For many art buyers, Saatchi Art has been such an integral part when collecting art online. It’s definitely one of the best art sites to discover emerging and well-known artists.
But not every gallery site is the perfect fit for everyone. So, that’s why I wrote this Saatchi Art review.
With the help of 4,033 Saatchi Art customer reviews[1] and my own experience, here’s a look at the pros, the cons, and everything in between.
What is Saatchi Art?
Based in Los Angeles (California, United States), Saatchi Art’s goal is to make shopping for art easy and convenient.
They offer more than 500,000 pieces from 60,000+ emerging artists around the world.
You can expect to find an excellent selection of original paintings, prints, photographs, drawings, sculptures, and (my favorite) limited edition prints.
Pros: Why I Buy Art on Saatchi Art
Easy and Convenient
Before the Internet came into existence, there was a large amount of art being sold at auctions. But, unless you were invited to those events, you were never going to see this artwork.
With Saatchi Art, you can buy affordable works from emerging artists worldwide. It’s a gallery experience from the comfort of your own home!
Fantastic experience purchasing my first piece of artwork from Saatchi Art. Communication from the Saatchi team clearly explained each step of what to expect. The painting arrived from Singapore to the US one week after I ordered, was impeccably wrapped, and was just as the painter described. I’m so excited to be able to easily access original artworks by artists from around the world! – EF on Nov. 12, 2019 [1]
Culture
In an effort to duplicate the experience and culture of a traditional gallery, all pieces are viewed and categorized by the site’s curators. These curators also look out for pieces that are particularly remarkable and worth featuring in their catalog.
Great assistance, starting from the phases that precede the purchase. Exceptional seriousness, professionalism. Fast shipping. Maximum score!! – Marco Nascetti on Nov. 2, 2019 [1]
Free Advisory Service
Another great thing about this site is that they offer an optional FREE advisory service. Whatever kind of artwork you are looking to buy, your curator will personally pick 30 pieces for you to browse through. No other site (that I know of) offers this kind of service free of charge.
A wonderful service, especially the art advisory curator, I had a great experience browsing, communicating, and receiving delivery from Saatchi Art. Thank you and no doubt we will recommend and use you in the future. – Oliver Margry on Nov. 7, 2019 [1]
Price Variety
Buying from emerging artists is a great way to start a collection on a budget. Buying online is also a very economical way to avoid gallery commissions.
Saatchi Art might seem a little pricey for first-time collectors. But you can find less expensive pieces by checking out the ‘Up to $500’ price section.
I found a painting I liked for a gift but couldn’t quite afford what was asked, so I put a bid in thinking it would be turned down. I heard back in 24 hours that it was accepted, included p&p and they would ship asap. It was here on time (early actually) with excellent prompt email notice and a courier I could actually communicate directly with for instructions. The process has been seamless… – e.phillips on Feb 9, 2019 [1]
Shipping
Once an artist’s work has been sold, all they have to do is properly package their work. SaaatchiArt.com takes care of the rest of the delivery.
The print is amazing, the frame came slightly damaged but Saatchi art arranged for a replacement to be sent. Can’ t fault the service. – Julian on Nov. 2, 2019 [1]
The best part:
The price of shipping is included within the price of every piece!
Phenomenal service all around! Timely and on the point communication, perfect delivery of the artwork. – Wolf on Nov. 23, 2019 [1]
It was really easy to order from Saatchi art. The artwork was delivered really quickly (ordered to Estonia). And it arrived in a really good condition, no damages etc. I really recommend Saatchi art. – Riine on Nov. 5, 2019 [1]
Saatchi Art’s App
Saatchi Art has a cool iPhone app that includes a new “view in your room” feature. This feature gives you a realistic preview of how different artwork will look on your wall. It’s pretty cool!
The only two suggestions I can make for the app are:
- Make the artists’ biographies easily accessible (like the desktop version of the site).
- I would love it if they had an Android version.
Cons: Problems with Saatchi Art
Delivery (Do Not Safe Drop!)
Although VERY RARE, a few customers on Trustpilot mentioned that the mail carrier had left their packages outside upon delivery (at their front door).
As someone who has shipped over 3000 original paintings in 12 years, my advice is that artists should be obligated to add “DO NOT SAFE DROP!” on top of their packages before sending it off. Worked like a charm for me!
The communication about what to t and updates along the way were perfect. My art piece arrived as scheduled and was very well packed. My only complain was with the delivery service who left the package on the front edge of the porch when the weather was damp and drizzling off and on. There was plenty of place on the porch against the house that would have put the package out of the direct rain the porch edge gets. I realize Saatchi has little to no control over the package after it leaves them. – Robert on Nov. 7, 2019 [1]
If your post office has a reputation of just dropping off your mail on your doorstep, you might want to give them a call or a visit to tell them about your more fragile package.
Additional Fees (Customs / Duties)
In some cases, collectors will pay taxes and customs fees on items they purchase. This depends on which country you live in. It can also depend on which country the package is shipped from.
Conclusion Is Saatchi Art Safe?
Yes! Saatchi Art has a very good reputation with shoppers. They even received a 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot [1] with 3,154 customer reviews.
That’s amazing!
So, obviously, a lot of people agree with me when I say that this Saatchi Art is top-notch.
By reading these customer reviews, I also noticed that many people are repeat customers, which is ALWAYS a great sign!
Happy Customers = Returning Customers
Perfect from A-Z.
Good website, good payment process, quick delivery
Note: that was my 9th purchase and all were excellently handled – Frank J. Furrer on Feb 1, 2019 [1]
I LOVE Saatchi Art! I love the amazingly deep inventory, the ability to keep a wishlist on the site (I can’t buy everything at once, but want to remember it when I’m ready for my next purchase). My two purchases (so far) were delivered free, quickly and expertly packaged. I plan to buy more as I decorate my new home. I highly recommend this company. – deborah franz on Nov. 13, 2019 [1]
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