ABOUT US

was developed by Mark Sublette, an art dealer with twenty years of brick and mortar gallery experience, who also understood the power and importance of the web for selling and acquiring artwork. Art as a commodity has a long history of being traded, bartered, and swapped throughout the entire art community, but yet has no good online platform to accomplish this. Recognizing the need for and interest in trading art, but with no efficient and transparent platform to do so, was the “AHH moment” for . Understanding the art world community and seeing this untapped need, set in motion the first ever online art site whose main emphasis is trading art: hence  was born.

The internet can now not only be used as a venue to sell art, but also to trade art! ArtUTrade.com revolutionizes how art trades hands by the development of an efficient global online mechanism where interested parties from a variety of disciplines can trade (and sell) their artwork.  recognizes the inherent value of a variety of artwork and allows those who own art and make art the opportunity to capitalize on that intrinsic value which is human creativity.

With ArtUTrade.com there is now a single dedicated art website whose primary mission is to put interested parties together to trade for art. ArtUTrade.com is the only site of its kind which connects those who create quality art, own art, sell art, or simply need to dispose of artwork with an outlet other than selling, auction or consigning. These traditional outlets of the art world can often be difficult to navigate, are not locally available, illiquid, or not the most cost efficient and timely.

While artwork listed on  can also be purchased, most of our members prefer to trade for a variety of services, products or other artwork. Many of the greatest artists, collectors, museums, and auction houses have been trading art for centuries; now through  everyone has an equal and broad platform to find great art. Best of all,  make the trade!

HOW IT WORKS

 is a portal for art trading. Our website mission is to organize an easy, transparent platform to allow interested parties to meet and potentially trade art. We put together those who own a variety of art and antiques and those who have something they would like to trade. What artwork can be traded for is only limited by the imagination of each party and of course it has to be something legal and appropriate to sell or trade. A fair trade is one in which both parties feel good about the final outcome.

 can search our site either by type of artwork (sculpture, western, modern, Native American, etc...) which is listed for trade OR the services or commodities (health care, computers, babysitting services, other artwork, etc…) which the artwork has been designated to trade toward. allows our members to customize their search by Commodities and Services, Art Category, Price, Region, State and City to find a match. Find artwork, collectors and artists  never knew existed and are local, by limiting your searches to only those artworks listed near . An Advanced Search function designed just for  allows  to search any of the categories in combination.

 has top artists, art dealers, antique dealers, interior designers, appraisers, museums and art collectors all of who have artwork and have interest in trading for art, services and/or commodities. In a world of limited money for purchasing quality art, trading is a great alternative and one which has been used for centuries. Since art is what we love and value,  is your web resource for finding fine artwork which members are willing and wanting to trade.  is a great new avenue for collectors to add, change or upgrade their collections as well as for artists and art dealers to trade art for services, commodities and obtain new inventory without spending money.

Those who join the  community are looking to trade (or sell) art and will provide a Wish List of what they are interested in trading towards. Examples of what  can trade your art towards include: other artwork (great way to build or upgrade an art collection), physician fees, furniture, award points for plane tickets, dental cleaning, computer work, food, tickets to sporting events or concerts or just about anything you need. If  have something  would like to trade towards artwork, search the site and find out if there is someone looking for what  have to offer.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

We keep it simple and inexpensive.  is a well designed easy to navigate web resource for those who like art and enjoy trading, swapping or bartering. We DO NOT charge a commission for or act as an agent to make ANY trade or sale. There is a small monthly charge to use the site and for that charge you may list artwork on the site.   can discontinue your membership at anytime. As an active member (subscriber)  can update or change your art as often as  like because  are in charge. Unlike other art sites we DO NOT charge any FEES or COMMISSIONS on ANY transactions, because  are making the trade. We simply help willing participants locate each other in a well thought out searchable format that makes trading easy; because  make the trade,  save.

HOW DO I BECOME A PART OF THE ART U TRADE COMMUNITY?

Login and join. It only takes a few minutes, and is very easy. Keeping it simple and safe is our goal. There is NO paid membership required to MAKE any trade. Login and start trading with one of our Simple Memberships. If  want to feature artwork for trade or sale or would like to receive email notifications of new artwork, then there are low monthly fees.

WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF PAID MEMBERSHIP?

We keep it simple, the object is to trade art. There are NO COMMISSIONS EVER because  are making the art trade. Memberships are billed on a monthly basis to your credit card account.  may discontinue at any time.  can trade for free. If  want to list art on our site or receive emails from us, this requires a monthly charge.

FOR THOSE WHO WANT TO LIST ART TO TRADE OR SELL

There are three options to feature art on the site. All three options run month to month and can be canceled at anytime, with a one month minimum. All three options allow for your information and artwork to be changed and updated as often as  like.

• Basic membership: $15 per month. The Basic membership is recommended for those who might have just a few objects to sell or have a very specific trade they are looking to complete. Anyone on a very limited budget looking to promote themselves or an art related business wanting a strong internet presence specifically geared to those who love art, but also require minimal cost, will find this membership compelling. The Basic membership is also great for a collector or an emerging artist looking to trade just a few pieces with minimum expense but maximum exposure. The Basic membership allows  to list up to 4 pieces of artwork including description and photographs, contact information and 250 characters of additional information. With the Basic membership  also can place up to two pieces of artwork on Art Swap. Being a Basic member  are eligible for discounts offered through our art services community.

• Premium membership: $25 per month. The Premium membership is an excellent option for artists who want to showcase a body of artwork or are looking for numerous types of trades. The more artwork online, the better chance of finding someone wanting to make a trade or purchase. List up to 8 pieces of artwork including descriptions and photographs, 500 characters of additional information and a LINK to your website. With the Premium membership  can also place up to two pieces of artwork on our Art Swap feature.  are eligible for discounts offered through our art services community.

• Professional membership: $45 per month. This is the membership level which has the most exposure. It is highly recommended for Artists looking for maximum exposure, Art Dealers and Gallery Owners, Interior Designers and Art Collectors with extensive art to trade. List up to 18 pieces of artwork including descriptions and photographs, 750 characters of additional information and a LINK to your website. Your name will be listed in bold in our Membership Directory to recognize you with Professional Level distinction and allows  to showcase an image of your gallery, studio, or featured art which will make  stand out from the other members. Most importantly Professional Members are placed in our rotating Featured Artwork Tile and Featured Member areas of the Membership Directory and Search features as well as the coveted home page feature Trade of the Day!, which continuously rotates and gives your artwork prominent recognition. These rotating images increase the likelihood of  making a trade or sale of your artwork. With the Professional membership  can also place up to two pieces of artwork on Art Swap.  are also eligible for discounts offered through our art services community.  Professional memberships get the additional bonus of a FREE Basic membership on our sister site ArtUFind.com which is geared for selling artwork on line.

Anyone with art to trade is eligible to join any of our three Membership categories. A dealer can have a Basic membership and an art collector can sign up for a Professional Membership. It’s up to  to decide what works best for .  There is no limit to the number of memberships  can select, as  can have a Basic membership and Professional membership at the same time.

LOOKING TO MAKE A TRADE FOR ART

• Simple Membership: There are NO charges to trade toward art listed on the site. It’s FREE! Just join our art community as a member and within minutes  will be on your way to making a trade.

• Trader Membership: $10 per month. This allows  the full advantages of our huge art community. Those who are active Trader members receive the following:

Email notification of new art you are looking to trade for as it becomes available on the  website. Simply fill out your search list and when a new piece is added to our site,  will be notified by email. No searching the website, the website comes to .

For example, a Dentist with a trader membership looking to trade his dental services for art will be notified when any new artwork is listed to the site, which the owners are looking to trade for dental services.

Any PAID member is eligible for discounts from our extensive list of specialized art service providers which include art lighting, art appraisers, art supplies, art insurance, art publications, art packing, art delivery and certain art purchases. The first time  use one of our art community services,  have just paid for your membership and much more…

HOW DO WE PAY AND IS IT SECURE?

accepts most major credit cards in an easy to fill out online format. Credit cards you authorize us to charge are debited every month automatically for the cost of the membership level you select and will continue monthly on the same card unless you change your payment type, membership level, or cancel your membership. You must make these changes yourself by logging into your account, do NOT email us to make these changes for you. We process all credit cards through a best in class PCI compliant network, Brain Tree, which eliminates our need to store your credit card information on our servers which enhances your credit card safety. Our security certificates are Extended Validation SSL, one of the highest assurance certificates available. The green https address bar reassures our users they are interacting with a verified business on a secured domain. All this means better security for .

WHO ARE THE INDIVIDUALS IDENTIFIED ON THE SITE AS APPRAISERS?

Individuals who are identified as appraisers on our website Member Directory have listed themselves as appraisers on a voluntary basis. DOES NOT VOUCH FOR OR RECOMMEND any of these individuals or verify their credentials are as stated or verify they are current in the area which they have designated as their specialty. Most appraisers work on a fee for service basis, so if  contact any of these individuals on the site, be sure  find out about their charges / fees / requirements before engaging their services. When considering a trade on any artwork, it is always a good idea to get a qualified appraisal if  are unsure of the objects value or authenticity. While  don't need to have a certification to be a competent appraiser, generally speaking any national certification and/or national membership in an appraisers field adds a certain credibility to the individual as a qualified appraiser. 

WHAT MAKES  UNIQUE TO THE WEB AND THE ART WORLD?

We have a developed a unique art search engine that produces precise trade matches based on well thought out artwork criteria, such as price, media, style, and art location. , unlike other barter or trading websites, features a variety of quality artwork which the owners are willing to trade not only for art but a variety of services and commodities. For the first time there is now a site specific, comprehensive art trading site developed by someone who understands the art world which uses detailed search parameters. redefines the inherent value of art and its capabilities to change lives without using money.

WHAT WE DON’T DO

We are a portal only. We NEVER negotiate or act as your agent on your behalf. We NEVER authenticate anything or guarantee any artwork; that is up to the trading parties.

It’s up to  to do your homework and make sure the trade  are making is a fair one.

If something feels funny or it’s too good to be true, it probably is, don’t trade. Do a little leg work; check the person’s credentials  are wanting to trade with. Both parties should feel comfortable in what they are trading for; a good trade is where both parties feel happy about the trade. There are lists of art specialists on our site as well as on the internet who are willing to do appraisals (there are generally fees for this service) of art work  may want authenticated and valued before you trade. We do not certify any of these appraisers. You are free to contact an insurance company that writes policies to protect against fraudulent work or title which is an option  may want to investigate before trading, especially for any high ticket items. If in doubt, we strongly suggest you consult with one of these specialists.

We DON’T ship or insure anything EVER; we are a portal; not a gallery or auction house. It is up to , the traders, to work out all the details of the trade. Getting something in writing is always a good idea.

We DO NOT collect any taxes; the trading parties are responsible for paying any and all taxes which may apply. Many states look at trades as sales and  may be responsible for state sales taxes. Check your local states statutes if  are unsure before you trade and/or check with your accountant or tax advisor. NEVER assume just because  are trading that  don't have tax obligations: ignorance of the law is no excuse for not paying taxes.

We are not responsible for any fees or costs associated with any trades  make. We are a platform, NOT the agent of the artwork featured on the  site.

Remember if  are trading something which is illegal,  are breaking the law. If  are unsure if something  want to trade is an inappropriate object, don’t list it until  know for sure.  are always responsible for what artwork  list on the  site, including its copyright. reserves the right to remove any listed objects we determine are offensive, culturally sensitive, pornographic, or simply inappropriate for our site. This is a condition for use of the site. If  have a problem with your art being removed at our discretion, don't list art on the site.  

 is an art community which hopes to facilitate the creativity that art and artists bring to the world.

WHAT WE LIST ON OUR SITE AND WHO CAN LIST ARTWORK

This is an art promotion and trading site, and art is what we are interested in. The definition of art can vary greatly but would include Native American, African, Oceanic, Folk, Antiques, Limited Edition Prints, Vintage Posters, Paintings, Sculpture, Blown Glass, Wood, and Photography.  must be 18 years old to trade or list artwork on the  website, and  must have legal title to the artwork you are trading.

WE DO NOT LIST

Guns or automatic weapons, culturally sensitive items, collectibles, memorabilia, clothing or anything which is not legal to sell or trade. No pornographic materials are allowed and will be removed at our sole discretion.

HOW DO I KNOW WHEN SOMEONE WANTS TO MAKE A TRADE FOR MY ARTWORK?

An email will come from  from potential individuals interested in trading toward your artwork. The email will let you know what they have and are willing to trade for your art, and  can reply in three ways:

I'll Pass , We're Close , or Let's Make a Trade .

Once  respond to the offer,  can provide additional contact information about yourself at this point if so desired, or keep it in the  email system. At some point if  do make a trade,  will need to share information about each other to solidify the final trade. What type of information you share and how you share is up to .

HELPFUL HINTS ON TRADING

Most people will have an idea of the value of the artwork they are wanting to trade. If no value is given or  have reservations about the stated value,  may want to get an independent appraisal of the piece before  trade.   may want to do an internet search on the artist or artwork to find out current values. We have a list of  helpful art resources. There are good resources available in most cities.   should always feel secure in what   are trading for. Do your research if in doubt.

If   are trading your art for services/commodities, always ask if there are any limitations, restrictions, or expirations for what   are trading your art towards. Again, get it in writing.

Red flags mean trouble, so look for these. As with any community, there are always those looking to take advantage of the system. The following are some examples of Red flags which may say be careful!

If not completely satisfied with email correspondence, then talk in person before finalizing the trade. If the individual still only wants to make the trade through email and never share information, this may be a red flag.

Trades which involve shipping out of the country need to be thoroughly investigated. Many scams for art originate from foreign countries.

Emails which have poor spelling, punctuation or grammar may be a red flag.

Anyone who needs URGENT attention is a red flag.

If the trade involves money beware of checks, certified checks or money orders which can be bogus. Pay Pal or credit cards are good alternatives.

If   are asked to send money for part of the trade, this is a red flag. Check it out thoroughly.

Take the time to do a search on the person offering the art or wanting to trade. The more information regarding who are trading with will add to your comfort level. Professionals in the art world do art trades all the time, but they try and know what and who they are trading with. The internet is a great way to learn who  are dealing with.

When someone makes an offer to trade toward something  have listed on the site, it is always a good idea to respond even if  are not even vaguely interested. If they were interested enough to respond to your artwork and make an offer to trade, they more than likely admire your artwork and are that much closer to being someone  might trade with in the future.

Simply click the I’ll Pass icon  if the trade is not something  have interest in pursuing.   have the option to add information and explain why  weren't interested in completing the trade if so choose.

If the trade was close to meeting your terms or  want to counter offer, simply click the We're Close icon and make your proposal.

If  do want to make a trade click the Let's Make a Trade icon  and make your trade. This means  are willing to discuss making the trade as offered. At this point it is up to   to work out all the details of how the trade will occur. Remember both parties are responsible for the trade, any taxes that might be applicable, and any legal fees incurred for dissatisfactory trades should either party wish to pursue legal action of any kind. We do not pay legal fees and do not assist in resolution of any dissatisfactory trade, so make sure  understand what  are trading for and who are the responsible parties if the trade doesn't work out.

Always ask about the condition of anything  are trading for. Pieces in excellent condition are worth more than those with restoration or damage. If you don’t ask, won’t know. Always ask on both ends of the trade about condition.

Always verify the person who is trading the art or services has the legal title and authority to make the trade.

Make sure  discuss how shipping will be arranged, cost and availability of insurance and who pays for what. Discuss what happens if there needs to be a return, and who pays for return shipping and insurance. If something is damaged during shipping, discuss before the trade who will be responsible. Many professional dealers and artists will often carry art insurance. If  need art insurance or advice,  can ask one of the  art insurance resources or discuss with your current insurance provider. They may be able to help insure the artwork  want to trade.

ART SUPPLIES AND THREE WAY TRADES

Those members who classify themselves as Art Supplies may be able to assist  in the trading process by making a three way trade. All artists need materials to produce and frame artwork. This can include paint, canvas, frames etc… Find an Art Supply member who is looking to make a trade toward services or commodities.  can then match it with a piece of art from an artist and make a three way trade.

COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Companies which add quality art related services at a discount to our  community may be chosen to be featured on our Home page Community Partner tile, and will receive a free link to their business website and a free Basic membership. If  own a company that  feel would be a good fit for and are interested in being a  part of our ever growing art community, then contact us and help promote creativity. Build your corporate image and add to your art collection through .

TALK TO US

We are a community and we want to constantly try and improve our site.  If  have an idea that  feel will make us better or see a problem with how the site works, let us know, because without  we are just another art website, and we want to be much more than that...

You may Contact Us at info@artutrade.com