Shipping policy
SHIPPING POLICY
Running Elephant Gallery | London, United Kingdom
Effective Date: 11 June 2026
1. Overview
This Shipping Policy applies to all purchases made through our online gallery. All orders are dispatched from our gallery in London, United Kingdom, and we ship to destinations worldwide. By placing an order, you agree to the terms set out in this policy.
2. Artwork We Ship
We ship the following types of original artwork:
– Original paintings and drawings
– Mixed media and framed works
– Prints and photographs
– Sculptures and three-dimensional works
Each artwork is assessed individually to determine the most appropriate packaging and carrier for safe transit. Fragile, oversized, or high-value pieces may require specialist art logistics services.
3. Shipping Costs
Shipping costs are the sole responsibility of the buyer and are calculated at checkout. Costs are determined by:
– Artwork dimensions, weight, and fragility
– Delivery destination (domestic or international)
– Selected delivery speed and service level
– Specialist packaging requirements
Shipping quotes are provided at checkout before payment is confirmed. We do not profit from shipping fees — costs reflect actual carrier and packaging charges.
4. Delivery Timeframes
UK Domestic
Orders within the United Kingdom are typically delivered within 1–3 business days from dispatch. Sculptures, large framed works, or bespoke pieces may require additional preparation time before dispatch.
International
International delivery timeframes vary by destination:
|
Region |
Estimated Delivery |
Notes |
|
Europe (EU & non-EU) |
3–7 business days |
May vary by country |
|
North America |
5–10 business days |
Standard international transit |
|
Asia Pacific |
7–14 business days |
Varies by destination |
|
Rest of World |
10–21 business days |
Remote regions may take longer |
All timeframes are estimates and begin from the date of dispatch, not the date of order. We will notify you by email when your artwork has been dispatched with tracking information.
5. Packaging
We take exceptional care in packaging every artwork to ensure it arrives in perfect condition. Our packaging standards are tailored to each artwork type:
– Prints & photographs — acid-free tissue, rigid backing boards, and protective tubes or flat packs
– Original paintings & drawings — bubble wrap, corner protectors, and double-walled cardboard boxes
– Framed works — foam-lined custom boxes with anti-scratch film and reinforced corners
– Sculptures & 3D works — custom foam inserts, double-boxing, and fragile handling labels
For particularly large, fragile, or high-value works, we may use specialist fine art shipping crates. Any additional crating costs will be communicated to you before dispatch.
6. Transit Insurance
We strongly recommend insuring your artwork for transit. Insurance is available as an optional add-on at checkout and is calculated as a percentage of the artwork's purchase price.
If you choose to add insurance:
– Coverage is provided for the full declared value of the artwork
– In the event of loss or damage, a claim can be raised through our shipping provider
– You will be required to retain all original packaging until the claim is resolved
If you decline transit insurance, the gallery accepts no liability for loss or damage that occurs during shipping. We strongly advise all buyers — particularly those purchasing original works, sculptures, or high-value pieces — to opt for insurance coverage.
7. Customs, Duties & Import Taxes
European Union
For deliveries to EU member states, we cover all applicable customs duties and import taxes. The price you pay at checkout is the final amount — no additional charges will be levied upon arrival.
All Other International Destinations
For all other international destinations (including non-EU countries in Europe, North America, Asia Pacific, and the rest of the world), the buyer is solely responsible for any import duties, customs fees, VAT, or taxes levied by the destination country.
We recommend that you:
– Check your country's import regulations for artworks before purchasing
– Consult your local customs authority for applicable rates
– Factor any potential duties into the total cost of your purchase
We are required by law to declare the full value of all shipments on customs documentation and cannot under-declare the value of an artwork.
8. Returns & Damaged Artwork
Return Policy
We accept returns within 14 days of delivery. To be eligible for a return:
– You must notify us within 14 days of receiving the artwork by emailing our gallery
– The artwork must be in its original condition and returned in original or equivalent packaging
– Return shipping costs are the buyer's responsibility unless the return is due to damage or error on our part
– We recommend using a tracked, insured service for all returns
Refunds will be issued to the original payment method within 10 business days of receiving and inspecting the returned artwork.
Damaged or Incorrect Artwork
If your artwork arrives damaged or you receive an incorrect piece, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery. You must:
– Retain all original packaging
– Photograph the damage to both the packaging and the artwork
– Email the photographs along with your order details to our gallery
We will work with you to arrange a replacement, repair, or full refund as appropriate. Damage claims may be subject to our shipping insurance provider's assessment if insurance was purchased.
9. Order Tracking
All orders are dispatched with a tracking number, which will be emailed to you upon dispatch. You can use this number to monitor your shipment in real time via the carrier's website. If you have not received a tracking notification within 3 business days of placing your order, please contact us.
10. Contact Us
For any shipping enquiries, please contact our gallery team. We aim to respond to all messages within 1 business day (Monday–Friday, excluding UK public holidays).
|
Gallery Location |
London, United Kingdom |
|
Dispatch Origin |
United Kingdom |
|
Policy Last Updated |
11 June 2026 |
This policy is subject to change. The current version will always be published on our website.