What is Verso?
Verso is an online sales platform created by James Blackie of The Art Counsel that revolutionises the way art collectors acquire exceptional artworks. It provides a safe and trusted environment for art enthusiasts to explore and purchase outstanding artworks directly from artists.
How does Verso redefine the art collecting experience?
Verso aims to dismantle the traditional barriers of the art world, making it more inviting and accessible for discerning collectors. We know there are art lovers out there who find visiting dealer galleries either time consuming, intimidating or confusing (where do I go and who do I talk to?), but who want art in their lives. We curate exceptional artists and artworks, ensuring that only the finest works are available for purchase.
How does the pricing structure work?
Since our aim with Verso is to remove barriers and increase transparency in the art collecting process, we want to keep things as simple and clear-cut as possible. The price you see listed is the price of the artwork, including the artist’s commission, Verso’s commission and New Zealand GST. Freight of the artwork and insurance while the artwork is in transit are calculated on top. The price of this is determined by the size and weight of the artwork along with the distance it needs to travel to get to you.
What is the commission structure for artists on Verso?
We believe in championing exceptional artists, which is why we offer the highest commission structure that we can. Artists receive 80% of the commission from any artwork purchased through Verso. This model allows artists to showcase their work directly to collectors, bypassing the traditional costs associated with dealer galleries.
What online systems do you use?
Our website and database is secure, supported by ArtLogic - the world’s leading online art database software. Artlogic Pay works using a Stripe integration with our database, allowing you to pay online with a credit or debit card, or by direct debit. Once complete, you will receive an email confirming that payment has been successful and that we have received your order. We will then make contact with you to arrange shipping. Once this is paid, the artist whose artwork you have purchased will be notified and will begin to prepare your artwork for you. Exciting!
How much does shipping cost?
The courier company we partner with has competitive rates and together we aim to make the process of getting artworks to you as affordable as possible. The shipping costs for artworks purchased through Verso vary depending on the size, weight and destination of each artwork. Following your purchase we will contact you with the exact cost to transport your artwork. However if you would like to know this before you purchase, please contact us and we'll provide a quote for you.
How long does shipping take?
The shipping timeframes for artworks on Verso can vary depending on various factors such as the artwork's location, the destination and any customs procedures. For any artwork immediately available, the artist has 5 days after we have received payment to prepare it for sending. You will receive a notification when it has been collected by the courier company and keep you informed as the artwork makes its way to you. Verso operates completely from New Zealand (there is no out-sourcing involved) so you can be sure that we are contactable at every step of the way if you need any assistance or reassurance.
Some artworks may be available to purchase but will then need to be cast, printed, or framed. These factors will of course alter the timing. In each case, we will aim to give a best timing estimate before you purchase, to know whether you can expect your new artwork overnight, or in six weeks, once it is ready to go.
Do you offer international shipping?
While we are currently focussed on New Zealand based sales, we can absolutely offer international shipping to clients worldwide on a case-by-case basis. If you’re considering an international purchase, please contact us so we can discuss things further.
How are artworks packaged for shipping?
Great care is taken in packaging artworks to ensure they are protected during transit. Each artwork is packaged using industry-standard materials and techniques to safeguard it from any potential damage and ensure it arrives to you in perfect order. Wherever possible, artworks will be shipped with recycled and environmentally friendly products. Your artwork will travel carefully wrapped, whether directly from the artist’s studio or via the courier company’s packaging depot.
Some artworks will require specialist handling to be delivered. It might be because they are oddly shaped, extremely fragile, very large or heavy, or require a professional handler for installation. If this is the case, you will be notified at the point of expressing your interest in the artwork and we will work with you to provide further information.
Can I track my shipment?
Yes, we provide tracking information for all shipped artworks. Once your order has been dispatched, we will provide you with the tracking number and instructions on how to track your shipment. This allows you to monitor the progress of your artwork's journey until it reaches your doorstep.
Is my artwork insured during transit?
Every artwork purchased through Verso is insured during transit by our partner courier company, from collection to delivery.
What happens if my artwork arrives damaged?
We work closely with artists on packaging guidelines and also partner with a professional courier company to transport your artwork safely from A to B. We do however acknowledge that in very rare circumstances items can be damaged in transit in which case we can arrange for the artwork to be returned. In the rare event that your artwork arrives damaged, please contact us immediately. In this situation we would first require photographs showing the damage within 48 hours of you receiving the artwork. If we agree to receive the artwork back, we reserve the right to inspect it and check with the courier company before making a decision to issue a refund. We do not take any responsibility for damage incurred by the collector.
Can I return an artwork if I'm not satisfied?
Every artwork purchased on Verso is either an original artwork or a limited edition artwork. While we will strive to represent the details as best we can with our photographs and descriptions, there is nothing quite like seeing the artwork in front of you. If there is a particular aspect of the artwork that you would like to know more about, you are welcome to contact us before you purchase. Please note that once your order has been placed, we don’t accept change of mind returns or exchanges. But if for any reason the work arrives not as advertised in any way, you are fully protected under the Consumer Guarantees Act.
Do you offer an Art Consultancy service?
Verso is an online only platform, created to directly connect art-lovers with art-makers. If you would like advice on starting on building an art collection, we can help you with this through our specialist art consultancy service The Art Counsel.
How can I contact Verso for further assistance?
You might be perfectly happy to purchase without assistance, or you might have many questions and want to speak with one of us. We aim to make this the smoothest art acquisition process you’ve ever experienced. If you would like a human sounding board, please feel free to reach out to us. You can find our contact information here and we'd be more than happy to help you with any questions you may have, or offer any assistance you may need with your decision making.
Where can I start browsing?
Head to versoart.co.nz/artists/ to view the artists we're working with and available works.