Question 1

What is The East Coast Arts Trail®?

Accepted Answer

An artist-first marketplace connecting creativity along Australia's coastline with a dynamic commission structure that rewards community growth. We're building a cultural movement that revitalises Australia's art scene from cities to country, rainforests to reef.

Question 2

When will my artist gallery, artwork and directory listing appear?

Accepted Answer

Once your artist account is eligible and your profile is public, your gallery is available directly. Eligible priced artworks and your map pin (when your location has usable coordinates) can appear on fresh marketplace and map visits after you publish. The artist directory updates for everyone together at 4 a.m., noon and 8 p.m. Brisbane time. Changes to existing public gallery content appear with the next 4 a.m. Brisbane refresh. Artwork price and availability are checked again when someone opens an artwork or buys it.

Question 3

How much does it cost to join?

Accepted Answer

Artists: $7 + GST/month (23c daily) or $70 + GST/year (19c daily, 2 months free). Venues: $10 + GST/month (33c daily) or $100 + GST/year (27c daily, 2 months free). Buyers: Free forever. All account types can purchase artwork from other artists. GST is only charged on our subscription and commission fees.

Question 4

What is the commission structure?

Accepted Answer

We charge a flat 5% commission + GST on all sales, deposits, and ticket purchases. Card processing fees are covered by a separate Arts Trail service fee paid by the buyer at checkout — they are not deducted from your payout. For forfeited deposits (when buyers cancel after 24 hours), we take the commission while the remainder goes to the artist. GST is only charged on our service fees — sellers are responsible for their own tax obligations on products sold. No hidden fees, no surprises!

Question 5

Who can join the platform?

Accepted Answer

Artists, venues, and art buyers along Australia's East Coast. We welcome all art forms - from traditional painting to digital art, performance to crafts. 'If it's art, it belongs.' All account types can browse and purchase artwork - artists often collect each other's work!

Question 6

How does the artwork reserve system work?

Accepted Answer

Buyers can reserve artwork with a 10% deposit, holding it for 7 days. There's a 24-hour cooling-off period for full refunds. If buyers cancel after 24 hours or don't complete purchase, the artist receives the majority of the deposit as compensation while our current commission rate covers platform costs. This ensures artists are fairly compensated when reservations don't proceed.

Question 7

How does the "Book Me" booking system work?

Accepted Answer

Our "Book Me" feature simply connects you with potential clients - you handle all arrangements. Clients pay $5 to send you a serious booking inquiry. All negotiations and arrangements happen directly between you and the client. You and the client agree on terms, prices, and requirements together. We only take our current commission rate when you get paid. We simply facilitate initial contact - all event planning, organisation, and management is handled by you. Covers all event types: exhibitions, workshops, performances, commissions.

Question 8

What art types are supported?

Accepted Answer

All 25 art forms: Visual Arts (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Ceramics), Photography, Digital Art, Performance (Theatre, Dance, Circus), Music (Live, Festivals, Busking), Crafts (Jewellery, Textiles, Glass), Writing (Poetry, Books), Film, Mixed Media, Body Art, and Art Therapy & Expressive Arts. Multiple selections encouraged.

Question 9

How do I get paid for sales?

Accepted Answer

Payments are processed through Stripe. Artists receive 95% of the sale price directly to their nominated bank account — we deduct our 5% commission plus GST on that commission only. Card processing costs are covered by the buyer's Arts Trail service fee and do not affect your payout. Commission covers platform costs, marketing, and development. As independent sellers, you are responsible for your own tax obligations on products sold.

Question 10

Can I sell artwork from multiple regions?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Select all regions where you operate during registration. This helps tourists and locals discover your work across different areas. Our 68+ regions cover all Australian states and territories with Traditional Country names, while maintaining our East Coast specialisation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Expanding Soon

What is The East Coast Arts Trail®?

When will my artist gallery, artwork and directory listing appear?

How much does it cost to join?

What is the commission structure?

Who can join the platform?

How does the artwork reserve system work?

How does the "Book Me" booking system work?

What art types are supported?

How do I get paid for sales?

Can I sell artwork from multiple regions?

Can I list my artwork on other platforms too?

What about First Nations artists?

How do venues benefit from the platform?

What happens if I need to cancel my subscription?

Is my artwork and data secure?

How do I update my profile or artwork?

Can I offer discounts or special pricing?

What support is available for technical issues?

How does the platform promote my work?

What happens to my account if I travel or move?

Are there any restrictions on what I can sell?

How do I handle shipping and collection?

Can The East Coast Arts Trail use my artwork in marketing?

How does the promotional license work?

Can artists and venues buy artwork from other artists?

What happens if I need to cancel a reservation?

Why do artists get most of forfeited deposits?

What are my tax obligations as a seller?

How can I help build this platform?

What is a chargeback and who is responsible?

How do I protect myself from chargeback fraud?

What shipping documentation should I keep?

What are common chargeback scams I should watch for?

I received an unsolicited email saying they found me through The East Coast Arts Trail® — is it legitimate?

What happens if I receive a chargeback?

What if a buyer wants a refund or has a complaint?

What are my Australian Consumer Law obligations as a seller?

What is the returns policy?

Who handles refunds — the platform or the artist?

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about a purchase?

Do I need insurance to list on The East Coast Arts Trail®?

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