How to Buy Wall Art Online Without Overpaying | Buyer's Guide
#1 Guide to buying wall art without overpaying or getting duped with a counterfeit, for art collectors and home decorators.
This guide will help you buy art online without overpaying or getting duped into buying a counterfeit print. Buying wall art online is more convenient than ever — but it also comes with new risks. Between unclear pricing, inconsistent quality, and the rise of counterfeit artwork, many buyers end up paying more than they should for pieces that don’t meet expectations.
This guide breaks down how to buy wall art online confidently and responsibly, without overpaying.
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1. Understand the Difference Between Originals, Prints, and Reproductions
Before purchasing, it’s important to know exactly what you’re buying.
Original artwork: One-of-a-kind pieces created by the artist. Originals by Andy Thomas can be found directly through the artist website, www.andythomas.com; or if local to Carthage you can check out Cherry's Art Emporium
Limited edition prints: High-quality reproductions with a set production limit
Open edition prints: Unlimited reproductions, typically more affordable
Overpaying often happens when open edition prints are priced as limited editions. Always read product descriptions carefully.
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2. Pay Attention to Print Quality and Materials
Reputable art sellers clearly list details such as:
Paper or canvas type
Print method (giclée, offset, etc.)
Ink quality
Finish (matte, gloss, textured)
Missing or vague material descriptions are often a warning sign.
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3. Be Aware of Counterfeit and Mass-Produced Artwork
One of the biggest risks when buying art online is unknowingly purchasing counterfeit or unauthorized reproductions, many of which originate from large overseas manufacturing operations. Many counterfeits of Andy Thomas' Artwork are often found on sites like: Temu, AliExpress, AliBaba, random sites like Tee-Spring that offer products, Amazon, Walmart or Ebay. While Amazon, Walmart, and Ebay also have authentic dealers too, be extra cautious buying from those sites and if the price seems too good to be true, question it! You can always send us an email as well for authentication, or if you find a counterfeited print so we can report it for a copyright violation.
These listings often:
Use stolen or scraped artwork images
Sell extremely low-priced “art”.
Lack artist attribution or licensing information
Offer inconsistent sizing and quality
While not all overseas production is illegitimate, counterfeit art has become increasingly common on large marketplaces. Buying from a reputable, transparent seller helps ensure the artwork is authentic, properly sourced, and accurately represented. The products on our site are only available here, aside from puzzles, 4x6 notecards, and white coffee mugs, among a very few other items. If you want authentic Andy Thomas products -- we are the place to shop from. At this current moment in time, we are also the only store that sells civil war prints by Andy Thomas.
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4. Compare Sizes Before You Buy
Many buyers overpay simply because artwork appears larger online than it actually is.
Before purchasing:
Measure your wall space
Compare listed dimensions to existing frames or posters
Avoid relying on staged photos alone
Pricing should always reflect size and materials.
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5. Be Careful With “Too Good to Be True” Pricing
Extremely low prices often indicate:
Low-resolution prints
Inferior materials
Unauthorized reproductions
On the other hand, high prices don’t automatically mean high quality. Look for transparency, clear images, and consistent branding.
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6. Buy From Curated or Specialized Art Sellers
Curated art shops typically provide better value and peace of mind than mass marketplaces.
Benefits include:
Clear sourcing and licensing
Consistent quality standards
Honest pricing
Better customer support
Specialized art resale shops focus on quality rather than volume.
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7. Learn About the Artist or Source
Understanding where artwork comes from adds confidence and value.
Look for:
Artist biographies
Clear sourcing information
Authentic descriptions
Seller accountability
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Final Thoughts
Buying wall art online doesn’t have to be overwhelming or risky. By understanding what you’re purchasing, paying attention to materials, and choosing reputable sellers, you can avoid overpaying and confidently invest in artwork you’ll enjoy for years.
At Andy Thomas Designs, we focus on offering carefully curated art prints with transparent sourcing and pricing — helping buyers shop with confidence.
Related: Do you need help learning art terms? We have the perfect article for you! Click here.