Artwork Shipping
What is the Upela service on Artsper?
Upela is a service integrated into Artsper that allows you to easily ship your artworks, both within France and internationally. You can compare carriers, choose your delivery method, and schedule a pickup directly from your gallery.
What shipping methods are available?
You have two options:
Drop-off at a relay point or agency
Pickup from your home or gallery: a courier collects your artwork from the address of your choice
Which carriers are available via Upela?
Artsper gives you access to major carriers:
Chronopost, TNT, UPS, DHL, DPD, FedEx, as well as local courier services.
Why choose home pickup?
This service is ideal if you are shipping:
Large or fragile artworks
Multiple packages at once
Shipments on a regular basis
The driver comes directly to your gallery, so there is no need to travel.
How to schedule a pickup?
Provide a complete address (access code, floor, opening hours, etc.)
Choose your preferred date and time slot
Confirm your order: you will receive the pickup details by email
What happens if I am not present at the time of pickup?
The courier will not be able to collect the artwork. The pickup will need to be rescheduled.
We strongly advise against leaving your package outside to avoid damage or theft.
The driver did not show up, what should I do?
Pickups are usually carried out between 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
If the driver has not arrived by the end of this time window, please contact Upela customer service with your shipment reference:
Email: sales@upela.com
Phone: +33 1 76 39 03 82 (Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.)
Their team will follow up with the carrier and reschedule the pickup as quickly as possible.
In which cases can an artwork be returned?
Refusal by the recipient
Incorrect or inaccessible address
Recipient unavailable
Customs blockage (missing documents, restricted items, etc.)
How can I track my shipment?
Once your shipment is confirmed on Artsper via Upela, you can track it at any time from your gallery dashboard. The tracking shows each step in real time, from pickup to delivery.
Where can I find the tracking number?
The tracking link is available:
In your Artsper dashboard once the shipment is confirmed
In the confirmation email sent after the order
Do I need to go to the carrier’s website?
No. Tracking is directly accessible from your Artsper account. All tracking information is centralized there.
Check your package before shipping
Verify dimensions and weight
If the declared dimensions and/or weight do not match reality, your package may be blocked at the warehouse. You will then have to pay to retrieve it, and the service will not be refunded. Please refer to “How to weigh your item” and “How to measure your package”.
Verify sender and recipient details
Addresses must be as complete as possible:
Full name or company name
Street number and name
Floor, intercom
Postal code, city
Country
Phone number (preferably mobile)
Email address
If the carrier cannot access the address, they may consider the service completed and store the package in a warehouse. Only the recipient will be able to retrieve it.
Delays caused by recipient absence or incomplete addresses are not the carrier’s responsibility. Be as precise as possible and always include the recipient’s phone number.
If the recipient is absent, carriers usually leave a delivery notice with the parcel number and contact details to arrange a pickup or redelivery. Information may also be sent by SMS or email.
Check the contents and packaging
You are legally responsible for the items you ship. They must not be prohibited or restricted goods.
Your package must be properly packed. Refer to “Packing your parcel”. It must be easy to handle safely for both the item and the handlers. If packaging rules are not followed, the parcel may be blocked, and retrieval costs will be charged without refund.
Shipping label
What is a shipping label?
The shipping label is a document automatically generated after creating an order on Artsper via Upela. It must be printed and attached to the parcel before pickup or drop-off.
It contains all the information needed for delivery and tracking.
What does it include?
Sender’s name and address (gallery or artist)
Recipient’s name and address
Selected carrier
Weight, dimensions, and shipment reference
Tracking number
Barcode for scanning and tracking
How do I get my label?
It is automatically generated after order confirmation:
Sent by email
Available in your gallery dashboard under “My shipments”
What should I check before printing?
Correct weight and dimensions
Complete and accurate recipient address
Printed in A4 format, clearly readable, and attached to a flat surface
Carriers systematically check weight and dimensions. If there is a discrepancy, additional charges may apply.
Taxes and Customs Duties
Who handles customs clearance and payment?
Always the recipient.
Are customs duties required?
Customs duties and VAT apply when the origin and destination are in different economic zones.
There are no duties or taxes for intra-European shipments.
How are customs duties calculated?
They depend on:
Country of origin and destination
Nature of the goods
These fees are usually paid upon delivery to the driver, unless you have a DHL, FedEx, or UPS account.
Without such an account, administrative fees (between €10 and €22) may be charged.
For more information:
https://www.douane.gouv.fr/professionnels/commerce-international
Is it important to specify the contents?
Yes, it is essential.
Carriers rely on your information to process the shipment. Accurate descriptions help ensure smooth delivery.
Incorrect or incomplete declarations may lead to cancellation without refund.
Why is my parcel blocked at customs?
Possible reasons include:
Pro-forma invoice not detailed enough or inaccurate description
Specific import license or authorization required
In such cases, the recipient usually needs to contact the carrier in the destination country.
Make sure to provide accurate recipient contact details (local phone number and email) so customs or the carrier can reach them easily.