HOW TO BID
How can I take part in an auction?
It’s very easy to take part in an auction:
1- Browse one of our sales
2- Choose the lot you are interested in
3- A direct link will lead you to our sales operator which is DROUOT.
4- Register if you have not already done so.
Once registered, log in and select the lot(s) you wish to bid on. Then click on the “Bid” button and enter your bid and/or bid live during the auction.
Do I have to pay to take part in an auction?
Registration and participation in auctions are free of charge. If you win an auction, you will be asked to pay the amount of the hammer price plus a commission (see our conditions in each sale).
If you’re the lucky winner, we’ll send you all the details by e-mail, along with payment options (credit card, bank transfer).
How do I know if my bid is the highest?
When you place a bid, the Drouot platform immediately tells you
if your bid is the highest and sends you confirmation by e-mail. You can
also follow the auction in real time during the sale on the Drouot platform.
What is an automatic auction?
An automatic auction lets you define a maximum amount you’re willing to pay for an item. The system will automatically bid for you in small increments if and only if a counter-bidder comes forward, until your maximum amount is reached.
Is my automatic bid amount visible to others?
The bid you set for an automatic auction remains confidential and is known only to the computer system. The exact amount of your automatic bid is not accessible to other users or to our teams.
Is there a limit to the number of bids I can place?
There’s no limit to the number of bids you can place, but make sure you
respect your financial capabilities and don’t bid more than you’re willing to pay.
What happens if I'm outbid?
If another person places a higher bid than yours, you will receive an e-mail notification. You will then have the opportunity to place a new bid if you wish. In the case of an online sale, if a bid is exceeded in the last three minutes before the initial auction end time, the latter is automatically shifted by three minutes for as long as a bid is placed in the same time interval.
How do I know when an auction is over?
For online auctions, the end date and time of each auction is indicated on the item page. A real-time countdown timer helps you follow the end of the auction. In the case of a live sale, the end of an auction is correlated to the pace of the sale.
What's the difference between online and live sales?
An online auction takes place exclusively on the Internet, where participants can place bids at their convenience for the duration of the sale. They can follow the bidding in real time at the end of the auction, which is controlled by the computer system.
A live auction takes place in real time, with an auctioneer holding the hammer. Bidders can participate remotely and live via the broadcast platform(s), placing their bids simultaneously, as if they were physically present in the room. It is also possible to place bids in advance of the auction, either on the broadcast platform(s) or via the auction house.
What should I do if I win an auction?
If you win an auction, you will receive a confirmation e-mail with payment instructions. You must pay the full amount within the specified time.
What happens if I don't pay after winning an auction?
If you fail to pay the amount due after winning an auction, your account will be suspended or permanently terminated. You may also be liable for any additional costs incurred in re-selling the item.
When can I pick up the item(s) I won at auction?
You can collect the item(s) won after payment. Then choose between delivery or pick-up in person, depending on the options available.
Can you arrange transport?
We can arrange transport for you, and will provide you with a quote for transport to your home at the end of your sale.
You can also collect your lot(s) from our offices in the 9th arrondissement of Paris.
