How to Confidently Buy Art on Artsy—Your Way

With Artsy, you have access to the largest selection of fine art and design online, from galleries, institutions, and auction houses worldwide. Below, discover the different ways you can buy art through Artsy, along with tips for how to find the right method for you.

Want to buy an artwork today?

BEST WAY TO BUY: INSTANT PURCHASE

There are thousands of artworks on Artsy that can be acquired instantly—from modern masterpieces to fresh works by emerging talents. These works, displayed with a “Buy now” badge, are the perfect choice for those who want to buy art quickly and simply.

With competitive pricing on our top in-demand inventory, “Buy now” is the easiest way to buy art online—all you need to do is input your payment and shipping details, and the artwork will be on its way in less than a week.

To discover works available for instant purchase, simply filter by “Buy now” on browsing pages on Artsy.

Interested in negotiating price?

BEST WAY TO BUY: MAKE OFFER

When you’re buying art from a gallery, it’s common to negotiate the price of the artwork, especially if the work is over $1,000. Artsy’s “Make offer” feature empowers you to seek discounts through structured negotiation on our most in-demand artworks.

With flat shipping rates, secure payment through Artsy, and fast seller responses, making an offer is the most seamless way to negotiate prices with a gallery.

To discover works available for “Make offer,” simply filter by “Make offer” on browsing pages on Artsy.

Want to learn more? Explore our guide on how to make a successful offer.

Looking for a rare find?

BEST WAY TO BUY: BIDDING AT AUCTION

Bidding through Artsy’s online auctions is a great way to find a special work that’s rare to the market. For each work listed in an auction on Artsy, you’ll find a price estimate that can help you guide your bidding. If bidding competition is low, it’s possible to buy the artwork at the lower end of the estimate (or even below—sometimes there’s no reserve on the lot).

If you know the price you’d like to pay for a work at auction, you can set this price as your “Max Bid” on Artsy. Artsy will bid on your behalf, up to (but not exceeding) this amount to maintain your position as highest bidder as the sale progresses. This way, you can sit back and relax during the auction and still buy the work at the lowest possible price.

Through Artsy, you can bid in sales taking place across the world, from auction houses like Christie’s, Phillips, Doyle, Heritage Auctions, and countless more. Plus, if you follow your favorite artists and subscribe to Artsy emails, you’ll receive notifications when your favorite artists have new works available at auction.

To discover works available for bidding at auction, simply filter by “Bid” on browsing pages on Artsy.

Want to learn more? Explore our guide on how to bid in auctions on Artsy.

Need an expert opinion before purchasing?

BEST WAY TO BUY: INQUIRE WITH A GALLERY

Over 500,000 artworks are available on Artsy from galleries across the world. When you find a work you’re interested in, you can click “Contact Gallery” to send an email to the seller and start a conversation.

By messaging the gallery directly, you can learn from the experts before deciding to buy. You can ask questions about the artist’s market, biography, or artmaking practice—and even schedule a visit with the gallery to see the artwork in person. If you like to take your time while making a purchase, starting a conversation with a gallery will likely be your favorite way to buy art.

To discover works available for conversation with a gallery, simply filter by “Inquire” on browsing pages on Artsy.

Want to learn more? Explore our guide on how to talk price with a gallery.