Introduction
Welcome to Concierge of Art auctions, your premier platform for acquiring exceptional art and antique pieces. Auctions present unique opportunities to find rare items and collectibles at competitive prices. To ensure a smooth bidding experience, please carefully read through this comprehensive guide.
Table of Contents
Types of Auctions
Live Auctions
Live auctions feature an auctioneer selling each lot individually in real-time. You can place bids in advance or join the auction live to bid alongside other online bidders or those physically present. Bidding pace varies based on bidder activity and the auctioneer’s discretion.
Online-Only Auctions
In online-only auctions, bidding occurs exclusively online until the set closing time. There is no live auctioneer interaction, but closing times extend if bids are received in the final moments to ensure fairness.
Before You Bid
All auction items are sold “as-is,” and bids placed are binding commitments. Before bidding, we encourage thorough due diligence:
Condition Reports
- Items may show signs of age or previous ownership.
- Request condition reports or additional images by contacting our auction team.
Shipping
- Buyers are responsible for shipping costs unless otherwise stated.
- Request shipping quotes by contacting our auction support team.
- Some auctions require buyers to arrange shipping directly. Recommendations for trusted shippers are available upon request.
Additional Fees
The final price (hammer price) excludes additional fees:
- Buyer’s Premium: Typically 15–30% of hammer price (detailed on each lot’s page).
- Shipping Costs: Determined individually based on buyer location and lot specifications.
- Taxes: Buyers must pay applicable local taxes, import duties, or fees.
- Other Fees: Any additional charges (such as Artist’s Resale Rights) will be disclosed clearly on the lot’s page.
Registration Process
Registration is required to bid, ensuring bidder authenticity and smooth auction management.
Registration Steps:
- Click “Register to Bid” on the auction page.
- Provide your billing and contact details.
- Accept our Terms and Conditions. All bids are binding.
- Complete identity verification, if required.
- Approval typically occurs within 24 hours. Contact us if delayed.
Late Registration:
If standard registration has closed, contact our auction support team for assistance.
Bidding & Winning
Live Auctions
Advanced Bidding
- Place your maximum bid before the live auction.
- Our system incrementally bids on your behalf, up to your maximum.
Live Bidding
- Join the auction live via our online auction room.
- Bid in real-time, competing with other bidders.
- Watch closely to respond promptly to bidding activity.
Example:
- Your max bid: $10,000
- Current highest bid in-room: $8,000
- Result: The system bids incrementally on your behalf, potentially winning at the next increment ($8,500 or $9,000), up to your max of $10,000.
Online-Only Auctions
Bid by placing your maximum amount directly online until the closing time. Our system incrementally places your bid as necessary to maintain your position as the highest bidder.
Example 1 (Incremental Bidding):
- Your max bid: $5,000
- Current highest bid: $3,000 by another bidder
- Result: You automatically become the highest bidder at $3,100, and your bid only rises if others compete.
Example 2 (Tied Bids & Timing Importance):
- Bidder A places a $2,000 bid first, Bidder B later places the same bid amount.
- Result: Bidder A, the first bidder, wins unless a higher bid is made before close.
Example 3 (Extended Closing Time):
- Scheduled close: 6:00 PM
- Bid at 5:59 PM extends closing to 6:02 PM
- Another bid at 6:01 PM extends further to 6:03 PM
- Result: Auction continues until a 2-minute period passes without new bids.
Recommendation:
Monitor your desired lots closely as auction closing approaches to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Post-Auction Steps
Upon completion of an auction:
- You immediately receive an email confirming your bidding results.
- Winning bidders receive follow-up instructions regarding payment, shipment, and next steps shortly after.
Express Check-Out:
Certain auctions use automatic payment processing upon close. This information will be clearly indicated.
If you have not received further instructions within 5 days, please contact our auction support team.
Contact & Support
For questions, assistance, or additional details:
- Auction Support: support@concierge-of-art.com
Our dedicated support team is committed to providing smooth auction experiences, from registration through successful delivery.
Thank you for choosing Concierge of Art. We wish you successful and enjoyable bidding experiences, and we hope you discover remarkable treasures through our platform!