Seller Agreement
This Seller Agreement (“Agreement”) governs the relationship between the Seller and aoART Pte Ltd, a company incorporated in Singapore with its registered address at 69 Ubi Road 1 08-28 Oxley BizHub Singapore 408731 (“aoART”, “we”, “us” or “our”) in connection with the listing and sale of artworks through aoart.sg and any related aoART website, application, platform or services (“Platform”).
By completing the aoART seller onboarding process and selecting the acceptance checkbox, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be legally bound by this Agreement.
If you do not agree to this Agreement, you must not complete seller onboarding or submit artworks for listing on the Platform.
1. Definitions
For the purposes of this Agreement:
- “Artwork” means any artwork, collectible, edition, object or other creative work submitted by the Seller for listing or sale through the Platform.
- “Buyer” means a person or entity purchasing or seeking to purchase an Artwork through the Platform.
- “Seller” means the individual, company, gallery, artist, estate, representative or other person or entity approved by aoART to list Artwork on the Platform.
- “Sale Price” means the price at which an Artwork is sold to a Buyer, excluding any separately stated shipping, delivery, insurance, taxes or other charges unless otherwise specified by aoART.
- “Net Proceeds” means the amount payable to the Seller following deduction of aoART's agreed commission, applicable fees, refunds, chargebacks, taxes, shipping or other amounts properly chargeable to the Seller under this Agreement or the applicable transaction terms.
2. Seller Eligibility and Authority
The Seller must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a binding contract.
Where the Seller is a company, gallery, estate, partnership or other organisation, the person completing onboarding confirms that they have authority to enter into this Agreement on behalf of that entity.
The Seller must provide accurate and complete information during onboarding and must promptly update aoART if any information changes.
aoART may request reasonable information or documentation to verify the Seller's identity, authority, ownership, business status, payment details or other information reasonably required to operate the Platform and comply with applicable law.
aoART may decline an application or request additional verification before approving a Seller or Artwork.
3. Nature of the aoART Platform
Unless otherwise expressly agreed in writing, aoART operates the Platform as an online marketplace and service provider facilitating the listing, promotion and sale of Artwork between Sellers and Buyers.
Unless otherwise expressly stated in the applicable transaction terms, the Seller remains responsible for the Artwork and for the accuracy of all representations made concerning it.
Listing an Artwork on the Platform does not, by itself, transfer ownership of the Artwork to aoART.
Unless expressly agreed otherwise, aoART does not acquire ownership of an Artwork merely because aoART lists the Artwork, facilitates payment, arranges delivery or provides other marketplace services.
aoART may facilitate communications, payment processing, delivery, collection, authentication or other transaction services. The provision of such services does not by itself change the ownership of the Artwork or the Seller's obligations under this Agreement.
Where a particular transaction is subject to additional terms, those terms will apply to that transaction and form part of the agreement between the relevant parties.
4. Artwork Eligibility
The Seller may only submit Artwork that the Seller has the legal right and authority to sell.
By submitting an Artwork, the Seller represents and warrants that:
- the Seller owns the Artwork or has full authority from the owner to sell it;
- the Artwork has not been stolen, unlawfully obtained, pledged, charged or otherwise subjected to an undisclosed third-party claim;
- the Artwork is authentic to the extent represented by the Seller;
- all information supplied to aoART is accurate and not misleading;
- the Seller has disclosed all material facts known to the Seller concerning the Artwork;
- any known damage, restoration, alteration, repair or conservation has been disclosed;
- any known limitation on title or transfer has been disclosed;
- the Seller has obtained all permissions and consents required to sell the Artwork;
- the sale will not knowingly infringe the rights of any third party; and
- the Seller is not knowingly using the Platform to facilitate unlawful activity.
aoART may request certificates of authenticity, provenance records, purchase documentation, invoices, condition reports, expert opinions, artist records or other supporting information.
The Seller must provide information requested by aoART within a reasonable period.
Submission of an Artwork does not guarantee acceptance, publication or sale.
5. Artwork Description and Listing Information
The Seller is responsible for ensuring that all information supplied for an Artwork is accurate, complete and current.
Depending on the Artwork, information may include:
- artist name;
- title;
- year or approximate date;
- medium and materials;
- dimensions;
- edition number;
- signature or markings;
- provenance;
- authenticity information;
- condition;
- restoration history;
- framing;
- location;
- photographs;
- sale price; and
- any other information reasonably requested by aoART.
The Seller must promptly notify aoART if any material information about an Artwork changes or becomes inaccurate.
aoART may format, edit or adapt listing information for presentation, search, categorisation, accessibility, marketing or technical purposes, provided that aoART does not knowingly create a materially misleading representation of the Artwork.
aoART may reject, suspend, edit, restrict or remove a listing where it reasonably considers this necessary to protect Buyers, Sellers, aoART or the integrity of the Platform.
6. Authenticity and Provenance
The Seller is responsible for the accuracy of all statements made by the Seller concerning the authenticity, authorship, attribution and provenance of an Artwork.
If an Artwork is described as being by a particular artist, the Seller must have a reasonable basis for making that representation.
The Seller must not knowingly submit an Artwork that is counterfeit, falsely attributed, materially misrepresented or unlawfully obtained.
aoART may request additional authentication or provenance information at any time before or after a listing is published.
Where aoART reasonably suspects that an Artwork may be counterfeit, stolen, materially misrepresented or otherwise problematic, aoART may suspend the listing or transaction while appropriate enquiries are made.
The Seller agrees to cooperate reasonably with any investigation concerning authenticity, provenance, ownership or condition.
If an Artwork is subsequently determined to have been materially misrepresented by the Seller, the Seller shall cooperate with aoART in resolving the matter, including any return, refund, investigation or claim.
7. Condition of Artwork
The Seller must provide an accurate description of the condition of each Artwork.
The Seller must disclose any material condition issue known to the Seller, including where applicable:
- damage;
- cracks;
- tears;
- fading;
- discolouration;
- restoration;
- repairs;
- alterations;
- warping;
- stains;
- deterioration;
- missing components; or
- other material defects.
aoART may request photographs, condition reports or other documentation.
The Seller remains responsible for material condition information that the Seller knowingly or negligently misrepresents or fails to disclose.
8. Pricing and Discounts
The Seller shall provide the price at which the Artwork is to be offered for sale.
aoART may establish reasonable procedures concerning pricing, minimum prices, promotions and discounts.
The Seller must not knowingly sell, transfer or otherwise dispose of an Artwork through another channel after aoART has notified the Seller that the Artwork is subject to an accepted sale or transaction.
The Seller must promptly inform aoART if an Artwork becomes unavailable.
Any promotional discount affecting the Seller's proceeds must be agreed or authorised in accordance with aoART's applicable procedures.
9. Commission and Fees
aoART is entitled to charge the commission and fees agreed with the Seller.
Unless otherwise agreed in writing:
- aoART Listing Fee: $24 per Artwork per year
- aoART Commission: 15-20% of the Sale Price.
Additional charges may apply for services such as:
- payment processing;
- shipping;
- delivery;
- insurance;
- storage;
- authentication;
- photography;
- restoration;
- framing;
- marketing; or
- other services specifically requested or agreed by the Seller.
aoART will communicate applicable charges before they are incurred where reasonably practicable.
aoART may deduct amounts properly payable by the Seller from the Net Proceeds.
Any GST or other applicable tax will be dealt with in accordance with Singapore law and the applicable tax status of the relevant party.
10. Acceptance of a Sale
An Artwork is considered sold when the applicable sale or transaction process has been completed or accepted in accordance with the terms communicated by aoART.
Following acceptance of a sale, the Seller must not sell, transfer, pledge, reserve or otherwise dispose of the Artwork to another person.
The Seller must promptly notify aoART if the Seller is unable to fulfil an accepted sale.
A Seller cancellation without a valid reason may result in suspension of the relevant listing or Seller account and may make the Seller responsible for reasonable costs or losses directly resulting from the cancellation, to the extent permitted by law.
11. Payment and Seller Payouts
Where aoART facilitates payment from the Buyer, aoART may receive and process the payment on behalf of the relevant transaction.
The Seller's Net Proceeds will be calculated after deduction of applicable commission, agreed fees, refunds, chargebacks, taxes and other amounts properly payable by the Seller.
Subject to any applicable return, dispute, verification, fraud or payment review period, aoART will pay the Seller according to the applicable payout schedule. Standard payout period: 14 days.
aoART may reasonably delay payment where necessary to investigate:
- suspected fraud;
- authenticity or provenance concerns;
- payment disputes;
- chargebacks;
- returns;
- delivery disputes;
- legal claims; or
- a suspected breach of this Agreement.
aoART will release amounts that are no longer reasonably required to be held once the relevant issue has been resolved.
The Seller is responsible for providing accurate banking and payment information.
12. Shipping, Delivery and Collection
The Seller must prepare an Artwork for delivery or collection in accordance with aoART's reasonable instructions.
Artwork must be appropriately packaged to reduce the risk of damage during transportation.
The allocation of shipping, delivery, insurance and related costs will be stated in the applicable transaction terms.
Where aoART arranges transportation, the Seller must provide the Artwork at the agreed location and time.
Where the Seller is authorised to ship directly to a Buyer, the Seller must comply with aoART's shipping instructions and provide reasonable evidence of dispatch and delivery.
The Seller must not knowingly ship an Artwork that is materially different from the Artwork purchased by the Buyer.
13. Returns, Refunds and Disputes
Returns and refunds will be handled in accordance with the applicable aoART Buyer Terms, transaction terms and applicable Singapore law.
Nothing in this Agreement is intended to exclude or restrict any statutory right or remedy that cannot lawfully be excluded or restricted.
Where a refund or return arises because:
- the Artwork is counterfeit;
- the Artwork was materially misrepresented;
- the Seller did not have authority to sell the Artwork;
- the Artwork materially differs from its listing;
- a material condition issue was not properly disclosed; or
- the Seller otherwise materially breached this Agreement,
aoART may seek reimbursement from the Seller for amounts properly refunded to the Buyer and reasonable direct costs incurred as a result, subject to applicable law.
aoART may deduct or set off amounts properly recoverable from the Seller against amounts otherwise payable to the Seller.
Where a dispute arises, the Seller agrees to cooperate reasonably with aoART in investigating and resolving it.
14. Intellectual Property and Marketing Licence
The Seller retains ownership of intellectual property rights that the Seller legally owns in relation to an Artwork.
By submitting an Artwork, the Seller grants aoART a non-exclusive, worldwide, royalty-free licence to use, reproduce, display and communicate to the public photographs, images, descriptions and other materials supplied by the Seller for the purposes of:
- listing and selling the Artwork;
- operating the Platform;
- marketing and promoting the Artwork and aoART;
- maintaining historical records of listings and transactions; and
- improving aoART's services.
The licence includes use on the aoART website, digital platforms, social media, newsletters, catalogues, advertising and other promotional channels operated by or on behalf of aoART.
The Seller represents that the Seller has the necessary rights or permissions to provide the materials and grant the licence in this section.
Where the Seller does not own the relevant copyright or other intellectual property rights, the Seller must obtain the necessary permission before supplying the relevant material to aoART.
15. Seller Conduct
The Seller must not:
- submit stolen or unlawfully obtained Artwork;
- submit counterfeit Artwork;
- knowingly provide false or misleading information;
- manipulate transactions or pricing;
- engage in fraudulent activity;
- use the Platform for unlawful purposes;
- circumvent aoART's transaction process or fees;
- knowingly redirect Buyers away from aoART to avoid applicable fees;
- infringe third-party intellectual property rights;
- interfere with the operation or security of the Platform; or
- otherwise misuse the Platform.
16. Verification, Suspension and Removal
aoART may conduct reasonable checks concerning Sellers, Artwork, transactions and payments.
aoART may request additional documentation where reasonably necessary.
aoART may temporarily suspend or remove an Artwork or Seller account where reasonably necessary to:
- investigate suspected fraud;
- investigate authenticity or provenance concerns;
- comply with applicable law;
- protect Buyers or Sellers;
- protect aoART;
- prevent misuse of the Platform; or
- maintain the integrity and reputation of the marketplace.
Where reasonably practicable, aoART may inform the Seller of the reason for a suspension or removal.
Nothing in this section prevents aoART from taking immediate action where reasonably necessary.
17. Seller Taxes
The Seller is responsible for determining and complying with the Seller's own tax and reporting obligations arising from sales through aoART.
Where aoART is required by law to collect, withhold, report or account for tax, aoART may do so.
The Seller must provide information reasonably required by aoART for tax, accounting, regulatory or compliance purposes.
18. Personal Data and Privacy
aoART may collect, use, disclose and retain personal data relating to the Seller for purposes reasonably required to:
- process seller onboarding;
- verify identity;
- operate the Seller account;
- process transactions and payments;
- arrange delivery;
- communicate with the Seller;
- prevent fraud;
- comply with legal and regulatory obligations;
- resolve disputes; and
- operate and improve the Platform.
aoART will handle personal data in accordance with applicable Singapore data protection laws and aoART's PDPA Policy.
The Seller acknowledges that certain personal data may need to be shared with payment providers, delivery providers, professional advisers, technology providers and other service providers where reasonably necessary to provide the Platform and related services or comply with law.
The Seller must ensure that any personal data provided to aoART concerning another individual has been lawfully obtained and may lawfully be disclosed for the relevant purpose.
19. Platform Availability
aoART will use reasonable efforts to maintain the Platform but does not guarantee that the Platform will always be available, uninterrupted or error-free.
aoART may modify, suspend or discontinue parts of the Platform for maintenance, technical, security, operational, commercial or legal reasons.
aoART will use reasonable efforts to minimise disruption where practicable.
20. Liability
Nothing in this Agreement excludes, restricts or limits any liability or right that cannot lawfully be excluded, restricted or limited under Singapore law.
Subject to clause 20.1, aoART shall not be liable for indirect, consequential, special or unforeseeable loss arising from the Seller's use of the Platform.
Subject to applicable law, aoART shall not be responsible for loss arising from information supplied by the Seller that is inaccurate, incomplete or misleading.
aoART does not guarantee the future value, marketability or investment value of any Artwork.
Nothing in this Agreement makes aoART responsible for representations made by a Seller concerning an Artwork unless aoART has expressly adopted or independently made that representation.
21. Seller Indemnity
To the extent permitted by applicable law, the Seller shall be responsible for claims, losses, liabilities, damages and reasonable costs directly arising from the Seller's:
- breach of this Agreement;
- fraud or wilful misconduct;
- lack of authority to sell an Artwork;
- material misrepresentation of an Artwork;
- submission of counterfeit or unlawfully obtained Artwork; or
- infringement of a third party's intellectual property or other rights.
The Seller's obligations under this section do not apply to the extent that a claim, loss or liability was caused by aoART's own negligence, wilful misconduct or breach of this Agreement.
Any indemnity under this Agreement is subject to any mandatory requirements concerning reasonableness or enforceability under applicable Singapore law.
22. Suspension and Termination
The Seller may request closure of the Seller account by contacting aoART.
aoART may suspend or terminate the Seller account where the Seller:
- materially breaches this Agreement;
- provides materially false or misleading information;
- engages in fraudulent or unlawful conduct;
- repeatedly fails to fulfil accepted sales;
- submits prohibited or unauthorised Artwork;
- creates a material risk to Buyers, Sellers or aoART; or
- otherwise materially misuses the Platform.
Where reasonably practicable, aoART may give the Seller an opportunity to remedy a breach before termination, except where immediate suspension or termination is reasonably necessary.
Termination does not affect rights or obligations that accrued before termination.
Provisions relating to payment, intellectual property, confidentiality, indemnity, liability, disputes, records and any other provision intended by its nature to survive termination shall continue to apply.
23. Changes to this Agreement
aoART may update this Agreement from time to time.
Where a change is material, aoART will use reasonable means to notify Sellers of the updated terms.
The updated Agreement will state its effective date and version.
Where required by law or where appropriate due to the nature of the change, aoART may require the Seller to affirmatively accept the updated Agreement before continuing to use relevant Seller services.
Continued use of the Platform after the effective date of updated terms may constitute acceptance where permitted by applicable law.
24. Electronic Acceptance and Records
The Seller agrees that acceptance of this Agreement through an electronic checkbox, button or other electronic mechanism constitutes acceptance of this Agreement.
The Seller acknowledges that electronic records may be used as evidence of acceptance and transactions between the Seller and aoART.
aoART may retain records of:
- the Seller's identity;
- the date and time of acceptance;
- the version of this Agreement accepted;
- the Seller's onboarding information;
- Artwork listings;
- transactions;
- communications; and
- other relevant account activity.
The Seller may request a copy of the version of this Agreement accepted by the Seller, subject to reasonable verification.
25. Notices and Communications
aoART may communicate with the Seller using the email address, telephone number, account messaging system or other contact information provided during onboarding.
The Seller must ensure that its contact information remains accurate.
Notices relating to material changes to this Agreement or material account matters may be provided through email, the Seller account, the Platform or another reasonable method.
26. Governing Law and Dispute Resolution
This Agreement is governed by the laws of the Republic of Singapore.
The parties shall first attempt in good faith to resolve any dispute through discussion.
If the dispute cannot be resolved through discussion, either party may pursue remedies available under Singapore law.
Subject to any mandatory jurisdictional requirements, the courts of Singapore shall have exclusive jurisdiction over disputes arising from or in connection with this Agreement.
27. General
This Agreement, together with applicable aoART policies and transaction terms, constitutes the agreement between the Seller and aoART concerning the Seller's use of the Seller services.
If there is an inconsistency between this Agreement and a specific transaction term, the specific transaction term will apply to that transaction to the extent of the inconsistency.
If any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, unlawful or unenforceable, the remaining provisions will continue to apply to the extent permitted by law.
A failure or delay by aoART to enforce any provision does not constitute a waiver of that provision.
The Seller may not assign or transfer this Agreement without aoART's prior written consent.
aoART may assign or transfer its rights or obligations under this Agreement in connection with a restructuring, merger, acquisition, sale of the relevant business or assets, or other corporate transaction, subject to applicable law.
Nothing in this Agreement creates a partnership, joint venture or employment relationship between the Seller and aoART.
Seller Acceptance
By completing the aoART Seller onboarding process and selecting the checkbox below, I confirm that:
- I have read and understood the aoART Seller Agreement;
- I agree to be legally bound by this Agreement;
- the information I have provided to aoART is accurate and complete;
- I have the legal right and authority to sell the Artwork I submit;
- I will provide accurate information concerning authenticity, provenance, ownership and condition;
- I will comply with applicable Singapore laws and aoART policies;
- I understand that aoART may verify, suspend or remove Artwork or my Seller account in accordance with this Agreement; and
- I understand that electronic acceptance of this Agreement constitutes my agreement to its terms.
I have read, understood and agree to the aoART Seller Agreement and agree to be legally bound by its terms.