How Shipping Works on Cohart

What is this feature?

This feature lets sellers choose how their artworks are shipped — either using Cohart’s logistics support, handling shipping independently, or handling the transaction as invoice-only without shipping arranged through the platform.

Who is it for?

This is for sellers (artists, studios, and galleries) listing physical artworks on Cohart that require delivery, pickup, or direct coordination with buyers — domestically or internationally.

Ship by Cohart

Cohart coordinates and supports the shipping process end-to-end.

• Cohart handles the shipping label: We generate and send you the prepaid label once the order is placed.

• We work closely with you to confirm packaging dimensions, advise on protection materials, and ensure the piece is ready for safe delivery.

• You’ll receive clear instructions on pickup or drop-off, depending on the carrier.

• Cohart manages buyer communication related to shipping status and delivery issues.

• Cohart insures your order while in transit.

Important: The total shown at checkout excludes local customs duties, taxes, and import fees, depending on the country of entry. These fees may be collected by the carrier upon delivery and is the buyer's responsibility. Additional charges are not assigned until the package has cleared customs in the local destination and therefore cannot be estimated in advance.

Pickup / Ship by Seller

This option is used when the artwork will be picked up in person or shipped directly by the seller.

Pickup

• After the invoice is issued, the buyer and seller coordinate the exchange directly.

• Cohart supports the transaction process but does not manage or supervise the handover.

• We recommend confirming the artwork’s condition at pickup or drop-off for peace of mind.

Ship by Seller 

• You may choose to charge the buyer a shipping fee if you plan to ship the artwork yourself instead of arranging in-person pickup.

• In this case, you are fully responsible for packing, label creation, shipping, tracking, and delivery.

• You are also responsible for any buyer communication related to delivery, delays, or damage claims.

• Cohart does not arrange or insure seller-shipped orders under this option.

Invoice Only (No Shipping Arranged)

This is an invoice-only transaction, used often to collect deposits, for commission pieces, or to issue a custom fee (ex. fees for framing, classes, custom packaging, or shipping). 

• Cohart processes the payment but does not arrange or manage shipping or delivery.

• The buyer and seller must confirm that the purchase is intended as a digital, service, or direct exchange, with delivery coordinated independently if needed.

• This option is often used for special agreements, off-platform delivery, or non-shipped transactions.

Buyer Protections

• 100% money-back guarantee: Buyers may return their purchase for any reason within 48 hours after delivery.

• The buyer is responsible for all return shipping costs.

• Refunds are issued 5–7 days after Cohart successfully receives the artwork (if returned).

Important Notes About Shipping Dimensions

Shipping carriers use package dimensions, not just artwork dimensions, to calculate fees — especially for oversized items.

Even if your artwork is slim or lightweight, it might be classified as oversized based on the final packed size.

⚖️ Oversize Criteria (Carrier-Based)

A package is oversized if it meets any of the following:

• Length > 50 inches (≈ 127 cm)

• Length + Girth > 130 inches (≈ 330 cm)

  • Girth = (2 × Width) + (2 × Height)

• Weight > 10 lbs (≈ 4.5 kg)

How We Calculate Length, Width, and Height

For shipping purposes:

• Length = Longest side

• Width = Middle-length side

• Height = Shortest side

🧪 Real-World Examples

Oversized Due to Length

Art: 100 in (H) × 20 in (W) × 2 in (D)
→ Length = 100 in (254 cm) → Oversized

Oversized Due to Length + Girth

Art: 70 in × 50 in × 2 in
→ Girth = 104 in → Length + Girth = 174 in → Oversized

Oversized Due to Weight

Art: 40 in × 30 in × 5 in → Weight = 60 lbs (27.2 kg) → Oversized

Disclaimer (Shipping by Cohart)

When buyer select Ship by Cohart, we help coordinate safe and professional delivery of your artwork. However:

• Final delivery timelines depend on the carrier

• Cohart is not liable for damage due to incorrect packaging

• You must follow all packaging guidelines and instructions we provide

• In case of buyer disputes, we’ll assist based on tracking and packaging documentation

🎨 We recommend using thick cardboard, corner protectors, and padding for framed or large works.

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✨ Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know which fulfillment option I selected?
You can check this in the artwork listing under the Shipping section. You can also edit it before the work is sold.

What happens if I underestimate package size for Ship by Cohart?
Oversized charges will apply automatically at checkout based on the actual shipping dimensions. Be sure to measure or estimate your final package, not just the artwork.

Are customs fees included at checkout for international shipments?
No. Customs duties, taxes, and import fees are not included and may be collected by the carrier upon delivery.

How can I securely package my artwork for shipping? Visit our guide on How to Ship A Sold Artwork.

What does the shipping fee collected at checkout do? The shipping fee collected at checkout is calculated by Cohart to simplify the sales process and avoid back-and-forth quoting with buyers. The shipping fee does not include packing labor, shipping materials, or on-site shipping services. To learn more about this process, visit How Shipping is Calculated at Cohart. 

What information does Cohart need to prepare a shipping label? If you’d like Cohart to generate a shipping label for you, please provide:

• Package dimensions (after packing)
• Estimated package weight
• Return address (typically your home, gallery or studio)

Once a sale has been made, our logistics team will be in touch proactively to receive this information and generate the label for you to print.