How to ship your artwork

ARTsynonyme connects artists, galleries and collectors but does not handle payment or delivery: you must arrange shipping with the buyer. Here is an overview of the available options according to the size and value of the artwork, and the insurance details you need to check.

Before shipping, in every case

Whichever carrier you choose, a few precautions can help prevent unpleasant surprises:

  • Pack the artwork carefully using a protective cover, reinforced corners, rigid cardboard or a crate suited to its size.
  • Photograph the artwork before packing it: this provides useful evidence in the event of a dispute with the carrier.
  • Declare the artwork’s actual value and check the compensation limit of the proposed insurance, as this is often the most costly issue when something goes wrong.
  • Keep proof of postage and a tracking number to share with the buyer.
Small formats and economical shipping

Colissimo Extra&Fragile (La Poste) remains the simplest option for a small format: expect to pay around €30 for a tracked 5 kg parcel within France.

Insurance: standard cover often has a compensation limit well below the value of an artwork. Check this limit and, if necessary, add dedicated transport insurance.

Local delivery with controlled costs

Cocolis connects you with individuals who are already making the journey, in a model similar to carpooling for parcels: between €20 and €150, depending on the distance and size of the artwork.

Insurance: cover depends on the individual carrier and remains limited. This option is best reserved for modestly valued artworks, with careful packing and photographs taken before shipping in case of a dispute.

Valuable artworks, large formats and international shipping

Specialist art carriers — Convelio, Moviiu and Mathez Art Logistics — handle the entire process: collection from the studio, a custom museum-quality crate, road, air or sea transport, customs formalities, and white-glove delivery with optional installation at the buyer’s premises.

For a medium-sized canvas (80 × 120 cm) within Europe: between €300 and €500, including packing and insurance. A large format or shipment outside Europe will often cost more than €1,000.

Insurance: these providers generally include ad valorem insurance calculated on the artwork’s declared actual value, which is the main advantage over the two previous options. Confirm this before accepting a quotation.

This page is an informational guide: ARTsynonyme has no commercial partnership with the providers mentioned and receives no commission on these shipments. The prices shown are approximate figures observed in summer 2026; always check the final quotation directly with your chosen provider.