SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization

Effective Date: [05.08.2026]

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization (“SMS”, “we”, “our”, or “us”) is committed to ensuring that every artwork, publication, and eligible purchase reaches its destination safely and professionally. This Shipping & Delivery Policy explains how we process, package, and deliver items purchased through our website, exhibitions, and authorised sales platforms.

By placing an order with SMS, you agree to the terms outlined below.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:

• Original artworks

• Limited edition artworks (where applicable)

• Exhibition catalogues and publications

• SMS E-Magazine (printed editions, if applicable)

• Merchandise (if introduced)

• Other physical items offered by SMS

Digital products and services such as memberships, online workshops, digital publications, and registrations are delivered electronically and are not subject to physical shipping.

2. Order Confirmation

Once payment has been successfully received, you will receive an order confirmation by email.

Orders are processed only after payment verification.

SMS reserves the right to cancel or decline any order in cases of suspected fraud, pricing errors, artwork unavailability, or legal restrictions.

3. Processing Time

Each artwork is individually handled with care.

Standard processing time is generally 5–10 business days, depending on:

• Artwork preparation

• Packaging requirements

• Certificate of Authenticity preparation

• Artist availability (where applicable)

• Exhibition schedules

• Public holidays

Custom commissions or framed artworks may require additional preparation time. Estimated timelines will be communicated to the buyer.

4. Packaging

SMS follows professional art-handling practices to ensure safe transportation.

Depending on the artwork, packaging may include:

• Acid-free protective wrapping

• Bubble protection

• Reinforced cardboard packaging

• Wooden crates for large or high-value works

• Moisture-resistant materials

• Corner protectors

• Protective tubes for rolled artworks

Packaging methods may vary depending on the artwork’s size, medium, and destination.

5. Shipping Within India

Domestic orders are shipped through reputable courier or logistics partners.

Delivery within India generally takes 3–10 business days after dispatch, depending on the destination.

Delivery timelines are estimates and may vary due to weather, courier operations, regional restrictions, or unforeseen circumstances.

6. International Shipping

SMS welcomes collectors from around the world.

International shipments are arranged through recognised courier partners or specialist art logistics providers.

Estimated delivery times generally range between 7–21 business days, depending on:

• Destination country

• Customs clearance

• Import regulations

• Local courier services

International delivery times are estimates only.

7. Customs, Duties & Taxes

International buyers are responsible for any customs duties, import taxes, VAT, brokerage fees, or other charges imposed by the destination country.

These charges are determined by local authorities and are not included in the artwork price unless explicitly stated.

SMS has no control over customs procedures or associated charges.

8. Shipping Charges

Shipping costs are calculated based on:

• Artwork dimensions

• Weight

• Destination

• Packaging requirements

• Insurance (where applicable)

Shipping charges will be communicated before order confirmation unless included as part of a promotional offer.

9. Insurance

High-value artworks may be insured during transit at the discretion of SMS or upon request by the buyer.

Where insurance is included, the terms of the respective insurance provider shall apply.

Buyers requesting additional insurance may incur extra charges.

10. Certificate of Authenticity

Where applicable, original artworks are accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by the artist and/or SMS.

The certificate forms an important part of the artwork’s provenance and should be retained by the collector.

11. Delivery Inspection

Upon receiving your shipment, we recommend inspecting the package immediately.

If the package appears visibly damaged:

• Photograph the exterior before opening.

• Photograph the contents after opening.

• Retain all original packaging materials.

• Notify SMS within 48 hours of delivery.

This documentation assists in resolving shipping-related claims.

12. Damaged Shipments

If an artwork is damaged during transit, buyers should notify SMS promptly with:

• Order details

• Photographs of the damage

• Photographs of the packaging

• A brief description of the issue

Each case will be reviewed individually, and appropriate solutions may include repair, replacement (where possible), insurance claims, or other mutually agreed resolutions.

13. Delivery Delays

While SMS makes every effort to ensure timely delivery, delays may occur due to:

• Customs inspections

• Natural disasters

• Severe weather

• Public holidays

• Transport disruptions

• Government restrictions

• Force majeure events

SMS is not liable for delays caused by third-party logistics providers or circumstances beyond our reasonable control.

14. Incorrect Shipping Information

Buyers are responsible for providing accurate delivery information.

SMS shall not be responsible for delays, additional shipping charges, or unsuccessful deliveries resulting from incorrect or incomplete addresses supplied by the buyer.

Additional shipping costs arising from returned shipments may be payable by the buyer.

15. Failed Deliveries

If a shipment is returned to SMS due to unsuccessful delivery attempts, refusal to accept delivery, or failure to pay customs charges, the buyer may be responsible for:

• Return shipping costs

• Re-shipping charges

• Storage fees (where applicable)

Refunds in such situations will be governed by our Return & Refund Policy.

16. Collection from Exhibitions

Where artworks are purchased during exhibitions, collectors may be offered the option to collect artworks directly from the venue after the exhibition concludes, subject to exhibition agreements and artist approval.

17. Digital Deliveries

Digital products such as:

• Membership confirmations

• Workshop registrations

• E-certificates

• Digital publications

• SMS E-Magazine (digital edition)

will be delivered electronically via email or secure download links.

18. Contact Us

For shipping-related enquiries, please contact:

SMS – Artistic & Socio-Cultural Organization

Kolkata, West Bengal, India

Email: smsgroupartist@gmail.com

Website: www.smsgroupartist.com

Last Updated: [05.08.2026]