliver to you). Once it arrives at your destination cargo terminal you will be contacted to clear Customs and collect.
✓ Door-to-Sea Port:
This option is the most cost-effective transportation option for very large and/or heavier packages but does take the longest. It involves transporting your packaged artwork to your nearest international seaport from where you can arrange for Customs clearing and collect the parcel directly yourself (or arrange for a clearing company to collect and deliver it to you). Before it arrives at your destination cargo port terminal you will be contacted to clear Customs and collect.
What you need to know:
Please note that in all instances your delivery quote is calculated using a combination of dimensions, physical weight, volumetric weight, as well as the destination. Depending on your choice of delivery option, it can take anything from a few days up to eight (8) weeks for your package to arrive at the destination country, however, most items are delivered in under two (2) weeks (unless you’ve chosen sea freight).
Our ‘shipping’ quoted amount covers packaging, local courier & freight paperwork, local Customs processing (South Africa), international transportation and includes insurance in-transit. These are all the costs that can be calculated in advance.
The potential charges excluded from our shipping quote:
- Customs import duties/taxes/VAT/handling or clearance fees, which are only assessed upon inspection at destination by your local Customs authority
- Customs stops, examinations, storage (if any)
- Special delivery requirements (like un-crating, by special request before sending)
- Fumigation (if needed, by special request before sending)
Unfortunately, neither we nor the courier company have any way of knowing in advance what these fees might be. Please contact your local Customs office for more information.
Delays – while we will endeavor to prevent any delays, we are not responsible for any delays, damage or loss due to the use of third-parties used to transport the artworks on your behalf. Please note that if you delay collecting your parcel from the airport / sea port once you have been contacted, you may be charged a storage fee by the airport / sea port authorities.
What we need:
✓ Your preferred daytime physical delivery address
✓ Your preferred daytime telephone number (preferably mobile)
✓ Your email address – for the couriers to liaise directly with you throughout the transportation process.
We have successfully shipped and delivered thousands of artworks all around the world during our more than thirty years of operation.
Assuring you of our best service at all times.