Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to sign up to bluethumb to buy or post a piece of art?
Yes, this is required so that the website has all your details for billing and shipping of the artwork.
Can I join bluethumb if I don't have artwork to upload?
Yes, you can sign up, check it out and post your artworks when you're ready to go.
Does it cost me anything to sign up?
No it doesn't.
If you are an artist and want to sell your work, you can choose to pay nothing on our Blue membership plan. As an option, you can pay a 12-monthly or 18-monthly sign up fee on our Red and Yellow membership plans to reduce the commission we charge on the sale of your artwork.
Why should I sell my art on bluethumb as opposed to other physical or online galleries?
bluethumb is much more accessible than a physical gallery. You don't have to be Picasso (established) to get access to advertising/marketing of your work at a fancy gallery. You don't have to build your own website to sell your work. As bluethumb is a single gallery location for many artworks, people searching the web to buy artworks are more likely to find the bluethumb website, compared to an artist's personal site. Or, maybe art is just your hobby, and you want to make a bit of money for it on the side!
Why should I buy art from bluethumb?
bluethumb's goal is to support Australian talent, and get more original, fantastic artwork out there to you, the public. In purchasing a piece of art from bluethumb, you are providing some income to an emerging artist in the Australian community and encouraging the Australian art market.
You are also beautifying your house or office with quality work, and most importantly, you will have something that is 100% original, that can't be found elsewhere.
I've never sold my art before - is there anything I should know before I get going?
Download the artist's guide to using bluethumb. This will help you get started!
Does bluethumb require exclusivity for the sale of the artworks I post?
No, you are free to try and sell your artworks elsewhere. Should your artwork sell elsewhere, you need to remove it from bluethumb's site within 24 hours.
If your artwork is sold elsewhere, and on the bluethumb site at the same time, you need to provide evidence that you sold it elsewhere first, otherwise you have to sell it through bluethumb.
We strongly suggest you read the Membership Agreement for full details on what the rules are on this topic.
What kind of artwork is accepted?
We accept most kinds of artworks, as long as they are 100% original, created by you, and are not reprints, reproductions, or copies, and do not infringe on the copyright of any other person.
Your artwork needs to be the only one of it's kind (ie. unique), or one of a series of limited edition artworks (eg. printmaking) and its edition is clearly included in the title (eg. "My Artwork ed. 2 of 10").
Works like drawings, paintings, watercolours, and mixed media are all okay with us.
Digitally/electronically created, altered or enhanced artworks are not accepted. For this reason, photography is not accepted (sorry to all the photographers out there!), nor are digital prints, as it is difficult to determine whether alteration has occurred and we can't determine if it's the only one out there.
Unfortunately, glassworks, textiles, jewellery, craft and sculptures are also not accepted as having them couriered without breakage is difficult. We are looking into it for the future though!
All works must be pictured and sold unframed.
Our mission is to get more original work out there to the public, and ensure it's made locally, by true Aussie artists.
Does an artwork have to be created by me?
Yes, you cannot sell work on anyone else's behalf. Nor can you resell works you have previously bought. Refer to the Membership Agreement for more information.
Does my artwork have to be original?
Yes. It has to be your work and the only one like it! Refer to the Membership Agreement for more information.
I'm buying - am I guaranteed an original piece?
Our Membership Agreement with our artists states that artists must only post original artworks, not copies, created by themselves. If you believe you have received a print or copied artwork, please notify us immediately via our contact page.
Refer to our Refunds and Returns Policy for further details.
I want to sell my artwork, how do I set up an account?
Just click Register on the home page, enter your details, and your account will be ready to go. Make sure you read the Membership Agreement so that you understand what the terms and conditions are for selling on this site.
Which membership option should I choose?
There are three options for membership. Check out the table below to see which one suits you best. When you sign up to a membership option, the commission is set for any artworks you post in the timeframe applicable to the membership.
| BLUE MEMBERSHIP | RED MEMBERSHIP | YELLOW MEMBERSHIP | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Set Up Fee: | $0.00* | $165* for 12 months | $280* for 18 months |
| Commission Rate: | 30%* | 20%* | 15%* |
* prices include GST
For example, if you are on the Red Membership plan, any artworks you post in the 12 month period from the date you signed up will maintain 20% commission until sold (even if that takes longer than the 12 month membership). However, if you upgrade to the Yellow membership plan, those artworks posted before your change in membership will retain the old 20% commission rate. Any new artworks posted from there will then attract the lower 15% commission rate.
Does bluethumb's commission include GST?
Yes, this makes it easy for you to figure out what you get paid.
What are bluethumb's policies on the content of artworks?
Refer to the Membership Agreement for information on acceptable and unacceptable content.
I'm ready to upload my work of art, but I need advice!
First of all, make sure that you get the details of the artwork correct when you go to post it online. The photo (image) you provide, the dimensions, weight, medium and condition must all be correct. If these things aren't right, a buyer of your work will be entitled to a refund. It must also be sold unframed.
Next, download the artist's guide to using bluethumb. Otherwise, feel free to contact us via the contact page.
I want to buy an artwork - how do I know if an artwork will look good on my wall?
bluethumb has come up with a great feature that allows you to upload an image of your wall at home. Then, you can select artworks to overlay on that image and get an idea of how it will look.
Enter the real life dimensions of the wall you have uploaded, and the artwork will be scaled to size over the image of your wall. Then just click and drag the artwork around to the right place on your wall.
Who sets the price of artworks and how are they paid for?
The Artist sets the price, and we never interfere with this. Download the artist's guide to using bluethumb
Prices of artworks shown on the bluethumb website are fixed and non-negotiable. We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard credit cards only. Payment for an artwork and associated freight will be required during the checkout process online.
Is my credit card information kept secure?
Yes. Please refer to our Privacy and Security Policy
Will you give my information to marketing organisations?
No! We don't like to be bothered by telemarketers - and we're sure you don't like it either. Refer to our Privacy and Security Policy for more information
How do I photograph my artwork?
Download the artist's guide to using bluethumb. This contains some instructions on how to best photograph your artwork.
My images are uploading sideways/upside down - how do I fix it?
Rotate the image in your picture editing software. The image needs to be a minimum of 700 pixels on its shortest side.
Download the artist's guide to using bluethumb
What copyright protection do I have on my artwork?
Refer to the Membership Agreement for copyright information, as well as the Terms and Conditions of Use.
bluethumb applies a watermark to each artwork on the site that is above thumbnail size so that screen dumps do not show a flawless copy of the image. Also, any images of your artwork will not have a “Save Picture As” link when right-clicked.
If I buy an artwork, do I pay freight and how much is it?
Yes, you will need to pay for the freight, and this will be calculated on the website for you at checkout, so that you're fully aware of the total cost.
How do I know when my artwork is sold?
You will be notified via email that your artwork has sold. You will need to notify us by return email of the most suitable time and date for a courier to pick up the artwork. You need to do this within five (5) business days. We will then book the courier for you.
How do I package my artwork?
Please package your artwork as well as you can. We recommend bubble wrap and a sturdy cardboard box/container. Fill any void or gaps inside the packaging. There should be no movement inside the packaging at all. Finally, get out your permanent marker, and write "FRAGILE - Handle Like Eggs" in big bold writing on the outside.
You need to do everything you can to ensure the artwork isn't damaged during transit.
Why do I have to email bluethumb with a time and date for the courier within five days?
The Purchaser of your artwork has paid for the freight already, as well as your artwork. Our freight provider holds their price for five business days. After that, you will be liable for any extra freight cost, should their price change. Any extra freight costs will be taken off the amount we pay you for the sale of your artwork.
What if I want to use a different courier to the one bluethumb uses?
Unfortunately, this is not possible. We have checked many couriers and have found one with a great price to make freight as affordable as possible. Our courier also ensures we can track items properly from despatch to delivery.
How can I check the status of my order?
Most orders will be delivered within ten (10) business days. Please allow longer for rural deliveries. If you are waiting longer than expected, please email help@bluethumb.com.au.
How long until I receive the artwork I purchased?
We aim to have the artwork shipped from the Artist within five (5) business days, and have it delivered to you within ten (10) business days. This is of course, the responsibility of the Artist, so sometimes it may take a little longer. You will not be charged any extra cost due to delays in shipping.
If you experience lengthy delays in the delivery of your artwork, please contact us via the contact page or email help@bluethumb.com.au.
What if the artwork I purchased is damaged when I receive it?
Please refer to the Refunds and Returns Policy
What if I don't like the artwork that I purchased?
Please refer to the Refunds and Returns Policy
What if I don't feel the artwork accurately reflects what the website described it as?
Please refer to the Refunds and Returns Policy
When and how much do I get paid for an artwork I sold?
bluethumb will pay you the price of the artwork, less our commission, less any extra freight charges that exist if you booked pickup after five (5) business days of selling your work.
bluethumb will pay you within eight (8) business days of the delivery of the sold artwork to the Purchaser. This gives the Purchaser time to check their artwork is an original, is not damaged, and meets all the specifications you provided on the website. It also gives them time to claim a refund if necessary.
Here's an example:
Bob posts an artwork which he values at $500. Bob owns a business to sell his artworks and is registered for GST. bluethumb shows the price of his artwork as $550 online ($500 + GST).
He is signed up for six months, so his commission rate is 20% ($500 x 20% = $100).
He sells his artwork, and organises the pickup the following business day. Shipping didn't cost bluethumb any extra as he organised it within 5 business days.
The customer receives the artwork 2 days later, and is happy with what they receive.
Bob gets paid $550 - $100 = $450. He has given bluethumb his Pay To details, so we send him a cheque.
Bob got paid 11 business days after he sold his artwork.
Here's another:
Julie posts an artwork which she values at $200. She is not a registered business so bluethumb doesn't add any GST to the price.
She is signed up to a yearly plan, so her commission rate is 10% ($200 x 10% = $20).
She sells her artwork, but organises the pickup 8 business days after selling it. The delay in shipping costs bluethumb $5.
The customer receives the artwork 3 days later, and is happy with what they receive.
Julie gets paid $200 - $20 - $5 = $175. She has given bluethumb her bank details, so we deposit the funds straight into her account.
Julie got paid 19 business days after she sold her artwork.
And one more:
Mary posts an artwork which she values at $100. She is not a registered business so bluethumb doesn't add any GST to the price.
She is not signed up to any plan, so her commission rate is the default 40% ($100 x 40% = $40).
She sells her artwork, and organises the pickup the following business day.
The customer receives the artwork 3 days later, but finds that it is not the artwork they bought online! It's similar, but not the same thing.
They lodge a claim for a refund with bluethumb. They provide photo evidence and bluethumb refunds them for the artwork as well as shipping.
Mary does not get paid anything for her artwork. The artwork is returned to her.
Mary has to pay bluethumb the cost of shipping the original delivery to the Purchaser, and the cost of returning it to her from the Purchaser. She may also have to pay other administrative costs if there are unforeseen difficulties in dealing with the refund.
Assuming all is well, we'll do our best to pay you as early as we can. Essentially, the earlier you book the pickup of your artwork, the earlier you get paid.
Please make sure you keep your bank/payment details up to date in your account so that we can pay you correctly.
Getting your money to you is very important to us, so that you can see the results of your labour!
What happens if the Purchaser successfully claims a refund for my artwork?
Please refer to the Refunds and Returns Policy
If we accept the claim, it is because you misrepresented your artwork online. You will not be paid for the sale of your artwork, and you will also be liable for any administrative and freight costs associated with the original delivery of the work, and for returning the work to you. We do not charge you a commission on refunded and returned artworks.
The artwork will always be returned to you.
How do I pay bluethumb's commission?
When we pay you for the full sale amount of your artwork, we take away the commission and any extra freight charges that apply if you have booked your pickup after five (5) business days.
So get those artworks packed and freight booked straight away!
Do I need to provide an invoice if my artwork is sold?
No. We'll invoice the Purchaser on your behalf. You must not issue them a separate invoice. We'll send a copy of the invoice to you.
When does GST apply to the sales of my artworks?
We'll only add GST to the price of the artwork, when you have told us that you are a business that is registered for GST. You need to let us know if this happens, and if it changes, as the ATO will hold you responsible for reporting the GST you make on the sales of your artworks.
If you are registered for GST, here is an example of how the system works:
- The Artist charges $220 (including GST) for an artwork.
- bluethumb charges the Artist a GST-inclusive commission of 20% ($44) for every artwork it sells on the Artist's behalf.
- When the artwork is sold, the Artist must pay GST to the value of $20 to the Tax Office ($220 ÷ 11 = $20).
- However, the Artist can claim a GST credit to the value of $4 ($44 ÷ 11 = $4) for the GST component of the commission they pay to bluethumb for the artwork sold on the Artist's behalf.
- bluethumb must pay GST to the value of $4 for every commission payment it receives from the Artist.
I run a business - how do I deal with end of year tax information?
A copy of all invoices sent on your behalf will be emailed to you. You will need to report any GST income to the Australian Taxation Office. This is your own responsibility. Refer to the Membership Agreement for more detailed information.
What if my artwork isn't selling as well as expected?
If you find that your artwork isn't selling as well as you'd hoped, the very first thing you should do is make sure that you've photographed it properly. Remember that this is all the purchaser sees of your artwork, and it's the only thing they can base their purchase on.
Check that the description of your artwork is well written and contains no spelling mistakes. Also, make sure the keywords you have entered for the artwork describe it well so that it can be easily found in a search.
Finally, check the price of your artwork against similar items on the market. You may have valued it too highly.
Download the artist's guide to using bluethumb
Am I rewarded for having a high number of sales?
Our best sellers will have a “best seller” logo placed next to their name on all artworks when viewed above thumbnail size.
Sometimes, best sellers' artworks will be displayed on the scrolling bar on the home page, and at other times, we may choose to market “our picks” - that is, our favourite artworks on the site at a particular point in time.
How do I post feedback on the artwork I bought from an artist?
Unfortunately, we don't allow this online as we feel it may impact the purchasing of others. We want people to buy art just because they love it!
If you want to get feedback to the artist, please email your thoughts, the artwork, and artist details to us via the contact page on the site.
How do I care for my new artwork?
Download the buyer's guide to caring for artworks. This should give you all the info you need!
I've forgotten my password - what do I do?
Refer to the link under the sign in box on the home page.
Can I promote my own website (including myspace/bluethumb or other social networking sites) on bluethumb?
No, any advertising must be authorised in writing by bluethumb.
How can I change my password or my personal details?
Sign in to your account, and click on "My details". Make any changes and click "Update my details".
How do I close my account?
Contact us via the Contact Us page, and include your username and full name, and request that your account be removed from the site.
What are my rights and responsibilities?
Refer to the bluethumb Membership Agreement for detailed information on your rights and responsibilities as either an artist or a purchaser.
What is bluethumb doing to promote its website, and to increase sales for the artist?
bluethumb is dedicated to making a difference for emerging artists. We have a marketing plan, and schedule marketing activities via various forms of media to reach consumers of all types. We record this information on our News & Media page, so you are kept up to date.
We also do our best to maintain a high ranking among search engines, and we review this regularly.
What is the Resale Royalty Rights Scheme?
Resale right legislation for Australia's visual artists is expected to be in place by 1 July, 2009.
The royalty will be applied only to re-sales of original works of visual art sold through the secondary art market where the seller has acquired the work after the legislation takes effect. It will not be restricted just to works created after the scheme starts. The royalty will be applied only to resales of original works of visual art sold through the secondary art market where the seller has acquired the work after the legislation takes effect.
Royalties are to be paid to artists who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their heirs. It will cover works being resold during an artist's lifetime and for 70 years after the artist's death. Royalty is to be calculated on a flat rate of 5%, uncapped. The minimum resale price before a royalty is imposed will be $1000.
The scheme will be managed by a single collecting organisation, appointed by the Australian Government following an open tender selection process.
bluethumb will provide the collecting organisation nominated by the Australian Government any necessary information required under the Resale Royalty Rights Scheme for all applicable sales of artwork made via the bluethumb website.
For further information see http://www.arts.gov.au/artists/resale_royalty
My question doesn't appear on the FAQ list - how can I get help with my query?
Simply contact us via the contact page and we will be happy to help you.
Can I buy a gift voucher?
We currently don't offer this service, but we are definitely looking into it for the future.
How do I contact bluethumb?
You can contact us via: help@bluethumb.com.au or via the contact page on the bluethumb website, and we will reply to your query as soon as possible.
