Terms and conditions for an art prints business

A print buyer owns the physical print and often assumes they own the image. The terms have to say what an edition is and what a certificate certifies, that colour varies between screen and print, that copyright stays with the artist, that a framed print is made to order, and how a print travels and returns without damage. I draft those terms for a fixed fee of £995, delivered in five working days.

Who this is for

Artists, illustrators, photographers and print businesses in England and Wales selling open edition, limited edition and framed prints to consumers through their own website, and to galleries and retailers at wholesale.

What matters in art print terms

Editions, numbering and authenticity

The terms should say what a limited edition means (a stated number of prints of that image in that size, numbered and signed as described), that a certificate of authenticity certifies the print's place in the edition and the artist's approval, that open editions are unlimited, and that artist's proofs are what the description says. Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 goods must match their description, and edition details are the description.

Colour, paper and what a print is

Colours vary between screens and papers and between print runs, and the terms should say that images on the site are representative, that prints are produced on the paper and with the process described, that slight variation is a characteristic of the medium, and that sizes are of the paper or the image as stated with a stated tolerance. A print that matches its description is not faulty because the colour differs from the customer's monitor.

Copyright stays with the artist

Under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 the artist owns the copyright in the image, and buying a print transfers the physical print only. Signed limited edition prints can also attract a royalty for the artist on resale through the art market under the Artist's Resale Right Regulations 2006, which the terms can mention where editions are sold through galleries. The terms should say that the buyer may not reproduce, scan, share or use the image commercially, that the artist may continue to sell and license the image, and that any licence for reproduction is a separate agreement. A buyer who puts the image on their product has bought a print, not a licence.

Framing, made to order and cancellation

Unframed prints from stock can be cancelled within fourteen days of delivery under regulation 30 of the Consumer Contracts (Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013 and returned in the condition sent, at the customer's cost if told so. Framed prints and prints made to the customer's size are made to order and excluded from the cancellation right by regulation 28 once production starts, which the checkout must say before the order. Damage in transit is met by replacement, and the terms should say how prints are packed and how damage is reported.

Wholesale, prices and data

Sales to galleries and shops are business sales with their own section: minimum orders, payment terms with interest on late payment under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, retention of title until paid, and no reproduction beyond display. Prices include all mandatory charges under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, card payments carry no surcharge, and the privacy notice governs customer data and marketing consent.

What it costs

Customer or supplier terms and conditions, £995. One set of terms, customer-facing or supplier-facing, drafted for your business. Five working days.

Review of your existing terms, £495. You already have terms and want them checked and brought up to date. Returned marked up with my amendments and an explanation of the changes. Three working days.

Email me at geoffrey@caesar.co.uk with what you need and any documents, and I will confirm the scope and the fee in writing, usually the same working day. If you would rather pay straight away, buying online forms the engagement on payment: the scope is what the terms and conditions drafting page describes, you accept the Terms of Service at checkout, and I will be in touch promptly to get started.

What you get

• A full set of bespoke terms drafted for your business, reflecting the legal requirements that apply to your business and sector
• A note in plain English explaining the terms I have drafted for you
• Liability, payment, termination and IP provisions that protect your position and are drafted to withstand scrutiny from the other side
• Guidance on how to incorporate the terms properly
• Your questions and comments answered by email or phone
• One round of amendments to finalise the terms ready for use

What is not included

• Negotiating your terms with individual customers (I am happy to quote for this as an additional service if required)
• Sector-specific regulatory compliance beyond the contract terms themselves
• Website privacy notice and cookie compliance, which I quote separately
• Terms governed by the law of another country
• Tax advice

Questions I am often asked

A customer used our print image on their café menu. Can we stop them?

Yes in substance: the copyright is the artist's and the terms say the print is a physical object with no reproduction rights. Require them to stop and, if you wish, offer a licence at a price.

A customer wants to return a framed print they ordered in a custom size. Must we accept it?

Not under the cancellation right, if the print was made to their size and the checkout said such items cannot be cancelled once production starts. A damaged or faulty print is different.

Can we sell more prints once a limited edition is sold out?

Not of that image in that size and edition, if the terms and certificates said the edition was limited to that number. A new size or a different edition is a different product and should be described as such.

Related guidance and services

• Terms and conditions drafting, £995, the service this page describes
• Contract review, £495
• Terms and conditions for a portrait and commission artist
• Terms and conditions for a print-on-demand seller

This page is general guidance for businesses in England and Wales, not advice on your own circumstances. Last reviewed: September 2026. Email geoffrey@caesar.co.uk.