Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about discovering, buying, and selling original art on ArtMarket.pk

About ArtMarket

What is ArtMarket.pk?

ArtMarket.pk is a Pakistan-focused art commerce and artist growth platform. We are not just a marketplace where anyone can upload artwork. We are building a curated ecosystem where verified artists can present their work professionally, build trust with buyers, access marketing and promotion, and grow sustainable careers — while buyers can discover original Pakistani art with confidence.

How is ArtMarket different from Instagram, Facebook, or other platforms?

Instagram and Facebook are social networks — not art commerce platforms. On ArtMarket, artists get: professional profiles, identity and portfolio verification, curated discovery, promotion tools, secure transactions, reputation building, and a platform designed specifically for buying and selling original art. Buyers get: verified artists, transparent pricing, secure payments, and a trusted environment that social media cannot provide.

Is ArtMarket only for Pakistani artists?

Yes. ArtMarket is being built Pakistan-first. Our focus is on helping Pakistani artists build sustainable careers and creating the most trusted destination for original Pakistani art. International expansion may be considered in the future.

Does ArtMarket accept every artist who applies?

No. Depending on the program and the stage of the platform, ArtMarket may review artists and artwork before accepting, curating, or featuring them. We believe in quality before quantity. Our goal is to build a trusted collection, not the largest catalogue.

For Buyers & Collectors

How do I purchase artwork?

Browse the gallery, use search and filters to find artwork you love, click on any piece to view its detail page, review the artist information and artwork specifications, and click "Buy Now." You will complete a secure checkout with your delivery information and preferred payment method. You will receive an order confirmation and payment instructions.

Is my payment secure?

ArtMarket uses approved payment and transaction processes designed to make purchasing safer. Payment processing may involve third-party financial or payment providers, and transaction funds may be subject to applicable verification, settlement, dispute, refund, or payout procedures. We aim to provide a significantly more secure experience than informal social media transactions.

Can I negotiate the price?

Artists set their own prices. If you have questions about pricing or want to discuss a piece, you can message the artist through our chat system. For custom work, you can post a buyer request and receive offers from interested artists with their proposed pricing.

How do I know the artwork is authentic?

ArtMarket verifies artists through a multi-level process including identity verification and portfolio review. Look for the "Verified Artist" badge on artist profiles. Artists are required to list only original work they created or have the legal right to sell. Listing counterfeit or unauthorized work is prohibited and may result in account termination.

Can I message an artist before buying?

Absolutely. Use the "Message Artist" button on any artwork page to ask questions about the piece, discuss the artist's process, inquire about customization, or learn more before making your decision. All communication is kept on-platform for safety.

Can I request a custom artwork?

Yes. ArtMarket allows buyers to post custom requests describing what they are looking for — including category, budget range, preferred format, dimensions, and timeline. Verified artists can then submit offers with their proposed pricing and approach. This is an excellent way to commission original work.

Can I save artwork to buy later?

Yes. Use the wishlist feature (heart icon) to save artwork you are interested in. Your wishlist is accessible from your buyer dashboard and persists across sessions when you are logged in.

What does "Ready to Hang" mean?

When an artwork is marked "Ready to Hang," it means the piece comes stretched, mounted, or framed and can be displayed immediately upon delivery. Other format options include Stretched Canvas, Framed, Canvas Roll, and Unframed — each described on the artwork page.

For Artists

How do I start selling on ArtMarket?

Register as an artist, complete your profile with accurate information, go through the verification process (Level 1: Account, Level 2: Identity, Level 3: Artist portfolio), upload your artwork with high-quality photos and accurate descriptions, and submit for review. Once approved, your artwork goes live on the marketplace.

What commission does ArtMarket charge?

Your applicable commission rate is displayed through your artist dashboard or communicated during onboarding. Commission rates may vary by artist tier — Platinum-tier artists enjoy a reduced rate. ArtMarket earns primarily when artists succeed, which means our incentives are aligned with yours.

How and when do I get paid?

Subject to applicable policies and the absence of disputes, refunds, chargebacks, investigations, or other applicable holds, artist payouts are generally processed according to the payout schedule displayed in your artist dashboard. You must add a verified payout method (bank account, JazzCash, or Easypaisa) to receive payments.

How does artist verification work?

ArtMarket offers three verification levels: Level 1 (Account information), Level 2 (Government-issued ID verification), and Level 3 (Artist portfolio and social profile review). Higher verification levels increase your trust score, visibility, and access to platform features. Verification is designed to build buyer confidence.

Can I sell commissioned or custom artwork?

Yes. Buyers can post custom requests, and artists can browse these requests and submit offers with their proposed pricing, timeline, and approach. This is a powerful way to secure commissioned work directly through the platform.

What are the artwork listing requirements?

Artworks must be original, accurately represented with high-quality photos, and include: title, medium, dimensions, category, format/type, price, and a description. You can upload multiple images per artwork. Thumbnails are generated automatically. Artworks are reviewed before publication.

How many promotion slots do I get?

Promotion slots are based on your artist tier: Bronze = 2 slots, Silver = 5 slots, Gold = 10 slots, Platinum = 20 slots. You can request promotion for any published artwork, subject to admin approval. Promotions run for 30 days and can help increase visibility and discovery.

What happens if a buyer makes a false claim?

ArtMarket protects artists from fraudulent or abusive claims. We review photographs, packaging evidence, delivery records, communication history, and other relevant information before determining a resolution. Artists with consistent positive records are supported.

Can I link my social media profiles?

Yes. You can add links to Instagram, Facebook, Behance, LinkedIn, TikTok, and your personal website through your artist settings. Social profiles help with verification and allow buyers to see more of your work and process.

Payments & Payouts

What payment methods are accepted?

ArtMarket currently supports Bank Transfer, JazzCash, and Easypaisa. Additional payment methods may be added in the future. Available methods are displayed during checkout.

How does the payment process work?

After placing an order, you will receive payment instructions for your chosen method. Upload your payment proof (screenshot and transaction reference). The ArtMarket team verifies the payment. Once verified, the artist is notified to prepare your artwork for shipping.

When does the artist receive payment?

Artist payouts are generally processed according to the payout schedule shown in the artist dashboard. The holding period allows for delivery completion and any post-delivery issue resolution before funds are released to the artist.

How do I add my payout method as an artist?

Go to Artist Dashboard → Payouts → Add Payout Method. You can add bank account, JazzCash, or Easypaisa details. Set one as your primary method. Your payout information is verified by the ArtMarket team.

Are there any hidden fees?

No. The commission rate is disclosed on your artist dashboard. Buyers pay the listed artwork price. Delivery is currently free on the platform. There are no hidden charges.

Shipping & Delivery

How long does delivery take?

Delivery time depends on the artist's location, your city, the artwork type, and the courier service used. Most domestic deliveries within Pakistan take 3-10 business days after dispatch. The artist will provide tracking information when available.

Who handles shipping?

Artists are generally responsible for appropriately packaging, insuring where appropriate, and dispatching artwork using reliable courier services. Artists should provide tracking information through the platform when available.

Is shipping included in the price?

Currently, delivery is offered as a free service on ArtMarket. Artists should factor packaging and shipping costs into their artwork pricing. Any changes to this policy will be communicated to both artists and buyers.

What if my artwork is delayed?

Contact the artist through the platform messaging system for updates. If there is a significant unexplained delay, contact ArtMarket support at support@artmarket.pk and we will help investigate.

Do you deliver internationally?

Currently, ArtMarket focuses on domestic delivery within Pakistan. International shipping may be considered in the future. Some artists may be willing to arrange international shipping on a case-by-case basis — message the artist to inquire.

Trust, Verification & Safety

What does "Verified Artist" mean?

A "Verified Artist" designation indicates that the artist has completed ArtMarket's applicable verification process, which may include identity verification and portfolio review. Verification is designed to increase buyer confidence. It is one part of our broader trust system and should not be interpreted as an absolute guarantee of every statement made by an artist.

How does ArtMarket build trust?

Trust is built through multiple layers: artist identity verification, portfolio review, accurate listing requirements, secure payment processes, monitored communication, buyer reviews, transaction history, trust scores, and dispute resolution. Every successful transaction strengthens the artist's reputation and the platform's credibility.

What is the Trust Score?

The Trust Score is an internal metric (visible on artist profiles) that reflects factors such as verification level, successful sales, positive reviews, fulfillment reliability, low cancellation rates, and platform compliance. Higher trust scores can improve visibility, promotion eligibility, and buyer confidence.

Are my messages with artists monitored?

Messages through ArtMarket's chat system may be reviewed to maintain platform safety, prevent fraud, resolve disputes, and enforce platform policies. The chat system automatically detects and flags attempts to share personal contact information or move transactions off-platform.

Why should I keep communication on ArtMarket?

Keeping communication on the platform protects both buyers and artists. It creates a record in case of disputes, ensures platform policies apply, helps prevent fraud, and maintains the integrity of the marketplace. Attempting to move transactions off-platform may result in account restrictions.

How does the review system work?

After an order is delivered, buyers receive a secure link to submit a review with a star rating and optional comment. Reviews are tied to verified purchases. Artists can reply to reviews. Reviews help other buyers make informed decisions and contribute to the artist's reputation.

Returns & Refunds

What is your return policy?

Buyers may request a return within 7 calendar days of delivery if the artwork arrives physically damaged, is materially different from its listing, is the wrong artwork, or has another qualifying issue. Change-of-mind returns are generally not accepted for original art. See our full Refund & Return Policy for details.

How do I report a problem with my order?

Contact support@artmarket.pk within 7 calendar days of delivery. Provide your order number, a description of the issue, and clear photographs of the artwork and packaging. Our team will review your claim and guide you through the process.

How long do refunds take?

Once a refund is approved, processing time depends on the payment method: Bank Transfer typically takes 3-7 business days. JazzCash and Easypaisa typically take 1-3 business days. ArtMarket does not control the settlement time of third-party banks or payment services.

Can I cancel an order?

You may request cancellation before the artwork has been shipped. Once shipped, the return policy applies. Contact support@artmarket.pk as soon as possible if you need to cancel.

Promotion & Growth

How does artwork promotion work?

Artists can request promotion for any published artwork through their dashboard. Promotion requests are reviewed by the ArtMarket team. Approved artworks receive increased visibility through platform channels. Promotions run for a set period (typically 30 days) and are subject to available promotion slots based on artist tier.

Does promotion guarantee sales?

No. Promotion is designed to increase qualified visibility and discovery of your artwork. It puts your work in front of more potential buyers, but no promotional program can guarantee inquiries, leads, or sales. Results depend on artwork quality, pricing, market demand, and buyer preferences.

How do I increase my promotion slots?

Promotion slots increase as you advance through artist tiers. To move from Bronze to Silver (5 slots), complete 5 successful sales. To Gold (10 slots), complete 20 sales. To Platinum (20 slots), complete 50 sales. Higher tiers also enjoy reduced commission rates.

How do I become Artist of the Month?

Artist of the Month is a curated feature selected by the ArtMarket team. It highlights exceptional artists with strong portfolios, positive reviews, consistent sales, and professional presentation. There is no application process — our team selects artists who exemplify the quality and trust ArtMarket represents.

Account & Technical

Can I be both an artist and a buyer?

Currently, artist and buyer accounts are separate. If you want to both sell your art and purchase from other artists, you can create accounts for each role using different email addresses. We are exploring unified accounts for a future update.

How do I reset my password?

Click "Forgot Password" on the login page. Enter your registered email address and you will receive a password reset link. The link expires after 1 hour for security. If you do not receive the email, check your spam folder or contact support.

How do I delete my account?

Contact support@artmarket.pk to request account deletion. We may need to verify your identity. Please note that some information may need to be retained for legal, accounting, transaction, fraud-prevention, or dispute-resolution purposes even after account deletion.

How do I contact ArtMarket support?

Email us at support@artmarket.pk. We aim to respond within 24 hours on business days. For urgent matters related to active orders, please include your order number in the subject line.

Where can I find your policies?

Our Terms of Service, Privacy Policy, and Refund & Return Policy are linked in the website footer and available at their respective pages. These documents explain the rules, rights, and protections that apply when using ArtMarket.

Still have questions?

We are here to help. Reach out to our support team and we will get back to you.

support@artmarket.pk