What is Artists of the World?

Artists of the World is a non-profit organization that connects artisans and crafters from around the world directly to the customer. It provides an income to struggling artists and provides high-quality, low cost art and handicrafts to the customer. The customer saves money by eliminating the markup costs of retail establishments.

Does Artists of the World charge the artists when a sale is made?

No. The sale is made directly between the seller and the buyer. Artists of the World provides the service for free. From time to time artisans send a donation for the maintenance of the Web site and Internet service provider fees. This is entirely optional since for many of the artisans this is their only source of income.

Who are the artists? Are any of them corporations?

Most of the artists are people from poorer communities but with rich traditions, working to earn a living, often in developing countries. Artists of the World does not allow corporations to sell goods on their site. Developing nations may use cooperatives representing a group of artists.

Who maintains the Web site?

Mostly volunteers and students. We use student interns for much of the actual Web site construction and maintenance as well as maintaining the database.

Do you accept volunteers, and if so, how does one apply?

Yes, we do accept the services of volunteers and have a limited number of student internships available from time to time. Please contact us at development@artedelmundo.com.

Does Artists of the World accept donations?

By all means! We are a registered charity and all contributions are tax deductible in the United States. Receipts are provided for all donations. Please contact us at donations@artedelmundo.com.

How is the order shipped?

This is also the responsibility of the artists selling the product. Artists of the World does not assume any responsibility for orders. Once an order has been placed, the local artist will determine the best method of shipment. Often they send an email confirmation to the buyer.

How is the order paid for?

The order is paid using an international money order, directly to the artist. If the price of the art work is in local currency, it is up to the buyer and seller to determine the correct price.

Price conversion sites are available on the Web. A recommended site is: The Currency Converter at http://www.xe.net/ucc/

What if a product has been damaged in transit?

The customer should contact the shipping company and start the process of investigating the problem. Most artists carefully package their product to avoid damage, but often the packaging material is newspaper. Artists are informed to be careful to include enough padding for safe transit. If the artist has failed to package the material for international shipment, it is their responsibility to provide a replacement product. This is part of the agreement that artists that artists accept when signing up to use the Artists of the World Web site.

Have there been any instances of artists not shipping the product or other problems with deception?

Not really, although there have been a few complaints about the length of time it takes to receive the product. Most of the artists are grateful for this service and do not abuse it.

What is a reasonable time that it takes for a shipment to arrive?

Many shipments arrive anywhere from one to four weeks. However, some artists create customized products for the customer and these may take longer. If the shipment is excessively delayed, the artist has the responsibility of contacting the customer. We encourage customers to email artists if they are concerned about a product that has not arrived or to inquire if a product has been shipped.

Can products be customized by the artist?

This really depends on the artist. Some artists make a 'standard' product while others will allow customers to specify colors, patterns, and so on. One example of this is in the area of carpet weaving. Some of the artists will allow the customers to specify the color used in the pattern so that the carpet matches the customers other home furnishing items.

Are any of the items numbered or otherwise uniquely identified in the event that they become collectibles?

Some artists do uniquely number their products. Many artists include a signature, date, country or other identification located in an inconspicious place on the product. A few of the artists have a personal story, legend or other unique history of the product.