It is highly recommended that you post a refund policy on your website. If you are selling at art venues, we recommend posting your policy at the venue itself and inform buyers about the policy.
This will protect you and prevent any problems down the road.
In general, merchants are required to accept returns in certain situations. Some states have laws governing the disclosure of refund and return policies. Be sure to check the laws in your state.
NOTE: Commissioned art should have its own return policy.
There are a number of great articles on the web regarding this.
Here are a few highlights
Refunds or Exchanges of Purchased Artwork
by David M. Kessler Fine Art
I don’t really think it matters what your policy is - whether you accept refunds or only exchanges - it really matters that you have your policy written wherever you sell your art, so that the customer knows the policy prior to purchasing the art. If there is no stated policy, then there will be confusion on the part of each party if a situation arises. If you have a written policy, on your website for example, then when the customer buys the artwork from your website, they have agreed to the terms of the policy.
How To Set Up An Art Return Policy
by Wood Art Studio
Is An Art Return Policy Needed?
If an artist does not allow returns it should be stated somewhere within an art return policy. Nevertheless, not allowing returns can cause serious complications and is illogical.
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