Matchup, a special fine art and craft gallery of unique, limited production, custom, and handcrafted items.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Buyer FAQ:

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How do I get started?

1. Complete a basic registration. It's free and there are no obligations. We don't send spam, do popups, or share your information. You can shop without first registering, but you will need to complete this step before completing your purchase. 2. After receiving verification of your user name and password (usually within 24 hours), be our guest in using the various other features on the site.

Are any taxes added to my bill?

Currently, taxes are charged only on purchases having a billing address in the state of Texas.

Certain items list an approval fee. What is this?

Sellers may require a nonrefundable approval fee, up to 20% of the item price. If the item is returned by the buyer, this fee is credited to the seller. This is the equivalent of a retail restocking fee, and helps the seller cover the (sometime substantial) costs of packing and handling not included in the shipping/insurance fees charged. After the item return period has expired, this fee is credited in full to the buyer against their purchase.

How can I pay for the item I've selected?

PayPal. Money order. Cashier's check. Personal check. The item is shipped after all funds are cleared to Matchup. Funds not received within 7 days of the sale voids the transaction.

How do I know that the item I've ordered will match the appearance of the item on my screen?

For fine detail, brush strokes, surface textures and color nuances it is essentially impossible at present to assure a 100% correlation between certain works viewed live (in person), and the same work viewed on a computer screen. For this reason, certain sales are conditional on the buyer's approval of a printed image. Sellers also may honor a buyer's request for an evaluation photo print. Upon receipt by Matchup of a "hold" payment of 10% of the listed price, we will send a color-corrected photograph to the buyer. Upon approval by the buyer, as confirmed by receipt of the balance due, the item will be shipped. Within 3 days, if the purchase is declined, or if payment of the balance due is not received, buyer's "hold" payment will be credited back to them via check, credit card refund, epayment or account credit. If buyer approves the photo and completes the purchase, their "hold" payment is credited against the selling price, and the standard warrantee period begins when the item is delivered. This printed image approval prior to completion of a sale is dependent on the mutual agreement of all parties (buyer, seller, and Matchup).

How secure is my online transaction?

We use only highly secure transaction procedures for our online payment options.

Must I depend on a computer to contact Matchup?

No. You can reach us by telephone: 1 877 4MATCHUP.

What about my privacy?

We respect it. Unless specifically requested by Matchup registrants or required for their transactions with us, no personal information will ever be disclosed to commercial third parties.

What kind of warranty do I get with the item I buy?

3 days, unconditional. No explanation required. Simply notify both Matchup and the seller within 3 days of receipt of the item and ship it back within 7 days of receipt of the item. Carefully inspect any package received. If you note any evidence of damage, please notify the shipping company, and Matchup and the seller immediately. Insurance requirements vary according to the carrier. Some require the item be turned over to them for evaluation, others require it be returned to the sender. If your obligation is to return an item, please pack it securely, insure it adequately, and ship it back to the sender via a seller-approved carrier within 7 days of notifying both Matchup and the seller. You are responsible for all return packing, shipping and insurance charges unless otherwise authorized by Matchup and the seller. Upon receipt of the returned item in satisfactory condition your account will be credited for all approved expenses.

When will I receive my item?

Matchup sellers request tracking for all shipments through the responsible carrier.

Who pays for shipping and insurance?

This is a buyer expense unless otherwise agreed to by all parties to a sale. On request, Matchup helps provide information to buyers and sellers to facilitate an efficient choice of transport and insurance. Shipping and insurance for returns are paid by the buyer. It is the seller's option to credit back any of these costs when the item has been received back at its point of origin in satisfactory condition. Additional shipping/crating fees may be added for items that are particularly bulky, irregularly shaped, or very heavy.

Who we are and what we do:

Matchup is a broker of fine art and craft works. We search for people whose quality of work is above the ordinary. We display their work in our online gallery and help coordinate packing and shipping arrangements when a sale is completed. Our artisans provide a warrantee on all works. Our selection criteria, ease of purchase, security, privacy guarantee and unconditional return privilege combine to make this a site we think you will enjoy.

Will you provide me with contact information for another buyer or seller?

No. For your privacy and protection Matchup does not reveal contact information to third parties. We will, however, forward a contact information request from one member to another, to allow them to share such information as they see fit. Upon sale of any item, contact information is provided to both parties.

Seller FAQ

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I already have a website. Why do I need you?

If your website is generating so much interest that you can't create works fast enough to keep up with demand and your servers are crashing due to the huge traffic flows to your site, you probably don't need us to promote your art. If,however, you feel more exposure may be helpful, please consider us. We are dedicated to the promotion of proven quality fine art and craftwork. We offer free tools to maximize your success, including resource listings (local, state,national, and world art venues, clubs, suppliers, etc.), as well as the opportunity to post events of interest to you (e.g. upcoming personal shows). A CASH PRIZE COMPETITION with no entry fees is also featured. If you have no personal website, the above comments apply, plus we can save you substantial time, energy and money in developing a bona fide web presence. We are a hands-on group and personally review the work of all invited artisans. Think your work merits a category not currently available on the site? Contact us. We can set one up for you quickly.

The Matchup Prize. What is it?

The Matchup Prize for fine art and crafts is awarded in a juried competition. There is no entry fee. Cash prizes are $500 for best non-digital flat work (paintings/drawings/photos), $500 for best in all other combined categories (see the home page for current categories). This contest is open to work in all categories. TO ENTER: click the "signup now" button at the top of this page (or on the home page). Fill out the required info. After receiving an email confirmation from us, go to the "sell" page and submit as many items as you like for consideration. All submissions must be available for sale by Matchup (a non-exclusive agreement allowing sale of the work elsewhere with no penalty and no cost to the submitting artist). Submissions sold (through Matchup or elsewhere) prior to the contest end remain eligible for awards. All submissions accepted for display are automatically entered in the contest, with listing fees waived (free to enter). There is no limit to the number of entries allowed. Prize-winning entries sold through Matchup incur no commissions. CURRENT DEADLINE: December 31, 2008. Decision of the judges is final. Employees of Matchup or their family members are not eligible.

How does it work?

Matchup is a broker of fine art ,craftwork, and jewelry. We search for people whose work content and quality are above the ordinary. We have a keen sense of appreciation for the time and effort you have devoted to your creations. We display the work in our online gallery and coordinate packing and shipping arrangements when a sale is completed. Sellers agree to warranty all their works. Our selection criteria, ease of purchase, security, privacy guarantee and unconditional return privilege combine to make this gallery attractive to buyers. We appreciate the opportunity to assist in maximizing the rewards for your hard work. Briefly: 1)Register. 2) Submit your item description with or without an uploaded image. 3)Optional: send us 35mm slide images of your work. 4)When approved items are sold, pack them, insure them and ship them. PRICING is by you; we will assist in pricing if requested. A MINIMUM OF 3 ITEM SUBMISSIONS, allowing us to better appreciate the body of your work, increases the chances of acceptance. The average TIME to acceptance is 2 weeks.

How do I submit an item for sale?

To list items for sale after your registration has been confirmed by email from us: 1. Log in on , enter your user name and password, and go to the "sell" page;(or vice versa). 2. Fill out as much of the "sell" page as you can for one item. 3. If you have a .jpg image file on your computer for the item, use the "browse" button at the bottom of the item description page to upload it. A submitted image size of at least 640x480 pixels will provide for optimal display. Bigger is fine. 4. Repeat #2 and #3 (above) for each work you would like to submit. This optional step (submitting digital images)can get your items pre-approved and expedite listing. 5. At your option, send us 35mm slides of each image for final verification. (Matchup/PO Box 180101/Dallas/Texas 75218/USA).This allows us to color correct the digital image and apply a security watermark. Slide submission is a requirement for finalists for the Matchup Prize. You do not need to crop any images. Please do not send originals. The "reference" page on the site has a very good link for optimal photography of your work. Unless advised otherwise, we'll presume you feel the resolution and color fidelity of your digital image accurately reflect the actual item being sold. We are happy to present digital images for display, however we strongly urge you to also send us slides for maximum image fidelity and minimal buyer discontent.

How much does it cost to list and sell my item?

Our current special offer runs as follows: a commission rate of 15% applies to all works sold through Matchup. Please notify us if your items are no longer available. Items sold through Matchup incur only the commission fee in effect at the time of your registration (currently there are no listing fees).

Certain items show an approval fee required from the buyer. What is this?

Sellers may specify a nonrefundable approval fee, variable up to 20% of the item price, before shipping their items. If the item is returned by the buyer, this fee is credited to the seller and no commission is charged. This is the equivalent of a retail restocking fee, and helps the seller cover the (sometimes very substantial) costs of packing and handling not included in the shipping/insurance fees charged to the buyer. It may be especially pertinent for large, heavy or bulky items. After the item return period has expired, this fee is credited in full to the buyer against their purchase.

How do I get paid? What guarantees are there?

Matchup employs a fairly intense security routine to verify all payments received. This allows us to guarantee funds due to the seller (selling price + shipping + handling + approval fees - commission) even if the payment later proves to be bogus. The seller is advised by Matchup to ship their items to the buyer only after the payment verification routine is complete. Funds due to the seller are released to them after the warrantee/return period has expired without any claims made by the buyer.

I have a digital camera. Why must I mail you a 35 mm slide?

Slide submission is not obligatory except for Matchup Prize finalists. All items in the Matchup gallery are selected for display on the basis of 1) the item itself, and 2) the image of the item. We will pre-approve and display for sale an item based on an uploaded image (this is provided for at the bottom of the item submission form). Selection of finalists for the Matchup Prize depends on a review of submitted slides. Our ability to color correct and digitally watermark your work is dependent on having a slide in hand; another element of security for your work. For a good set of hints on successful photography of your work, please see our resource page. If you so chose, send 35mm slides to Matchup/PO Box 180101/Dallas/Texas 75218/USA. You do not need to crop any images. Please do not send originals. Unless advised otherwise, we'll presume you feel the resolution and color fidelity of your digital image accurately reflects the actual item being sold. We are happy to present digital images for display, however we strongly urge you to also send us slides for maximum image fidelity and minimal buyer discontent.

I have never done this before. Do any of my items have a chance of being selected?

Yes. All works are judged on their own merits (content, design and work quality).

I have sold a lot of works. Will you accept my items for display based on my history?

No. All works are judged on their own merits (content, design and work quality), as determined from the submitted image. The jury does not normally know the identity or history of the submitting artist.

Is there a minimum time I must list my item with Matchup?

No. The minimum duration of your listing is strictly at your discretion. You may delist any item at any time. We will normally display your work for at least 6 months.

Once I have listed an item with Matchup, must I sell it through you?

No. All listings with Matchup are strictly open (non-exclusive). You are free to sell your items privately or via any other arrangement you choose. Your obligation in this instance is to notify Matchup immediately, so the item may be removed from the gallery or otherwise indicated as sold.

Photography submissions.

Basic requirement: Maximum number of prints is 100. No minimums. All photo work to be labeled with the run total and the sequence number of the particular print, (e.g. "3/25"). Your signature on the work is highly recommended. Submission of original prints (separate from any series run) is encouraged. Please designate ownership of any original negatives not offered for sale.

Tell me about your Print and Greeting Card options. In process; not currently available.

All accepted works will be given the opportunity to be offered in these programs designed to promote your work. Prints of accepted works are made available to viewers in a high quality format, in quantities specified by you. Greeting Cards with your work on the frontispiece are made available to viewers in a high quality format, in quantities specified by you. Prices of Prints and Greeting Cards are specified by you and you receive revenue from these sales based on an agreed-upon commission rate, usually below that which applies to original work, minus any applicable fees. Please note that our Print and Greeting Card option has not yet been activated.

What are my obligations for items I sell?

Package your items securely. Ship them out quickly. Insure them adequately. Honor the unconditional warrantee for your buyers. Keep up the good work.

What are my other selling expenses?

You pay any and all packing, handling, shipping, and insurance payments related to your sale. Shipping,insurance, and other approved charges are added to the buyers invoice and credited to your account in addition to the net proceeds (price minus commission) from the sale of your items. We make every effort to assist you in making this an efficient and economical process. Any of these costs added to the buyers invoice are credited to you and not used in the calculation of commissions. The buyer is responsible for paying all costs related to return of an item.

What happens to the images I send you?

They become the property of Matchup for promotion of your work and the site. Please do not send irreplaceable originals, as they are nonreturnable. We respect and support all aspects of Copyright law. Sales of any product (e.g. prints or cards) by Matchup based on any item you have submitted for evaluation or sale are initiated only after Matchup's receipt of express authorization and agreement from you, the author of the work. You get paid for any Matchup sales directly related to any work you have listed with us.

What security measures are in place to protect my work?

All images on the Matchup site have an electronically embedded watermark. Scheduled systematic searching of the Internet is done to identify any unauthorized use of any images present on the site. All pages on the site are copyrighted. We believe in vigorous prosecution of intellectual property theft.

Who decides which works are listed on Matchup?

All works are evaluated by a jury of persons with an interest in the type of work submitted; some are commercial artisans, some are academicians, some are "just plain folks."

Why should I list my items with Matchup?

Matchup applies rigorous selection criteria to the goods displayed in the gallery. All display images are quality controlled for clarity and fidelity to your item. We strive to maintain a high-speed and secure Internet connection, which, along with privacy guarantees and financial transaction security, combine to make this site an enjoyable destination for buyers. Our fees are competitive and dependent on your success. We are dedicated to providing you and your customers with a compelling value. We are a hands-on organization that recognizes the extremely personal nature of the items offered for sale.

Will you provide me with contact information for another buyer or seller?

No. For your privacy and protection Matchup does not reveal contact information to third parties. We will, however, forward a contact information request from one member to another, to allow them to share such information as they see fit.

Event Listing FAQ

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Charity event support.

Matchup offers a generous support program for charity events which feature original fine art and craft works for sale. If your organization is planning such an event we can add to your success. Contact us for details.

How do I submit an event for listing?

1. Complete a basic registration.

2. After receiving verification of your user name and password, send us an Event listing request.

What does it cost me to list an approved event?

Nothing. Matchup provides these free listings as a service to the community.

What kind of events are listed:

Any bona fide event Matchup considers related to the interests of its viewers. Commercial and nonprofit, community and educational events are all eligible for listing consideration.

 

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