At Art Den, we’re proud to support a vibrant community of artists. While we do our best to maintain a safe environment, it's important to be aware of the risks involved when using offline payment methods like PayPal, Zelle, or bank transfers. This guide will help you avoid potential scams and ensure a smooth transaction process when selling your art.

1. Vet Your Buyers

Before agreeing to a commission or sale:

• Check the Buyer’s Profile: Look for any history of positive transactions or feedback from other artists. A legitimate buyer will often have a presence within the community.
• Open Communication: Ask questions and make sure the buyer is clear about their request. If they seem evasive or unclear about the terms of the sale, proceed with caution.
• Be Wary of High-Pressure Buyers: If a buyer rushes you or pushes for a fast transaction without discussing details, this could be a red flag. Trustworthy buyers will take the time to communicate openly.

2. Use Safe Payment Methods

To protect your financial interests, always:

• Request Payment Upfront or in Installments: For commissions, consider asking for a deposit before starting any work. If the project is large, you can request payments in stages (e.g., half upfront, half on completion).
• Use PayPal Goods & Services: Using PayPal’s “Goods & Services” option offers protection if the buyer claims they didn’t receive the artwork or disputes the payment. Avoid using “Friends & Family” for commissions, as it provides no protection.
• Avoid Unprotected Payment Methods: Steer clear of payment platforms that offer little to no buyer or seller protection, like Zelle, bank transfers, or cryptocurrency. These methods are riskier and harder to dispute in the event of fraud.

3. Get Clear Agreements in Writing

Before beginning a commission or sale, make sure you and the buyer have a mutual understanding:

• Define the Terms: Clearly outline the scope of work, deadlines, pricing, and any additional details such as revisions, usage rights, or file formats. Make sure both parties agree before starting the project.
• Use Invoices: Send formal invoices through PayPal or your preferred platform. This creates a paper trail and ensures that both you and the buyer are on the same page about the details.
• Save All Communication: Keep a record of your conversations, agreements, and any proof of work. This will help protect you if a buyer later disputes the terms of the transaction.

4. Know the Red Flags

Be cautious of:

• Buyers Who Ask for Discounts or Unclear Pricing: If a buyer consistently tries to negotiate beyond reasonable limits or asks for free work in exchange for “exposure,” that’s a warning sign. Set clear expectations about your pricing upfront.
• Fake Payment Notifications: Always verify that the payment has been received in your account before delivering final work. Scammers may send fake PayPal payment confirmations or bank transfer receipts.
• Requesting Free Work Samples: Be cautious if a buyer asks for excessive unpaid samples or previews of work without commitment. A small preview might be acceptable, but make sure you protect your time and effort.

5. Protect Your Art

As an artist, it’s important to safeguard your work:

• Watermark Your Previews: If you’re sending previews to buyers before final payment, use watermarks to protect your art from being stolen or used without payment. Only remove the watermark after you’ve received the full payment.
• Limit the Resolution of Previews: Send low-resolution previews of the artwork before full payment. Once you’ve confirmed payment, you can send the high-resolution files.
• Specify Usage Rights: Be clear about how your buyer can use the artwork (e.g., for personal use only, commercial use, etc.). If it’s for commercial use, make sure you charge accordingly and provide the appropriate license.

6. Handle Disputes Professionally

Unfortunately, disputes can happen. Here’s how to protect yourself:

• Keep Records: Document everything—messages, invoices, proof of work, and delivery. If a dispute arises, having clear records will support your case.
• Use PayPal Dispute Resolution: If a buyer disputes a payment via PayPal, you can use their dispute resolution service. Provide all the necessary documentation (messages, invoice, proof of delivery) to support your claim.
• Stay Calm and Professional: If a buyer is unhappy with the work, remain calm and professional. Try to resolve the situation through respectful communication before escalating to a dispute.

7. Consider Using Escrow for Large Projects

For high-value commissions, using an escrow service can protect both you and the buyer. This service holds the buyer’s payment in a secure account until the artwork is delivered and both parties are satisfied, reducing the risk for everyone involved.

Understand Art Den’s Role

While we do our best to provide a safe environment, Art Den does not control transactions made using offline payment methods. If a dispute arises from an offline transaction (PayPal, Zelle, etc.), it will need to be resolved through the payment service you used. That said, we encourage you to report any suspicious activity or concerns to the Art Den moderators, and we’ll do our best to assist in preventing future issues.