Shipping policy

Tessera Contemporary coordinates the careful, secure transport of every work from acquisition to delivery. Given the value and fragility of the works we handle, shipping is managed individually for each piece rather than through standardized courier rates.

How Shipping Works

Once a purchase is confirmed, our team arranges packing and transport through specialist fine art logistics providers—not general couriers. Each shipment is fully insured for its purchase value while in transit, from our custody until signed delivery at your specified address.

• Packing — museum-grade materials, custom crating for larger or higher-value works
• Insurance — full transit insurance at declared value, included in the shipping quote
• Tracking — a dedicated point of contact for shipment status; signature required on delivery

Timelines

Shipping timelines vary by origin, destination, and work size, and are confirmed individually at the time of sale. As a general guide:

• Domestic (within the same region) — typically 5–10 business days after payment clears
• International — typically 2–4 weeks, depending on customs clearance and destination

Works requiring custom crating, climate-controlled transport, or white-glove installation may take longer. Estimated timelines are confirmed in writing before shipment.

International Shipping, Customs & Duties

For cross-border shipments, import duties, taxes, and customs clearance fees are the responsibility of the buyer unless otherwise agreed in writing at the time of purchase. These charges vary by destination country and are assessed independently by local customs authorities—Tessera Contemporary does not control or predict their amount.

We provide all documentation required for customs clearance, including certificates of authenticity and provenance records where applicable. Collectors are encouraged to consult their local customs regulations regarding the import of fine art prior to purchase, particularly for high-value or culturally significant works.

White-Glove & In-Person Delivery

For blue-chip or particularly high-value works, we offer white-glove delivery—including in-home placement and, where requested, installation support. This service is arranged on a case-by-case basis; please indicate your preference at the time of purchase.

Shipping Costs

Shipping costs are calculated individually based on the work's size, value, fragility, and destination, and are confirmed prior to purchase. Costs cover insured transport and standard packing; white-glove delivery and custom crating may incur additional fees, quoted separately.

Damage in Transit

Every shipment is insured against loss or damage while in transit. If a work arrives damaged, please refer to our Return & Refund Policy for the claims process, and retain all original packaging until the claim is resolved.

Questions Before You Buy

For high-value or logistically complex shipments—large-scale works, international destinations, or works requiring special handling—we recommend contacting our team before completing a purchase so we can confirm shipping arrangements and timelines in advance.

Shipping terms, including customs and duty obligations, may vary by jurisdiction. This policy is provided for general informational purposes; collectors are encouraged to confirm specific requirements for their destination country prior to purchase.