Shipping Policy

Overview

This policy describes how original artwork is shipped from Empty Wall Studios. Every painting is a one-of-a-kind work — we treat each shipment with the care that justifies.

Where We Ship

2.1 Domestic (United States)

We ship to all 50 states, Washington D.C., and U.S. territories.

2.2 International

We ship worldwide on request. International shipping is quoted on a per-shipment basis based on destination, size, and insurance value.

International buyers are responsible for:

• All import duties, customs fees, and taxes imposed by the destination country
• Compliance with local import regulations
• Any documentation required by your country's customs authority

Customs charges vary by country and are collected by the shipping carrier upon delivery. We cannot estimate these charges in advance — please consult your local customs office if needed.

2.3 Customs Declarations

All international shipments are declared at their true sale value. We do not undervalue shipments, mark artwork as "gift," or misrepresent contents on customs forms. Requests to do so cannot be accommodated.

Processing Time

Standard processing: 30–60 days from payment clearance.

This window allows for:

• Varnish and full surface curing (required for recent works)
• Custom crating
• Certificate of Authenticity preparation and signing
• Professional packing for transit
• Weather and operational contingencies (see §13)

We will communicate a specific ship date as soon as practical — often much sooner than 60 days. This window is a protective maximum, not an expected delivery timeline. Most paintings ship within 2–4 weeks of payment clearance.

Commissioned works follow timelines set in the individual commission agreement. Typical range: 6 to 12 months, varying by size, complexity, and technique.

Rush processing may be possible for an additional fee. Contact us to discuss.

Packing

Every original work is professionally packed following industry-standard fine art logistics protocols, under the guidance of a consulting distribution specialist with decades of international shipping experience.

Standard Packing

• Glassine or silicone-release paper protecting the painted surface
• Acid-free cardboard corners protecting stretcher edges
• Archival foam or bubble wrap padding
• Outer rigid cardboard shipping box sized to minimize movement
• Custom wooden crate for works over 36 inches or valued over $100,000

Every Package Includes

• The original painting, packed for safe inspection on unwrapping
• Care & Handling Instructions (see §12)
• Hanging hardware when applicable

Carriers & Shipping Methods

We use:

• FedEx (preferred for most shipments)
• UPS (alternative)
• USPS (smaller works only)

Shipping Tiers by Value

All shipping costs above FedEx/UPS standard tier are passed through at actual rate, quoted at time of purchase.

Insurance

All shipments are fully insured for the full sale value of the artwork.

Insurance is included in the shipping cost — you will not see it as a separate line item. Insurance is purchased through the carrier or through a third-party fine art insurance provider.

Why this matters: If damage or loss occurs in transit, the full sale price is recoverable. No buyer loses money on a shipping accident.

Tracking

You will receive tracking information by email within 24 hours of shipment.

You may also receive:

• Estimated delivery window
• Signature requirement notice (see §8)
• Contact information for the handling carrier

Signature Requirement

All paintings require an adult signature at delivery. This is non-negotiable for our standard shipping process.

If no one is available to sign when the carrier attempts delivery, the package will be held at the local carrier depot for pickup.

We Recommend

• Providing a delivery address where someone is typically present during business hours
• Holding packages at a FedEx/UPS location for pickup if you're frequently away
• Notifying us in advance if your address has unusual access requirements

Waiver of signature: If a buyer instructs the carrier to waive signature or authorize package release without signature, the buyer assumes full responsibility for any loss, theft, or damage that occurs after delivery. Insurance claims may be denied in such cases.

Transit Times (Estimates)

Transit times do not include processing time. Total time from payment to delivery is processing + transit.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated per shipment based on:

• Painting dimensions and weight
• Packing method (standard, crate, white-glove)
• Destination
• Insurance value
• Service level (standard, expedited)

Shipping costs are quoted at time of purchase and are paid by the buyer separately from the artwork price, unless otherwise agreed.

Delivery Inspection — Critical

Upon delivery, please:

1. Inspect the exterior of the crate or box before signing — note any visible damage on the carrier's delivery document
2. Open in a safe, clean space — avoid areas with moisture, direct sunlight, or pets
3. Check the painting itself within 48 hours of delivery

If You Find Damage

• Take photographs of the packaging and the painting immediately
• Do not discard any packing materials
• Contact us within 48 hours at emptywallstudios@gmail.com with photos

Why 48 hours? Carriers require damage claims to be filed promptly. After 48 hours, insurance claims may be denied.

See our Return Policy for what happens after a damage report.

Care & Handling

Every shipment includes a dedicated Care & Handling Instructions document that covers:

• Unboxing and first handling
• Safe hanging and environment (light, humidity, temperature)
• Cleaning and maintenance
• Long-term storage
• Specific considerations for A.G.C. surfaces (metallic and iridescent finishes require specialized care)
• What to do if the work is ever damaged

This document is also available by email on request for reference.

Note: The physical and digital Certificates of Authenticity may arrive separately from the painting, depending on payment method. See Terms of Service §5.5 for details.

Natural Events & Force Majeure

Empty Wall Studios is based in South Florida — in the path of Atlantic hurricane season (June 1 – November 30) and subject to tropical weather systems year-round.

During Emergency Conditions

• Shipments already in transit may be held by carriers per their safety protocols
• New shipments will be paused until all-clear is declared by NOAA/NWS and carriers resume service
• Studio processing may pause during power outages, evacuations, or facility closures

We Are Not Responsible for Delays Caused By

• Hurricanes, tropical storms, flooding, or other natural disasters
• Regional or national carrier disruptions
• Acts of government (customs holds, shutdowns, export controls)
• Widespread power, network, or shipping infrastructure outages
• Any other event outside our reasonable control

In the event of a significant delay, we will notify affected buyers by email as soon as practical, provide updates as conditions allow, and resume processing immediately upon safe conditions.

Buyers retain full insurance coverage during any delay. Delays do not constitute grounds for cancellation or refund unless the delay exceeds 120 days from original payment clearance.

Address Changes After Shipment

Once a package is in transit, address changes are difficult or impossible. If you need to redirect a shipment:

• Contact the carrier directly as soon as possible
• Some carriers charge an address change fee ($10–$50)
• Some shipments cannot be redirected and will continue to the original address

Lost Shipments

If a package shows no tracking updates for more than 7 consecutive days, please contact us.

For lost shipments:

• We'll work with the carrier to locate the package
• If the package cannot be recovered within 30 days, an insurance claim will be filed
• Upon claim approval, a full refund or replacement will be issued at the buyer's preference

Important: "Replacement" of an original work is not possible — every painting is one-of-one. If an original is lost in transit, the remedy is a full refund or, at the artist's discretion and the buyer's agreement, a commissioned replacement piece.

Porch Piracy & Post-Delivery Theft

We are not responsible for theft after the carrier confirms delivery.

This is why all shipments require signature. See §8 regarding signature waivers.

Studio Pickup

Local buyers may arrange in-person pickup by appointment. Pickup location is arranged privately with the buyer at time of purchase.

Pickup includes:

• Meeting the artist in person
• Inspecting the work before taking possession
• Hand-off of the signed Certificate of Authenticity
• Immediate transfer of ownership

Pickup eliminates shipping costs and shipping risk. Available by prior appointment only. Studio location is not publicly listed for privacy and security reasons.

Contact

Questions about shipping?

Empty Wall Studios
303 E Woolbright Rd #239
Boynton Beach, FL 33435

Email: emptywallstudios@gmail.com
Phone: (561) 424-6906