Selling your artwork is more effective if you use a bill of sale. It acts as an invoice or receipt that shows the business transaction details between the buyer and seller. An artwork bill of sale is a binding document that contains the details of parties involved, the artwork description, price, contact information, mode of payment, and other relevant information. However, you need to research the requirements for the bill of sale completion in your state due to law variations.
Every artist should incorporate an artwork bill of sale for tax and record-keeping purposes.
Artists who use a purchase agreement to finalize their transactions portray a professional image and are more likely to attract serious buyers. Although you may sell your artwork locally to family and friends in your community, it is imperative to use an artwork bill of sale template to prevent unnecessary claims from the buyer after sealing the deal. One of the primary reasons is that the document is legal and acts as insurance to protect both parties from liability in case of damage or fraudulent activities.
Since artistic works are also prone to piracy, the bill of sale will clearly state that the artwork is not subject to copyright infringement. The buyer cannot reproduce the artwork without consulting the artist. It is a crime in most states with legal penalties. Hence, the document protects the artist from a dishonest purchaser.
| Document Name | Artwork Bill of Sale Form |
| Other Names | Artist Bill of Sale, Art Bill of Sale |
| Avg. Time to Fill Out | 10 minutes |
| # of Fillable Fields | 54 |
| Available Formats | Adobe PDF; Microsoft Word |
Technology has made it easier for most artists who want to sell original works of art. You do not need to stress yourself about the legal jargon and composing the artist bill of sale alone. Numerous bill of sale templates are accessible online with just one click. We offer a highly customized artwork bill of sale forms on our site that you can download and print. They are also editable in case you may want to add more information to suit your sale agreement.
Although it is possible to consult with your lawyer, you will have to pay extra to get a bill of sale form. On top of that, you will waste time making trips to the law firm to sign more papers before finalizing the deal. Why go through all that when you can simply download a free bill of sale template online? The template is available in different forms such as Microsoft Word, ODT, and PDF. Select one that is convenient for you and suits your sales needs.
Fill in the details, download, and print it as you prepare to sell your art to potential customers.
If you are a beginner and don’t know how to start selling your masterpiece or complete a bill of sale, follow the steps below to get started.
Step 1. Describe the Artwork
Exercise due diligence on how other artists describe their work. What do they include? Is it an abstract or realistic piece? Engage the customers to get a feel for what they are buying. Most art enthusiasts would love to know more about the medium used, the frame, and any relevant information that might capture the interest of potential buyers.
Step 2. Determine the Cost
Next, consider the price of your artwork. How do you come up with a reasonable price that will not scare away potential customers? Research extensively and find out what other artists are charging in your field of work. Consider how much you invested in materials as well as the time and effort you spent. Your talent and popularity also count when it comes to selling the work of art.
Step 3. Put It Up for Sale
Determine how and where you will sell your artwork. Who are your target customers and how will you reach out to them? Put up advertisements to market your art piece. You can take advantage of social media networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to create awareness about your upcoming sale.
If you find a serious buyer, proceed to negotiate the details and come to a consensus. Prepare for a meeting to finalize the sale and discuss how to deliver the artwork.
Step 4.Finalize the Artwork Bill of Sale
After the buyer and seller reach a consensus regarding the price and delivery terms, filling in an artwork bill of sale is the next step. It is a simple process that entails writing the particulars of both parties on paper. The following are the details that are usually indicated in the form:
As an artist selling your work, ensure that you make copies of the bill of sale form. The buyer retains the original as proof of ownership. Seek advice from a legal representative for the final seal of acknowledgment. After the buyer pays the money, the sale is complete.
Another important document that you can include in your art sale is a Certificate of Authenticity. It is a legal document that verifies that the art piece is your genuine creation. It protects the interests of the buyer when the value of the art appreciates in the future, and it also acts as insurance if any legal issues arise.
Details to include in this certificate are:
As an artist selling your work, ensure that you make copies of the bill of sale form. The buyer retains the original as proof of ownership. Seek advice from a legal representative for the final seal of acknowledgment. After the buyer pays the money, the sale is complete.
The directions listed here are based on our custom bill of sale for atwork form. But, if there’s a document supplied by your local authorities, it is always advised to use it in the deal.
Step 1: Indicate the date when document is created.
Step 2: Type in the particulars of both parties (purchaser and seller):
Step 3: Type in the descriptive particulars of the artwork:
Step 4: Pick the way the purchaser will pay for the artwork(s) and for what amount.
Type in the sale date and specify the full price that must be paid for the piece(s) of artwork. You must furthermore indicate the selling method the buyer will use:
The next step is choosing the way of payment:
Step 5: Look at standard terms and ensure both parties are familiar with them.
This part generally says that the seller is the owner and they are able to sell the piece legally. It also says that there are no outstanding debts on the artwork and that the Bill of Sale is filled out to the best of the seller’s knowledge.
They usually state that the purchaser obtains the artwork in “as-is” condition and is liable for it after the purchase is finished.
Step 6: Now, the filled out bill of sale has to be signed.
The buyer’s signature is typically not required. Nevertheless, you will end up more protected from legal problems if both sides sign the bill of sale form. You could also have one or a number of witnesses verify the deal.
Step 7: Use the help of a notary public
In this way, you’ll have more legal protection. Nonetheless, this step is usually entirely optional.
