Taylor GrahamAn Online Platform for Buying Exceptional Fine Art

Taylor Graham Policies

1. Guarantee of Authenticity

1.1 Short-Form Guarantee

You can purchase with confidence, knowing that we are in-house experts and that every piece is vetted through a rigorous research and verification process. This Guarantee will be reflected directly on your purchase invoice. In the event that a work is proven to be inauthentic, a refund of the purchase price is guaranteed.

1.2 Full Guarantee of Authenticity

If, within five years of the date of purchase from Taylor Graham, a work of art is determined to be inauthentic, Taylor Graham will refund the purchase price of the artwork, subject to the following conditions:

  1. The buyer must obtain and provide a written decision, letter or statement definitively stating that the artwork is not by the artist.

  2. This determination must come from one of the following:
    a. The artist’s foundation or estate; or
    b. A globally recognized expert for that specific artist who is mutually recognized by Taylor Graham and the art industry at large.

  3. Any expenses associated with obtaining the expert opinion and returning the artwork are the responsibility of the buyer.

  4. Taylor Graham will issue the refund within 15 days of receiving the artwork.

  5. The artwork must be returned in the same condition in which it was documented as received.

  6. The refund will cover the purchase price of the artwork only. Any sales tax originally paid will not be refunded.

  7. Refunds will be issued only to the buyer identified on the original purchase invoice. Refunds will not be issued to:
    a. Subsequent buyers;
    b. Descendants of the original buyer; or
    c. Other persons who later come into possession of the artwork.

 

 

2. Certificates of Authenticity

2.1 Taylor Graham’s Certificate of Guarantee

Taylor Graham’s Certificate of Guarantee is different from a “Certificate of Authenticity.”

Some artworks may also include the transfer of a Certificate of Authenticity or notification of inclusion in a definitive archive or catalogue raisonné.

2.2 Definition of a Certificate of Authenticity

A “Certificate of Authenticity” is an art-industry term for a letter, certificate or inclusion in an official catalogue raisonné for an artist. It may also be referred to as a “CoA.”

A CoA is generally a document signed by the artist that certifies that a particular work was created by that artist. Whether a CoA is issued is at the artist’s discretion.

For many living artists—and particularly for deceased artists—the artist’s signature on the work effectively serves as certification. Historically, it was not common practice to issue a separate certificate when an artwork was created.

For deceased artists, a CoA may occasionally be issued by:

  1. The artist’s studio or estate, based on authority granted by the artist;

  2. A globally recognized individual expert for the artist; or

  3. A recognized foundation associated with the artist.

The issuance of this documentation is determined on a case-by-case basis and remains at the discretion of the relevant party.

If an artwork has this documentation, it will be transferred to the buyer with the sale of the physical work.

Sellers in the art industry, including Taylor Graham, generally do not have the authority to issue a CoA.

2.3 Obtaining a Certificate or Expert Opinion

If Taylor Graham is selling a work of art for which an existing expert, foundation or artist can issue a Certificate of Authenticity, and no certificate currently exists, Taylor Graham may offer to initiate, obtain and pay for this documentation.

Some expert opinions and certifications are considered optional. In those cases, obtaining and paying for the documentation will be at Taylor Graham’s discretion.

Where expert authentication is required for a work of art to transact in the market, Taylor Graham will obtain and pay for that expertise before finalizing the sale.

 

 

3. Matters Not Included in the Refund Policy

Refunds will not be provided under the following circumstances:

3.1 Qualified Attributions

No refunds will be provided on authenticity grounds for items identified using terms such as:

  1. “Attributed to”;

  2. “Circle of”;

  3. “In the style of”;

  4. “Studio of”; or

  5. “After” a specific creator.

3.2 Minor Cataloguing or Descriptive Errors

No refunds will be provided for minor errors in cataloguing details or descriptions.

This includes the use of terms such as stone, marble, alabaster, mixed media, gouache, paper, board, plexiglass, alloys and similar descriptive terms, as materials can be difficult to identify or may have broad meanings within the context of artistic creation.

This exclusion also applies to errors in descriptive content accompanying or discussing the artwork.

3.3 Differences in Creation Date

No refunds will be provided if a different creation date is discovered, provided that both the original and subsequently determined dates fall within the artist’s lifetime.

For example, a refund would not be provided if Taylor Graham dated a work to 1965 and it was later determined that the work was created in 1972.

3.4 Casting, Production or Printing Dates

No refunds will be provided when casting, production or printing dates differ from those described, provided that the work remains within a respected and authorized edition.

If a work is determined to be from an unauthorized or unacceptable timeframe—for example, if the work is posthumous but Taylor Graham’s cataloguing identified it as a lifetime work—the buyer may be eligible for a full or partial refund, depending on the buyer’s preference.

3.5 Changes in Scholarship

No refunds will be provided for works of art where new scholarship develops on or after the date of purchase and leads to a change in the generally accepted opinion of a previously accepted and recognized expert.

This exclusion particularly applies to works that previously held a letter of authenticity or had been accepted into a catalogue raisonné project.

3.6 Provenance and Signature Errors

No refunds will be provided for errors in provenance or for signatures that are subsequently determined to be apocryphal or strengthened.

3.7 Professional Fees and Expenses

No refunds will be provided for:

  1. Expert fees;

  2. Fees for reports; or

  3. Attorneys’ fees or other legal expenses incurred by the buyer while determining authenticity or pursuing a refund.

3.8 Condition Reports and “As-Is” Sales

No refunds or returns will be provided based solely on condition-report descriptions or inaccuracies. All artworks are sold on an “as-is” basis.

Buyers are encouraged to contact Taylor Graham at info@taylorandgraham.com with detailed questions about an artwork’s condition before purchasing.

Taylor Graham provides basic condition reports as a service to buyers. These reports:

  1. Are not substitutes for an in-person examination; and

  2. Are not represented as having the same level of detail as a comprehensive professional restorer’s report.

Some artworks listed on the Taylor Graham website have expert restoration reports available upon request.

Buyers may request that Taylor Graham initiate a restorer’s report, but Taylor Graham reserves the right to determine whether it will obtain and pay for the report.

Buyers are also welcome to hire and pay for their own professional restorer’s report.

Condition issues are often documented and visible in the detailed images provided online, and buyers are encouraged to review these images carefully.

If meaningful condition issues are present and were not disclosed or reasonably visible in Taylor Graham’s images or condition report, the artwork may be eligible for return.

The following will not be considered grounds for a return:

  1. A restorer’s report presented after the purchase; or

  2. A report concerning an artwork that experienced a material change in condition after its arrival to the buyer.

 

 

4. General Return Policy

4.1 Return Period

A return of an artwork must be initiated within five days of the buyer’s receipt of the item.

Before returning an artwork, the buyer must contact artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com in writing to open a return case.

After the five-day period, a return will not be initiated or refunded.

If an item is being shipped and the buyer will not be able to inspect it within five days of arrival, the buyer should contact Taylor Graham to arrange a different delivery date.

Taylor Graham is not responsible for the damage, loss or theft of artwork delivered outside the premises or delivered without the signature of a receiving party.

4.2 Eligible Reasons for Return

Taylor Graham accepts returns and provides refunds for the following reasons, subject to the applicable terms:

  1. Shipping damage;

  2. Meaningful inaccuracy of representation; and

  3. Inauthenticity.

Buyers should carefully review the terms for each category before purchasing and before checking the Policies and Terms Agreement box.

 

 

5. Shipping Damage

5.1 Refunds for Shipping Damage

If a purchase is damaged during shipping, the buyer will be refunded the purchase price, less shipping costs and taxes.

In certain instances involving minor damage, restoration may be accepted as an agreed-upon resolution.

5.2 Steps to Take with a Damaged Shipment

Step 1: Inspect the Packaging

Buyers should inspect the exterior appearance of the packaging before accepting the delivery.

If the packaging appears damaged:

  1. Do not sign for or accept the delivery without noting the damage to the delivery person.

  2. Immediately photograph the exterior damage to the package.

  3. When possible, ask the delivery person to remain while the package is opened so that any additional damage to the artwork can be identified.

  4. Notify Taylor Graham immediately:
    Email: artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com
    Stamford Headquarters: (203) 274-7864

A common carrier such as FedEx, UPS or DHL will likely leave the damaged item with the buyer. A fine-art shipper, shuttle service or specialized delivery company may be able to assist with its return.

Contacting Taylor Graham immediately is essential to initiating the claims and return process.

Step 2: Stop Unpacking if Damage Is Visible

If broken or damaged elements become visible during unpacking, do not continue unpacking the item. Contact Taylor Graham for further instructions.

Step 3: Retain All Packing Materials

Keep all packing materials in the event of damage, a potential return or an insurance inspection.

5.3 Insurance and Risk of Loss

If a third-party shipper, shuttle carrier or fine-art carrier is used, insurance and reimbursement obligations may have been transferred to that party.

Taylor Graham will work with the relevant parties to resolve the claim and refund the purchase price to the buyer when applicable.

Risk of loss passes to the buyer when title passes to the buyer following Taylor Graham’s receipt of full and cleared payment for the artwork. At that point, the buyer becomes solely responsible for insuring the work.

The following insurance provisions apply:

  1. Shipments packed and fully overseen in-house by Taylor Graham will be covered under Taylor Graham’s insurance.

  2. Deliveries physically completed by Taylor Graham’s in-house delivery service will remain insured until delivery is made to the buyer.

Questions regarding insurance should be directed to artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com.

 

 

6. Meaningful Inaccuracy of Description

6.1 Taylor Graham’s Representation of Artwork

Taylor Graham strives to represent its items accurately online through images, videos and other content critical to making an informed online art purchase.

To qualify for a return, the buyer must demonstrate a meaningful discrepancy that substantiates Taylor Graham’s failure to represent the work accurately.

The final decision regarding whether to allow a return remains at Taylor Graham’s discretion.

6.2 Nature of Online Art Purchases

Online art purchases can inherently involve slight differences between digital images and the in-person experience of an artwork.

Taylor Graham encourages buyers to ask questions about the following before purchasing:

  1. Color;

  2. Size;

  3. Materials; and

  4. Condition.

Taylor Graham provides easily accessible telephone and email contact options and makes every effort to provide additional information upon request.

Taylor Graham also offers two locations where artworks can be viewed in person.

Taylor Graham values repeat business and considers its client relationships when evaluating return requests.

6.3 Returns for Meaningful Inaccuracy of Representation

If a return is accepted because of a meaningful inaccuracy of representation:

  1. The buyer will be responsible for all costs associated with the return;

  2. The original shipping costs will not be refunded; and

  3. Any sales tax paid will not be refunded.

 

 

7. “Out on Approval” Policy

At its discretion, Taylor Graham offers an “Out on Approval” service that allows a potential buyer to try a work of art.

This service is not available through the online “Buy Now” purchase process.

To discuss this service, contact Taylor Graham directly at info@taylorandgraham.com.

 

 

8. Return Instructions

Once Taylor Graham has been notified and has agreed to accept the return of an artwork, the following requirements apply:

  1. The return process must begin within five days of Taylor Graham’s confirmation that the return has been accepted.

  2. All costs associated with the return are the responsibility of the buyer.

  3. The buyer should retain the original packing materials so that Taylor Graham can determine whether they should be used for the return shipment.

  4. The Taylor Graham Art Logistics team will assist with coordinating the return process.

Contact: artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com

 

 

9. Shipping

9.1 Taylor Graham In-House Shipping

Taylor Graham provides custom shipping quotes and options for different shipping services.

Taylor Graham will track and manage delivery directly with the client.

Contact: artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com

9.2 International Shipments

International shipments handled in-house will be insured by Taylor Graham.

If Taylor Graham determines that a third-party packer or shipper should be used, insurance will be required as part of the shipping quote provided to the buyer.

Buyers should carefully review the following responsibilities and conditions applicable to international art shipments.

9.2.1 Customs Duties and Import Taxes

Customs duties and import taxes vary by country.

Customs authorities may calculate applicable duties and taxes using factors that include:

  1. The artwork’s International Harmonized System—or HS—code;

  2. The purchase price stated on the invoice; and

  3. The shipment’s Cost, Insurance and Freight—or CIF—value.

When a country calculates charges on a CIF basis, the shipping charge may be included when determining the duties and taxes owed.

9.2.2 Buyer’s Responsibility

The buyer is responsible for identifying and paying all applicable:

  1. International duties;

  2. Customs charges;

  3. Taxes;

  4. Government fees; and

  5. Tariffs.

These charges are not included in Taylor Graham’s shipping quotes.

9.2.3 Carriers, Customs and Delays

Most international shipments will be sent through carriers such as FedEx, DHL or UPS.

Weather, inspections, customs procedures and other circumstances outside Taylor Graham’s control may affect the shipment.

Taylor Graham and its shipping partners are not responsible for:

  1. Shipping delays;

  2. Customs-clearance delays; or

  3. Other issues related to delivery times.

Some international shipments will be cleared and delivered directly to the buyer after the buyer has paid all applicable customs duties and taxes.

Other shipments may require:

  1. The services of a customs broker; or

  2. Pickup from a designated hub.

9.2.4 International Shipping Inquiries

Questions or concerns regarding international shipments should be directed to:

Email: artlogistics@taylorandgraham.com
Stamford Headquarters: (203) 274-7864

9.2.5 Import Rules and Restrictions

Buyers must comply with all rules and regulations established by the country of import.

Restrictions may apply to shipments entering certain countries.

9.2.6 International Returns

Taylor Graham does not accept returns of international shipments.

Taylor Graham will not accept the cost of, or responsibility for, any return of an international shipment.