A private dealer buys artwork directly from you and resells it. The process is usually simple and quick — you get a single offer, and if you accept, the transaction is done. Because dealers buy to resell, they pay wholesale prices rather than what a gallery might eventually sell a piece for. The upside is certainty: you know exactly what you're getting and when.

Best for: People who want a clear outcome and a straightforward process.exible, expert advice when you need it. Book hourly support across a range of topics—from planning to problem-solving. This focused consultation will help clarify your goals, map out next steps, and identify opportunities for growth.

Galleries generally don't buy your artwork — they agree to sell it on your behalf and take a commission when it sells, typically between 40% and 60% of the sale price. The potential return can be higher than selling to a dealer, but there's no guarantee the work sells at all. Pieces can sit in a gallery for months or years, and if they don't sell, you get them back unsold.

Best for: Sellers who aren't in a rush and have work by artists the gallery actively represents.

Auction houses sell artwork publicly to the highest bidder. They can be a good option for works by well-known artists with an active collector market. The tradeoffs are significant though — between buyer's premiums, seller's commissions, and shipping costs, you can easily lose 25% or more of the final sale price. You may also have to pay a lot for shipping, depending on the size of your piece and auction location. And if the work doesn't sell, you'll often pay fees regardless.

Best for: Sellers comfortable with uncertain results and willing to wait months for a sale date.

Estate sale companies manage the sale of household contents, including artwork. They're convenient when there's a lot to sell at once, but fine art is rarely their specialty. Commission rates typically run 30–50%, and artwork at estate sales often sells for less than it might through other channels.

Best for: Sellers who have a large volume of items to sell and don't have particularly valuable artwork.

Platforms like eBay and Facebook Marketplace let you list artwork yourself. The fees are lower, but the process requires more work — photography, listing management, shipping logistics, and handling inquiries. Shipping original artwork can be expensive and complicated. Scams and non-payment do happen, and pricing correctly without market knowledge is harder than it looks.

Best for: Sellers who aren't in a rush and are comfortable managing the process themselves.