With the incomparable rise of e-commerce coming about, it's no wonder the average collector has increasingly chosen digital channels to make their purchases. The art market has also begun to make its transition online to offer art enthusiasts the opportunity of selecting different art pieces from the comfort of their own home.

Even some galleries and auctions actively use the online landscape and it is a wonderful way of encouraging individuals to buy art from outside their country. Although it may seem simple, it is important customers ensure the online platforms they are using are both legitimate and authentic.

To achieve a successful online purchase, keep the following tips in mind: First, always do your research on the intermediary between you and the artwork to find out if they are reliable, and on the artist, as it is unlikely you will meet them face to face. This leads us to our second tip: search for works that come with a certificate of authenticity, which ensures the credibility of the artwork and can come in handy if you plan on reselling the piece later on. Our third tip is making sure the platform provides a secure payment method and insurance.

Pay close attention to who will handle the art you purchased during its shipping; these should be professionals. Another suggestion is to find out whether or not your purchase has a returns policy in case you should not want it anymore.

And last but definitely not least, don't forget to look at the dimensions of the artwork! You don’t want to have to return the piece because it doesn't fit anywhere. And remember, a genuine, trusted platform should always have a customer service component to answer your questions and provide you with any information you may need.