Am I missing something? Help with a piece of art

[CJ2008]

I am in LOVE with this print from Ballard Designs - http://www.ballarddesigns.com/iron-...20173?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=71

But I hate the idea of paying $90 for shipping - in general, I hate shipping charges but especially for something like this, since I may not like it for whatever reason and want to return it.

I cannot locate this print - or anything similar to it (I love the oranges and browns) but I did find more work by this artist at www.greatbigcanvas.com.. I am kind of eyeing this piece here: http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/light-in-the-leaves,1155717/

I don't love it nearly as much as the first one - but...I'm considering it, either in the 48x35 or the 60x44. At this site, shipping is ONLY $14. Something tells me it's too good to be true, or that I must be missing something...

I am not knowledgeable in "art" so if you could guide me try to figure out what could be different, or whether it's possible for it to ship for $14 and not have anything be "odd" I'd be so thankful!

(and/or if you find the first picture for me somewhere else and not for $90 shipping that's be awesome too! )

 

[NOYFB]

I'm no expert on art or what shipping art should cost, but wanted to say that I like the 2nd print much better than the first one.

 

[VRBeauty]

I am in LOVE with this print from Ballard Designs - http://www.ballarddesigns.com/iron-...20173?defattrib=&defattribvalue=&listIndex=71

But I hate the idea of paying $90 for shipping - in general, I hate shipping charges but especially for something like this, since I may not like it for whatever reason and want to return it.

I cannot locate this print - or anything similar to it (I love the oranges and browns) but I did find more work by this artist at www.greatbigcanvas.com... I am kind of eyeing this piece here: http://www.greatbigcanvas.com/view/light-in-the-leaves,1155717/

I don't love it nearly as much as the first one - but...I'm considering it, either in the 48x35 or the 60x44. At this site, shipping is ONLY $14. Something tells me it's too good to be true, or that I must be missing something...

I am not knowledgeable in "art" so if you could guide me try to figure out what could be different, or whether it's possible for it to ship for $14 and not have anything be "odd" I'd be so thankful!

(and/or if you find the first picture for me somewhere else and not for $90 shipping that's be awesome too! )

I get the you can afford the shipping costs, but you're balking on principle. I get that, really I do, but...

IT'S ART. It's something that speaks to your heart, or does not. If you find a piece that really speaks to your heart, that's a wonderful thing. And, like love, sometimes you have to take a risk. For many of us, abstract art is a risk. What I can tell you is that I'd much rather live with a piece that I love than a piece one that just just "does the job." And that I'm still kicking myself about the 2 or 3 abstract paintings I passed by because I was unsure of myself.

 

[CJ2008]

I'm no expert on art or what shipping art should cost, but wanted to say that I like the 2nd print much better than the first one.

I like the 2nd one too, but not as much as the first one...I'm realizing it's not "abstract" enough for me - as much as I love trees I don't like to see actual objects in art...

 

[NOYFB]

Well, you gotta be happy with it, so yea, I'd say if you really love the first one, the $90 shipping cost is worth it. I'm assuming that includes insurance to protect against damage/loss/theft?

 

[CJ2008]

I get the you can afford the shipping costs, but you're balking on principle. I get that, really I do, but...

IT'S ART. It's something that speaks to your heart, or does not. If you find a piece that really speaks to your heart, that's a wonderful thing. And, like love, sometimes you have to take a risk. For many of us, abstract art is a risk. What I can tell you is that I'd much rather live with a piece that I love than a piece one that just just "does the job." And that I'm still kicking myself about the 2 or 3 abstract paintings I passed by because I was unsure of myself.

I totally agree with you! Especially because my walls are BARE because I can't find the perfect piece/s that I want for each room.

But the $90 bothers me to no end, it really does. If I knew I was going to love it, I'd pay it...but not seeing it in person makes it TOUGH.

I feel like I might be able to find something on that other site that I'd love - I wouldn't do it any other way, so the tree piece I mentioned earlier is out - but I am perplexed by the difference in shipping charges. So I don't want to pay the $90 but the $14 is TOO low That site does seem to have happy people/clients on Facebook so that helps...

 

[Hera]

Look for a Ballard coupon, they exist! I prefer the first one too. It's more expensive because it is a high quality print and has a finish applied to it giving it extra texture. If it were me, though, I would see if I could paint something similar. If not, this is a nice option.

 

[ChristineRose]

It would definitely cost more than $14 to Fedex or UPS or USPS to ship something that large. The rest of the costs can be kind of arbitrary. "Iron Oxide Giclee" means printed on a special computer printer with special ink, so it's probable that they make them up in small batches as needed. But if not, it's probably already sitting in a box in a warehouse somewhere. The box is probably pretty special. It's probably inside a frame of sorts, and wrapped in bubble wrap or something.

For a long time I didn't understand why companies even bothered to add shipping and handling. After all, if you go to the mall, you don't get a surcharge for "bored teenager avoiding work" or "Christmas Village with scary robot dollies." But after I studied accounting, I learned that the person who pays for the shipping owns the painting in transit by default. That is, if UPS trashes it, you, not the store, get to argue with them about how much it was worth. I think the idea here is that the $90 accurately reflects the hassle and cost of the special pack and the insurance. If it really only cost $14 to ship, then UPS would be answerable to the shipper, not you, because they have obviously subsidized part of the shipping costs. I suppose it comes down to how the seller wants to look to you.

 

[iLander]

I was initially afraid to click on the links, most people's idea of art makes me wince. My favorite day is one spent at the MOMA, and many in my family have advanced art degrees. I very much prefer the first one.

 

[CJ2008]

I was initially afraid to click on the links, most people's idea of art makes me wince. My favorite day is one spent at the MOMA, and many in my family have advanced art degrees. I very much prefer the first one.

Hahahaha iLander if it makes you feel any better I was AFRAID to call it art!

The fact that you somewhat like it is encouraging! It's like a mini-seal of approval

Maybe I need to just spring for it...but - like heraanderson said, I know they do promotions once in a while...

 

[CJ2008]

Look for a Ballard coupon, they exist! I prefer the first one too. It's more expensive because it is a high quality print and has a finish applied to it giving it extra texture. If it were me, though, I would see if I could paint something similar. If not, this is a nice option.

Yes, I know...I actually lost out on a 15% discount the first time I saw this print...I had actually FINALLY wrapped my brain around paying the $90, had gone through the whole shopping cart process, and then, I remember it wasn't $90 - they add a surcharge on top of that, making the total shipping cost $123 - and that really turned me off...

But of course, I've been looking for other art since then and I keep going back to this one...so now I'd DEFINITELY want to wait for a coupon...

 

[CJ2008]

It would definitely cost more than $14 to Fedex or UPS or USPS to ship something that large. The rest of the costs can be kind of arbitrary. "Iron Oxide Giclee" means printed on a special computer printer with special ink, so it's probable that they make them up in small batches as needed. But if not, it's probably already sitting in a box in a warehouse somewhere. The box is probably pretty special. It's probably inside a frame of sorts, and wrapped in bubble wrap or something.

For a long time I didn't understand why companies even bothered to add shipping and handling. After all, if you go to the mall, you don't get a surcharge for "bored teenager avoiding work" or "Christmas Village with scary robot dollies." But after I studied accounting, I learned that the person who pays for the shipping owns the painting in transit by default. That is, if UPS trashes it, you, not the store, get to argue with them about how much it was worth. I think the idea here is that the $90 accurately reflects the hassle and cost of the special pack and the insurance. If it really only cost $14 to ship, then UPS would be answerable to the shipper, not you, because they have obviously subsidized part of the shipping costs. I suppose it comes down to how the seller wants to look to you.

Very interesting, Christine...thanks for that info.

 

[Hera]

Look for a Ballard coupon, they exist! I prefer the first one too. It's more expensive because it is a high quality print and has a finish applied to it giving it extra texture. If it were me, though, I would see if I could paint something similar. If not, this is a nice option.

Yes, I know...I actually lost out on a 15% discount the first time I saw this print...I had actually FINALLY wrapped my brain around paying the $90, had gone through the whole shopping cart process, and then, I remember it wasn't $90 - they add a surcharge on top of that, making the total shipping cost $123 - and that really turned me off...

But of course, I've been looking for other art since then and I keep going back to this one...so now I'd DEFINITELY want to wait for a coupon...

I'm a designer and I use Ballard as a source for clients but their shipping costs drive me crazy too. It's mostly out of principle too especially in an age of low and free shipping sites. If you don't care about the texture, you could also try Art.com and see if you find the print there. Most of these decor sites are smart,though and use artists that can't be found in other places so you might not be able to. A coupon will at least take a little bite out of the price.

 

[CJ2008]

Look for a Ballard coupon, they exist! I prefer the first one too. It's more expensive because it is a high quality print and has a finish applied to it giving it extra texture. If it were me, though, I would see if I could paint something similar. If not, this is a nice option.

Yes, I know...I actually lost out on a 15% discount the first time I saw this print...I had actually FINALLY wrapped my brain around paying the $90, had gone through the whole shopping cart process, and then, I remember it wasn't $90 - they add a surcharge on top of that, making the total shipping cost $123 - and that really turned me off...

But of course, I've been looking for other art since then and I keep going back to this one...so now I'd DEFINITELY want to wait for a coupon...

I'm a designer and I use Ballard as a source for clients but their shipping costs drive me crazy too. It's mostly out of principle too especially in an age of low and free shipping sites. If you don't care about the texture, you could also try Art.com and see if you find the print there. Most of these decor sites are smart,though and use artists that can't be found in other places so you might not be able to. A coupon will at least take a little bite out of the price.

No luck on that hera...I've looked for that print everywhere...but - I think I do care about the texture...it will make it more interesting...so I'm stuck with those shipping fees if I want that print. but if I end up loving it, I'm sure I'll forget about that once it livens up my living room.

 

[Hera]

Look for a Ballard coupon, they exist! I prefer the first one too. It's more expensive because it is a high quality print and has a finish applied to it giving it extra texture. If it were me, though, I would see if I could paint something similar. If not, this is a nice option.

Yes, I know...I actually lost out on a 15% discount the first time I saw this print...I had actually FINALLY wrapped my brain around paying the $90, had gone through the whole shopping cart process, and then, I remember it wasn't $90 - they add a surcharge on top of that, making the total shipping cost $123 - and that really turned me off...

But of course, I've been looking for other art since then and I keep going back to this one...so now I'd DEFINITELY want to wait for a coupon...

I'm a designer and I use Ballard as a source for clients but their shipping costs drive me crazy too. It's mostly out of principle too especially in an age of low and free shipping sites. If you don't care about the texture, you could also try Art.com and see if you find the print there. Most of these decor sites are smart,though and use artists that can't be found in other places so you might not be able to. A coupon will at least take a little bite out of the price.

No luck on that hera...I've looked for that print everywhere...but - I think I do care about the texture...it will make it more interesting...so I'm stuck with those shipping fees if I want that print. but if I end up loving it, I'm sure I'll forget about that once it livens up my living room.

You'll totally forget. Beautiful print, one of my faves there! They put discounts on the back of their catalogs in the mail.

 

[smitcompton]

Hi,

I just pd 129.00 shipping for a painting. This was a large oil on canvas that turned out very well. No exchange.
I think the majority of art and gallerydealers charge more than necessary . In the end I was OK with it, but nervous as well.

I really like the first painting and I really hate the second. You see similar trees all over the place, even on wallpaper. Go for the first or keep looking.

Annette

 

[lovebug1031]

It would definitely cost more than $14 to Fedex or UPS or USPS to ship something that large. The rest of the costs can be kind of arbitrary. "Iron Oxide Giclee" means printed on a special computer printer with special ink, so it's probable that they make them up in small batches as needed. But if not, it's probably already sitting in a box in a warehouse somewhere. The box is probably pretty special. It's probably inside a frame of sorts, and wrapped in bubble wrap or something.

For a long time I didn't understand why companies even bothered to add shipping and handling. After all, if you go to the mall, you don't get a surcharge for "bored teenager avoiding work" or "Christmas Village with scary robot dollies." But after I studied accounting, I learned that the person who pays for the shipping owns the painting in transit by default. That is, if UPS trashes it, you, not the store, get to argue with them about how much it was worth. I think the idea here is that the $90 accurately reflects the hassle and cost of the special pack and the insurance. If it really only cost $14 to ship, then UPS would be answerable to the shipper, not you, because they have obviously subsidized part of the shipping costs. I suppose it comes down to how the seller wants to look to you.

Not necessarliy true - UPS has to answer to their paying party. So while you may have paid the shipping free to the shipper (in this case ballard), if ballard is the one who printed the lable and listed themselves as the payor (usually the case) then UPS has to answer to them about damages. I worked for UPS for over 6 years...

 

[CJ2008]

[quote="heraanderson" You'll totally forget. Beautiful print, one of my faves there! They put discounts on the back of their catalogs in the mail.[/quote]

So glad you like it too! Makes me feel more courageous to get it.

I hate paper catalogs...but I am signed up for their e-mails...I hope there's a discount soon.

 

[CJ2008]

Hi,

I just pd 129.00 shipping for a painting. This was a large oil on canvas that turned out very well. No exchange.
I think the majority of art and gallerydealers charge more than necessary . In the end I was OK with it, but nervous as well.

I really like the first painting and I really hate the second. You see similar trees all over the place, even on wallpaper. Go for the first or keep looking.

Annette

Annette $90 does seem to be "in line" with other places (like Crate & Barrel).

I think as soon as I see a discount from Ballard I'll take the plunge - I really have been eyeing it for months.

 

[movie zombie]

for what its worth and only my opinion: the 2nd one is outdated and isn't even close to the first one. the giclee is worth it. its going to look rich....not like a print. $90 shipping means its going to be well packed and arrive undamaged. just do it! when its art, go with what you love.

I have a very well done giclee that when held next to the original [painter won't part with the original] its almost impossible to tell its a print.

personally, I don't buy art unless I've seen it live and usually have spoken with the artist. buying art online is not for me. however, I could make an exception for this one!

 

[iheartscience]

Would you pay $429 for the art? If so I would pretend the $90 is part of the cost and bite the bullet. But definitely search for a coupon code, or even call Ballard and ask if they have one or have one coming up.

 

[CJ2008]

for what its worth and only my opinion: the 2nd one is outdated and isn't even close to the first one. the giclee is worth it. its going to look rich....not like a print. $90 shipping means its going to be well packed and arrive undamaged. just do it! when its art, go with what you love.

I have a very well done giclee that when held next to the original [painter won't part with the original] its almost impossible to tell its a print.

personally, I don't buy art unless I've seen it live and usually have spoken with the artist. buying art online is not for me. however, I could make an exception for this one!

OK now I'm getting super excited to get it and don't want to wait for a coupon

I just wrote them to see if they have any coupons coming up soon (keeping my fingers crossed)

I would also much prefer to buy something I've seen...but so far I haven't seen anything in person that spoke to me the way this one does...I saw one at Crate and Barrel that I really liked but the colors were "wrong." I need oranges and browns and rusts to warm up and liven up the living room.

 

[maccers]

I can't comment on the shipping fee other than it's RIDICULOUS.

I much prefer the first print. I have several giclee (apparently pronounced zee-clay) prints and I love the textured look to them, way more depth and pop to it.

 

[zoebartlett]

Would you pay $429 for the art? If so I would pretend the $90 is part of the cost and bite the bullet. But definitely search for a coupon code, or even call Ballard and ask if they have one or have one coming up.

That's what I often do when I don't like the cost of shipping but I still want the item. Somehow it makes me feel better.

 

[CJ2008]

I can't comment on the shipping fee other than it's RIDICULOUS.

I much prefer the first print. I have several giclee (apparently pronounced zee-clay) prints and I love the textured look to them, way more depth and pop to it.

Agree with you on those shipping charges!

Glad you like the first print too! And believe it or not I didn't know what giclee was - so I'm so glad that you all told me - makes it more worth it.

 

[CJ2008]

I can't comment on the shipping fee other than it's RIDICULOUS.

I much prefer the first print. I have several giclee (apparently pronounced zee-clay) prints and I love the textured look to them, way more depth and pop to it.

Agree with you on those shipping charges!

Glad you like the first print too! And believe it or not I didn't know what giclee was - so I'm so glad that you all told me - makes it more worth it.

 

[CJ2008]

Would you pay $429 for the art? If so I would pretend the $90 is part of the cost and bite the bullet. But definitely search for a coupon code, or even call Ballard and ask if they have one or have one coming up.

That's what I often do when I don't like the cost of shipping but I still want the item. Somehow it makes me feel better.

Zoe - incredible what we to justify getting something we want right? But yeah...I think that's just what I'll do.

 

[Amber St. Clare]

I really, really liked the first print. It's something I would spend a great deal of time looking into, trying to find "things" {sorry, my bff was the art major in college, not me, I just respond to colors}. And when I really, REALLY like something, I would just swallow the $90. and make it part of the cost of the piece in my mind.

 

[movie zombie]

I poked around the website: there are several things i'd make an exception for.
good luck and I hope it looks as great on your wall as it does online!

 

[Hera]

Someone on another forum was looking for a coupon code and apparently there is one in the April issue of House Beautiful. I have a zillion other magazines (including the March edition that did have an expired coupon) but I don't have April