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Artist Terms of Service

Legal & Policies

The fine print, finely printed.

Buying art across borders involves customs desks, couriers and consumer law in a
dozen jurisdictions. We’ve written these four documents to be read, not endured —
plain summaries first, full clauses underneath, nothing hidden in a footnote.

Last updated3 August 2026
Operated byMohammadjavad Motekallem, trading as Artistern
ABN25 399 274 717
Governing lawVictoria, Australia

01

Terms of Service

Last updated 3 August 2026

Who you buy from
Artistern is the seller of record. Your contract for the artwork is with us.

Placing an order
An order is an offer. We may decline it — availability, pricing errors, fraud or sanctions.

What you own
You own the physical artwork. Copyright stays with the artist.

Your statutory rights
Nothing here removes rights you hold under the Australian Consumer Law or your local law.

1Overview & acceptance

Welcome to Artistern (“Artistern,” “we,” “us,” or “our”). Artistern is operated by
Mohammadjavad Motekallem, trading as Artistern (ABN 25 399 274 717), based in Victoria, Australia.

These Terms of Service (“Terms”) govern your access to and use of artistern.com and any
services we provide (collectively, the “Services”). By accessing or using the Services,
creating an account, or placing an order, you agree to be bound by these Terms and by our
Privacy Policy, Refund & Return Policy and Shipping Policy (together, the “Policies”).

If you do not agree to these Terms, you must not use the Services.

Statutory rights preserved
Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts or modifies any right you may have under the
Australian Consumer Law (“ACL”) or any other legislation that cannot be excluded by agreement.

2Who you are contracting with

Artistern sources artworks from independent artists and galleries, and sells them to you
in its own name. For every order placed through the Services, Artistern is the seller
of record
: your contract of sale is with Artistern, and Artistern is the supplier
responsible for the consumer guarantees under the ACL.

Artists retain copyright and moral rights in their work at all times. Descriptions of a
work’s origin, medium and provenance are supplied by the artist and reproduced by us in good faith.

3Eligibility & accounts

You must be at least the age of majority in your place of residence to use the Services
or make purchases. If you create an account:

  • You are responsible for maintaining the confidentiality of your login credentials.
  • You are responsible for all activity that occurs under your account.
  • You agree to notify us promptly if you suspect unauthorised access or use.

We may suspend or terminate accounts that provide false information or breach these Terms.

4Orders & payment

Placing an order constitutes an offer to purchase. We may accept or decline any order at
our discretion, including because of:

  • Availability issues;
  • Pricing or description errors;
  • Payment verification failure;
  • Suspected fraud or misuse;
  • Compliance with legal or regulatory obligations;
  • Sanctions or export control restrictions.

You agree to provide accurate, current billing and shipping information. Payment is
processed by our approved third-party payment providers; we do not store full credit card
details on our servers.

We may limit or cancel orders per customer, household or address where reasonably
necessary to protect artists, prevent fraud, or ensure fair access to artworks. If an order
is cancelled after payment has been processed, we will refund it in full in accordance with
our Refund & Return Policy.

5Pricing, taxes & currency

Prices may change without notice. The price displayed at checkout at the time of purchase
applies to your order.

Taxes, duties, brokerage fees and import charges may apply depending on your destination.
These charges are set by local authorities and are your responsibility unless expressly
stated otherwise in our Policies.

Currency conversion is handled by your payment provider. Artistern is not responsible for
exchange rate fluctuations or conversion fees applied by your bank or card issuer.

6Shipping & delivery

Processing times and estimated delivery windows are set out in our Shipping Policy. We
provide tracking information where available and package artworks with appropriate care.

Risk of loss or damage passes to you upon confirmed delivery to the shipping address (or
authorised collection point) given in your order confirmation.

We are not liable for delays or delivery failures outside our reasonable control,
including customs clearance delays, carrier disruptions, regulatory inspections, sanctions
compliance checks and force majeure events.

7Returns, refunds & damaged items

Our Refund & Return Policy explains eligibility, timeframes and procedures for returns.
In summary, and subject to that policy in full:

  • Change-of-mind returns on original artworks may be initiated within 7 days
    of delivery (14 days for consumers in the EU and UK).
  • Return shipping is at your cost, from every destination. We quote it before
    you commit and deduct it from your refund.
  • Where an approved return arrives undamaged and complete, we refund the
    full purchase price of the artwork to your original payment method.
  • Certain categories — including digital downloads, commissioned works, limited editions
    and custom framing — are final sale.

If your artwork arrives damaged, follow the instructions in the Refund & Return Policy
so we can assist you promptly.

Statutory rights preserved
Return shipping costs and final-sale categories apply to change-of-mind returns only.
They never apply where goods are faulty, misdescribed, damaged in transit, or fail to meet
a consumer guarantee.

8Customs & import rules

International orders may be subject to customs duties, VAT/GST, brokerage fees or other
charges imposed by local authorities. These charges are not included at checkout unless
expressly stated, and you are responsible for complying with the import laws of your
destination country.

If a shipment is returned to us because of unpaid customs duties or a failure to provide
required documentation, the return shipping, storage and handling fees actually incurred may
be deducted from your refund.

We may refuse or cancel international transactions where required to comply with
Australian sanctions laws, export controls or other regulatory obligations.

9Intellectual property

All content on the Site — text, images, logos, branding, design, layout and software — is
owned by or licensed to Artistern and protected by intellectual property laws.

Artist copyright. Copyright and moral rights in every original artwork remain
with the artist or rights holder. Purchasing a physical or digital artwork transfers ownership
of that object only. It does not grant any licence to reproduce, distribute, publish, display
commercially, or create derivative works, unless expressly granted in writing.

You may not copy, modify, distribute, exploit or commercially use any Site content or
artwork without prior written permission.

10User content & reviews

If you submit reviews, comments, testimonials or other content (“User Content”), you grant
Artistern a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free, sublicensable licence to use, reproduce,
display and share that content for the purpose of operating and promoting the Services, for
as long as you leave it posted and for a reasonable period afterwards.

You represent that you own or have permission to submit the content; that it does not
infringe third-party rights; and that it is not unlawful, defamatory, misleading or harmful.
You are solely responsible for your User Content.

11Acceptable use

You agree not to:

  • Use the Services for unlawful purposes;
  • Violate any applicable laws or regulations;
  • Infringe the rights of others;
  • Interfere with Site security or operations;
  • Upload malware, viruses or harmful code;
  • Scrape, crawl or harvest data without written permission;
  • Misrepresent your identity or affiliation.

We may suspend, restrict or terminate access where we reasonably believe these Terms have
been breached.

12Third-party services & links

The Site may include links to third-party websites or integrations, such as payment
gateways, shipping carriers and analytics providers. We do not control and are not
responsible for third-party content, terms, security or privacy practices. Review their
terms before using those services.

13Disclaimer

We aim to provide accurate, current information but do not warrant that the Site will be
uninterrupted, error-free, secure or always up to date.

Except as required by law, and subject to the ACL, the Services and all products are
provided “as is” and “as available” without warranties of any kind, express or implied.
Where goods are supplied to a consumer under the ACL, the statutory guarantees apply and
cannot be excluded.

14Limitation of liability

To the maximum extent permitted by law, Artistern and its directors, employees,
contractors and suppliers will not be liable for any indirect, incidental, special,
consequential or punitive damages, including loss of profits, revenue, data, goodwill or
business interruption.

Where our liability cannot be excluded, it is limited to the amount you paid for the
product giving rise to the claim
.

Statutory rights preserved
This limitation does not apply to any liability that cannot be limited or excluded under
the Australian Consumer Law, including liability for death or personal injury caused by
our negligence, or for fraud.

15Indemnity

You agree to indemnify and hold harmless Artistern from claims, losses, liabilities,
damages, costs and expenses (including reasonable legal fees) arising from your breach of
these Terms, your misuse of the Services, or your violation of any law or third-party right.
This indemnity does not apply to the extent the loss was caused by our own breach,
negligence or wrongful act.

16Force majeure

We are not responsible for delay or failure to perform due to events beyond our
reasonable control, including natural disasters, labour disputes, power outages, war,
embargoes, government actions, sanctions and carrier failures.

17Changes to the Services or these Terms

We may update the Services or these Terms from time to time. The “Last updated” date
reflects the most recent revision, and your continued use of the Services after a change is
posted constitutes acceptance of the updated Terms.

No retrospective effect
Changes never apply retrospectively. The version of the Terms and Policies in force at the
moment you placed an order governs that order, even if we publish a revision afterwards.

18General

  • Severability. If any provision is found unenforceable, it is severed and the
    remaining provisions continue in full force.
  • No waiver. A failure to enforce any provision is not a waiver of our right to
    enforce it later.
  • Assignment. You may not assign these Terms without our written consent. We may
    assign them to a successor in connection with a merger, acquisition or sale of assets.
  • Entire agreement. These Terms and the Policies form the entire agreement between
    you and Artistern regarding the Services, and supersede any prior understanding.
  • Order of precedence. If these Terms conflict with a Policy on a matter that
    Policy specifically addresses, the Policy prevails.

19Governing law & disputes

These Terms are governed by the laws of Victoria, Australia, and the courts of Victoria
have non-exclusive jurisdiction over any dispute.

Before commencing proceedings, we ask that you contact us at
support@artistern.com so we can attempt to resolve
the matter directly. If you are a consumer with mandatory rights under the law of your own
country of residence, those rights and the jurisdiction of your local courts are unaffected.

20Contact us

Questions about these Terms? Email
support@artistern.com, or write to us at
20 Marjorie Close, Bulleen, VIC 3105, Australia.

02

Privacy Policy

Last updated 3 August 2026

We never sell it
We do not sell personal information, and we do not share it for behavioural advertising.

Card details
Full card numbers never touch our servers — payment providers handle them.

How long we keep it
Order records for 7 years (tax law). Account data until you ask us to delete it.

Your controls
Access, correct, delete, port, object — one email to support@artistern.com.

1Who we are & what this covers

This Privacy Policy describes how Artistern (the “Site,” “we,” “us,” or “our”) collects,
uses, discloses and protects your personal information when you visit or make a purchase
from artistern.com, use our services, or otherwise communicate with us (collectively,
the “Services”).

Artistern is operated by Mohammadjavad Motekallem, trading as Artistern
(ABN 25 399 274 717), located in Victoria, Australia. For the purposes of the GDPR and
UK GDPR, Artistern is the data controller for the personal information described here.

By using or accessing the Services, you agree to this Privacy Policy. Nothing in it limits
your rights under applicable privacy legislation.

2Changes to this policy

We may update this Privacy Policy to reflect operational, legal, regulatory or
technological changes. When we do, we will post the revised version on this page, update the
“Last updated” date, and take any additional steps required by applicable law. Where a change
is material, we will make reasonable efforts to notify you directly.

3What personal information we collect

3.1 Information you provide directly

  • Contact details: name, address, phone number, email;
  • Order details: billing and shipping address, payment confirmation;
  • Account information: username and password, if you create an account;
  • Customer support: messages, attachments and correspondence;
  • Art submissions or collaborations: portfolio materials, artist details, business information.

3.2 Information collected automatically

  • IP address, browser type and device type;
  • Usage data and interactions;
  • Pages viewed and navigation patterns.

This helps us operate the website securely, improve performance, prevent fraud and misuse,
and analyse user behaviour to improve the Services.

3.3 Information from third parties

  • Payment processors (for example Stripe or PayPal);
  • Shipping partners, for delivery updates;
  • Analytics providers (for example Google Analytics);
  • Advertising or marketing partners, where applicable.

We do not store full credit card numbers or sensitive payment authentication data. We
collect only information reasonably necessary for our business functions.

4How and why we use your information

We use personal information to fulfil orders and provide the Services; process and verify
payments; communicate order updates; respond to enquiries and provide customer support; send
marketing where you have opted in; detect fraud and verify identity; monitor security; and
comply with legal obligations and resolve disputes.

Lawful bases (GDPR / UK GDPR). Where the GDPR or UK GDPR applies to you, we rely on:

  • Performance of a contract — to process your order, arrange delivery, handle returns and provide support;
  • Legal obligation — for tax, customs, sanctions screening and financial record-keeping;
  • Legitimate interests — to secure the Site, prevent fraud, analyse usage and improve the Services, where those interests are not overridden by your rights;
  • Consent — for marketing communications and for non-essential cookies. You may withdraw consent at any time.

5Cookies & tracking

We use cookies and similar technologies to remember preferences, improve functionality,
analyse site usage, and enhance performance and security.

  • Strictly necessary cookies keep the Site working — sessions, carts, security. These cannot be switched off.
  • Analytics and marketing cookies are optional. Where required by law, we set them only after you consent through our cookie banner.

You can withdraw or change your cookie choices at any time through the banner or your
browser settings. Some features of the Site may not function properly if cookies are disabled.

6Marketing communications

We send marketing messages only where you have opted in or where permitted by law. Every
marketing email contains a working unsubscribe link, and we action unsubscribe requests
promptly, consistent with the Spam Act 2003 (Cth) and equivalent laws in your
jurisdiction. Opting out of marketing does not stop transactional messages about an order
you have placed.

7How we disclose personal information

We may disclose personal information to:

  • Service providers assisting with payment processing, analytics, fulfilment, hosting or IT support;
  • Shipping carriers and logistics providers;
  • Professional advisors, such as accountants and lawyers;
  • Law enforcement or regulators where legally required;
  • A successor in the event of a business sale, merger or restructuring.
We do not sell personal information, and we do not share sensitive personal data for
profiling or behavioural advertising.

8Automated decision-making

We use automated tools to screen orders for fraud, payment risk and sanctions compliance.
These tools may flag a transaction for review or cause an order to be declined. A person
reviews any decision that materially affects you before it becomes final, and you may
contact us to ask for a decision to be reconsidered or explained.

We do not use automated processing to build behavioural profiles for advertising.

9User-generated content

If you post public content — art submissions, reviews, testimonials or comments — that
information may become publicly accessible. We are not responsible for how third parties may
use publicly available information, and we encourage caution before posting personal details
in public.

10Third-party links

Our Site may link to external websites or services. We are not responsible for the privacy
practices, content or security of third parties. Please review their privacy policies before
interacting with them.

11Children’s privacy

Our Services are not directed at children under 16. We do not knowingly collect personal
information from minors, and if we become aware that we have done so without appropriate
consent, we will take reasonable steps to delete it. Parents or guardians may contact us to
request removal of a child’s information.

12Security, breaches & retention

We implement reasonable administrative, technical and physical safeguards to protect
personal information from misuse, interference, loss and unauthorised access, modification or
disclosure. No method of online transmission or electronic storage is completely secure.

Data breach notification. If a data breach occurs that is likely to result in
serious harm, we will notify affected individuals and the Office of the Australian
Information Commissioner as required by the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme under the
Privacy Act 1988 (Cth). Where the GDPR or UK GDPR applies, we will notify the relevant
supervisory authority within 72 hours of becoming aware of a qualifying breach.

Retention. We keep personal information only as long as necessary to fulfil the
purposes in this Policy, comply with legal obligations, resolve disputes and enforce
agreements. Typical periods:

  • Order and transaction records — up to 7 years, for Australian tax compliance;
  • Account data — until you request deletion, or after a prolonged period of inactivity;
  • Marketing data — until you opt out;
  • Support correspondence — up to 3 years after the matter is closed.

13Your rights

Depending on where you live, you may have the right to:

  • Access the personal information we hold about you;
  • Request correction of inaccurate or incomplete data;
  • Request deletion, subject to our legal retention obligations;
  • Receive your data in a portable, machine-readable format, or have it transmitted to another controller;
  • Withdraw consent where processing is based on consent;
  • Restrict or object to certain processing, including direct marketing;
  • Opt out of promotional communications at any time.

To exercise any of these, contact
support@artistern.com. We may need to verify your
identity first, and we aim to respond within 30 days.

14Complaints

If you believe your privacy rights have been infringed, please contact us first so we can
investigate. If the matter is unresolved, Australian residents may contact the Office of the
Australian Information Commissioner at www.oaic.gov.au.
EU and UK residents may lodge a complaint with their local supervisory authority or, in the
UK, the Information Commissioner’s Office. Residents of other jurisdictions may contact their
local data protection authority.

15International transfers

Your information may be processed or stored outside your country of residence, including
in Australia, where our service providers operate. When we transfer personal information
internationally, we take reasonable steps to ensure recipients handle it in accordance with
applicable privacy laws and provide an adequate level of protection.

For transfers of EU or UK personal data to countries without an adequacy decision, we rely
on the European Commission’s Standard Contractual Clauses (and the UK International
Data Transfer Addendum where applicable), supported by appropriate technical and
organisational measures. A copy of the relevant safeguards is available on request.

16Applicable laws

This Privacy Policy is designed to align with the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth) and the
Australian Privacy Principles, the General Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679 and the
UK GDPR where applicable, and the Spam Act 2003 (Cth).

17Contact us

Questions, requests or complaints about privacy:
support@artistern.com, or
20 Marjorie Close, Bulleen, VIC 3105, Australia.

03

Shipping Policy

Last updated 3 August 2026

Dispatch
5–10 business days after purchase, depending on the artist and framing.

Transit
Typically 10–20 business days after dispatch. Estimates, not guarantees.

Duties & taxes
Set by your country, payable by you, and not refundable on a return.

Risk passes
On confirmed delivery to the address you gave us at checkout.

1Processing & delivery

Every artwork is packaged with care to ensure it arrives safely and beautifully.

  • Shipping cost. Shipping is charged at checkout and shown separately from the
    artwork price, calculated on the artwork’s size, weight, destination and the level of
    protection required. On a change-of-mind return the outbound shipping charge is not
    refunded, except for EU and UK customers exercising the statutory right of withdrawal
    (see Refund & Return Policy, section 8).
  • Processing time. Orders are typically dispatched within 5–10 business days after
    purchase. Additional preparation time may be required depending on the artist’s location,
    medium or framing requirements.
  • Delivery time. Transit times vary by destination and the artist’s location. Most
    artworks arrive within 10–20 business days after dispatch. Delivery timeframes are
    estimates only and are not guaranteed.
  • Tracking. A tracking number is provided once your order has shipped, where available.
  • Insurance. Where available, artworks are shipped with insurance against loss or
    damage in transit. Availability may depend on the carrier, destination country and
    regulatory or sanctions restrictions; in some jurisdictions full coverage is not obtainable.

2Risk of loss

Risk of loss or damage transfers to you upon confirmed delivery to the shipping address
(or authorised collection point) provided at checkout. Where the carrier provides delivery
confirmation, responsibility for the shipment transfers at that time, and Artistern is not
liable for loss, theft or damage occurring afterwards.

Statutory rights preserved
This does not affect your rights where an artwork arrives damaged, faulty or not as
described. Those situations are covered by the Refund & Return Policy and by the
consumer guarantees under the ACL.

3Address accuracy & failed delivery

Please check your shipping address carefully before completing checkout. Contact us
immediately if you need to correct it — once an artwork has been dispatched, we cannot
guarantee a change is possible.

Where a shipment is delayed, returned or re-dispatched because the address you supplied
was incorrect or incomplete, because delivery was refused, or because no one was available
across the carrier’s delivery attempts and the parcel went unclaimed, the resulting
re-delivery, storage and return charges actually incurred are your responsibility, and may
be deducted from any refund. We will always tell you the amount before applying it.

4Customs & import duties

International shipments may be subject to customs duties, taxes, VAT, GST, brokerage fees
or other import charges imposed by the destination country. These fees:

  • Are not included at checkout unless expressly stated;
  • Are determined by the destination country’s customs authorities;
  • Are your responsibility as the importer.

If customs fees apply, the courier or customs office will contact you directly for payment
before delivery. We monitor shipments and will assist with customs communication where
reasonably possible, but we do not control customs processes or decisions.

Important: customs duties, VAT, import taxes and brokerage fees are
non-refundable in the event of a return. Any recovery of import VAT or duty must be
claimed from your own customs authority.

5Trade compliance & sanctions

Artistern complies with Australian export regulations and applicable international trade
laws. We reserve the right to delay, refuse or cancel shipments where required for
compliance; to request additional documentation for export or customs purposes; and to cancel
transactions where shipment would breach sanctions or trade restrictions. Where we cancel an
order on these grounds, we refund it in full.

We are not liable for delays, seizures or restrictions imposed by customs authorities,
regulators or government agencies.

6Estimated customs & VAT by region

Indicative only
The figures below are general guidance compiled as at 3 August 2026, not a quotation
or a warranty. Rates, thresholds and classifications change without notice, and the amount
actually assessed depends on the artwork’s customs classification, its declared value and
the judgement of the customs authority in your country. Always confirm current rates with
your local customs authority before ordering.
Australia GST 10%
Import GST on the declared value. Carrier or processing fees may apply.

United Kingdom VAT ~5%
Reduced import VAT typically applies to original artworks. The courier may charge a handling fee.

France VAT ~5.5%
On non-EU imports of original works. Carrier processing fees may apply.

Germany VAT ~7%
On imports of original works from outside the EU.

Belgium VAT ~6%
On non-EU imports of original works.

Luxembourg VAT ~8%
On non-EU imports of original works.

Europe (other) ~5.5–20%
Varies by member state. Intra-EU shipments are generally customs-free but may still incur local processing fees.

United States Generally duty-free
Original works of art are generally duty-free regardless of value. Shipments above USD 2,500 usually require formal customs entry, and a licensed broker’s fee may apply.

United Arab Emirates VAT ~5%
Original artworks are typically exempt from customs duty; prints and decorative items may incur handling fees. Local delivery is usually 2–5 business days once cleared.

Middle East (other) ~5–15%
Varies by country. Delivery may take 10–15 business days due to customs processing.

Canada GST/HST ~5–15%
Original artworks are generally duty-free; sales tax varies by province. Brokerage fees may apply to higher-value shipments.

Asia — JP, KR, SG, HK ~5–10%
Delivery may take 10–20 business days. High-value artworks may require additional customs documentation.

China VAT ~13%
Exemptions may apply to certain fine art classifications. Customs processing may extend delivery times.

Latin America ~10–25%
Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Argentina and others. Delays and processing fees are common.

Africa ~10–20%
South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Kenya and others. Additional documentation may be required; delivery may take 15–25 business days.

7Artwork origin

The country of origin for each artwork is listed on its product page under “Artwork
Details.” This assists in estimating customs treatment and delivery timeframes. Customers
are responsible for ensuring an artwork may lawfully be imported into their jurisdiction.

8Delivery delays & force majeure

Artistern is not responsible for shipping delays caused by customs inspections,
regulatory reviews, carrier disruptions, natural disasters, political events, sanctions
enforcement, government actions, or strikes and labour disruptions. Delivery estimates are
indicative only.

9Shipments returned over customs issues

If an artwork is returned to us because of unpaid customs duties, a failure to provide
required documentation, or a refusal to accept delivery, the return shipping, storage,
customs and administrative fees actually incurred may be deducted from any refund, in
accordance with our Refund & Return Policy. We will notify you of the amount before
processing the refund.

10Carrier responsibility

Once a shipment is handed to the carrier, the carrier assumes responsibility for
transportation. Beyond applicable insurance coverage, Artistern is not responsible for
carrier errors. Claims for transit damage must follow the process in our Refund & Return
Policy and be reported within the timeframe stated there.

11Return shipping

Return shipping is at the customer’s cost, from every destination worldwide.
All returns must be arranged through Artistern, and we quote the cost in writing for your
approval before booking. Full details — including the exceptions for faulty, damaged or
misdescribed artworks, where we bear the cost — are in the
Refund & Return Policy.

12Need assistance?

For shipping, customs or tracking enquiries, email
support@artistern.com.

04

Refund & Return Policy

Last updated 3 August 2026

Your window
7 days from delivery to start a change-of-mind return. 14 days in the EU and UK.

Who pays shipping
You do — from anywhere in the world. Quoted first, deducted from your refund.

What you get back
The full purchase price, no processing fee, once the artwork arrives undamaged.

If it arrives damaged
Tell us within 48 hours. We cover everything, including return shipping.

1Scope & your statutory rights

We want your experience with our artworks to be nothing short of delightful. If a purchase
isn’t a perfect match, this policy sets out how a return works.

Statutory rights preserved
This policy operates in addition to any rights you have under applicable consumer
protection law, including the Australian Consumer Law. Nothing here excludes, restricts or
modifies any right you cannot lawfully be deprived of. The cost rules and time limits below
apply to change-of-mind returns only.

2Change-of-mind returns on original artworks

If you change your mind, you have 7 days from the date of delivery to initiate a
return on an original artwork. Consumers in the EU and UK have 14 days — see section 8.

To be eligible, the artwork must be returned in its original packaging and in original,
unaltered condition, with all included materials and documentation.

Where an approved return is received in that condition, we refund the
full purchase price of the artwork to your original payment method. No processing or
restocking fee is charged.

Two costs are not refunded on a change-of-mind return:

  • Return shipping, which is your responsibility from every destination (section 4);
  • The original outbound delivery charge, where it was charged to you separately at
    checkout.

Change-of-mind returns do not apply to Final Sale items (section 5).

3How to request a return

  1. Contact us within your return window at
    support@artistern.com, including your order number,
    the artwork title, and a brief note on why you’d like to return it.
  2. We confirm eligibility and send you a written return shipping quote covering
    collection, transit, insurance where available, and export documentation.
  3. You approve the quote in writing. Nothing is booked and nothing is charged until
    you do. If you decide not to proceed, the return simply doesn’t go ahead.
  4. We book the courier and send you packing and collection instructions.
  5. We inspect the artwork on arrival and issue your refund, less the quoted return
    shipping cost.

4Return shipping — cost & booking

Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility, from anywhere in the world.
There are no free-return destinations.

All returns must be arranged through Artistern. Please do not book your own courier — we
cannot guarantee handling, insurance or customs treatment for shipments arranged outside our
process, and a self-booked return may not be accepted.

How the cost is charged. We quote the return shipping cost in writing before anything
is booked. Once you approve it, we book and pay the carrier, then deduct that same quoted
amount from your refund. You are never charged an open-ended or unquoted amount. If the
quoted return shipping would equal or exceed your refund, we will tell you plainly before you
decide, so you can choose whether the return is worth making.

When we pay instead. Return shipping is not charged to you, regardless of your
location, where the return is because the artwork is faulty, was damaged in transit, was not
as described, or where there is a major failure under applicable consumer law.

Risk in transit. Risk of loss or damage during return shipping remains with the
customer until the artwork is received and inspected at the return address we nominate,
unless the return is due to a confirmed fault or transit damage.

5Final sale items

The following are Final Sale and generally cannot be returned for change-of-mind reasons:

Special Collections
Photography
Limited & open edition prints
Print frames
eGift cards
Digital downloads
Commissioned works
Custom framing

These items may still be returned, replaced or refunded if they arrive damaged or
defective, or in any other case required by applicable consumer law. Digital downloads and
eGift cards cannot be returned once delivered or redeemed.

6Damaged or defective items

If your artwork arrives damaged or defective, tell us as soon as you reasonably can —
ideally within 48 hours of delivery, which gives us the best chance of a successful
insurance claim:

  1. Take clear photographs of the damaged area and the packaging, before discarding anything.
  2. Email the photographs and your order details to
    support@artistern.com.
  3. We will file an insurance claim where applicable, arrange a replacement where possible,
    or provide a refund in accordance with applicable consumer law.
Statutory rights preserved
The 48-hour guideline helps us act quickly with the carrier. It does not cut off your
rights under the Australian Consumer Law or other applicable consumer law, which apply for
a reasonable period regardless of when you report the issue.

We cannot accept returns for artworks damaged after delivery through mishandling,
environmental exposure, improper unpacking, or failure to follow care instructions.

7Packing & inspection

Packing your return. Repack the artwork using the original packaging materials
wherever possible. If the original packaging is unavailable, you must use equivalent
protective packaging. If damage occurs in return transit because of inadequate packaging,
your refund may be reduced to reflect the diminished value.

Inspection & approval. All returned artworks are inspected on receipt at the
address we nominate for the return. A full refund is processed where the artwork is returned in original condition, undamaged, and with
all included materials. If the artwork shows signs of damage, alteration or improper handling
not attributable to transit or an original defect, a partial refund may be issued —
proportionate to the reduction in value, and we will explain the assessment to you in writing.

8EU & UK consumers — 14-day right of withdrawal

If you are a consumer resident in the European Union or the United Kingdom, you have a
statutory right to withdraw from a distance purchase within 14 days, beginning the day
after you or a nominated third party takes physical possession of the artwork. You do not
need to give a reason.

  • How to withdraw. Tell us in a clear statement by email to
    support@artistern.com within the 14-day period.
  • Return the artwork without undue delay, and in any event within 14 days of telling us.
  • What we refund. The full purchase price plus the standard outbound delivery
    cost you paid, if any. Where you chose a more expensive delivery method, we refund the
    standard rate.
  • Return shipping. You bear the direct cost of returning the artwork, as permitted
    under EU and UK distance selling rules and as disclosed here before purchase.
  • Timing. We refund without undue delay, and within 14 days of receiving the artwork
    back or of your proof of return, whichever is earlier.
  • Deduction. We may reduce the refund to reflect any diminished value resulting from
    handling beyond what is necessary to establish the nature, characteristics and functioning
    of the artwork.

This right does not apply to goods made to your specification or clearly personalised —
including commissioned works and custom framing — or to digital content supplied and accessed
with your prior express consent. This section applies instead of the 7-day change-of-mind
window in section 2, and does not limit any other right you hold under EU or UK consumer law.

9Customs & international returns

Customs duties, VAT and brokerage fees are non-refundable by Artistern. Where you have paid
import VAT or duty, you may be able to reclaim it from your own customs authority once the
artwork is exported back to us; we will provide reasonable documentation to support such a claim.

If an artwork is returned to us because of unpaid customs duties, refusal of delivery, or a
failure to provide required documentation, the return shipping, storage and handling costs
actually incurred may be deducted from your refund. We will tell you the amount before
processing.

10Refund process & timing

Once we receive and inspect your returned artwork and confirm approval:

  • Refunds to your original payment method are processed within 7–10 business days;
  • Store credit, where you have chosen it, is typically issued within a few business days.

Processing times may vary depending on your payment provider. We will email you once your
refund or store credit has been issued, showing the purchase price, any deduction for return
shipping, and the net amount.

If a payment dispute or chargeback is initiated before the return process is completed, we
may suspend refund processing until the matter is resolved with your payment provider.

11Need help?

We’re here for you — always. For any question about returns, refunds or your order, email
support@artistern.com.

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