Arta requires every item to be categorized as a specific Object Type.

This enables our system to understand the packaging and transportation needs for the item, as a 24” bookcase and a 24” glass sconce require different handling. Arta considers the shape, materials, size, and risk associated with each object type to return a packing recommendation and available quote types.

There is a balance between supporting the diverse inventory sold by our clients and the automation needed to provide quotes instantly. Although you may be shipping a pair of bronze cast sneakers as sports memorabilia, having ‘bronze sneakers’ as another Collectibles Object Type for every client on a daily basis is not a scalable solution.

We have an extensive list of object types that intend to cover a vast majority (98%!) of items, with ‘other’ categories reserved for truly atypical pieces. We are always happy to provide custom quotes for these items.

Taking bronze sneakers as an example, it is important to consider the physical nature of the item. Although the context indicates that this is Memorabilia, or even Footwear - both Arta Object Types - this item functions as a Sculpture. Although the shape is the same, it’s easier to see why the bronze shoes are not Footwear, but why aren’t they Memorabilia? Memorabilia is a type of ephemera from a particular event or person. The bronze was cast to memorialize the wearer, but in doing so, they created something new - a Sculpture. Memorabilia might be the drawings of the sneakers, the soles of the sneakers, or pictures of them in a game. Footwear would be the original sneakers themselves.

Sometimes the distinctions are more subtle. For example, an American Flyer train set is a Miniature/Model and a Toy. In these cases, both options are valid and both items have a wide variance in shape and material and size. A Model of an entire city might be quite large, and a Toy car might be as small as a Hot Wheels or as large as a kid’s motorized Jeep. Our technology will rely on other indicators (size, value, fragility) to determine packaging.

To make decisions about Object Types, we suggest considering two things:

1. Is this the most specific I can be about this physical object?

   For example, is this an Other Collectibles, or is this a Trading Card? Is this Servingware or a Porcelain Bowl?

2. Does this categorization describe the unique facets of this physical object?

   For example, if it’s a digital clock with neon around the edges, it could be a Clock or Neon Sign, but Neon ultimately makes handling this item unique. If it was a grandfather clock with neon lights inside, it would be the inverse.

There are also ‘other’ object types for each category, such as Other Art and Other Fashion. We consistently review the descriptions of items categorized as ‘other’ and look for trending items that might be worth adding to our list. Most recently, Fossil and Decoy.

If you are uncertain about the implications of selecting a specific Object Type, always feel free to reach out to us for guidance.