FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. Can I view merchandise prior to the day of auction?
Due to the complicated logistics of assembling a vast array of items
from many different sources, the only viewing time available is the
day of the auction, commencing 1.5 hours prior to the sale. All items
are displayed for prospective buyers to inspect.
We encourage you to inspect all Lots very carefully, and to read the
Lot descriptions in the auction catalogue, prior to the auction.
2. What is the order of the Sale?
Each auction is catalogued, with each item receiving a lot number
and a description. The auction progresses in lot order, taking approximately
1 hour per 100 lots.
In the event that a prospective purchaser cannot stay to bid on an
item, we may bring a particular lot forward. This request can be made
during the viewing period or during the auction. We also offer a telephone
bidding service (this must be organised prior to the auction commencing)
or an absentee bid where the auctioneer can execute a bid on your
behalf. Our front desk staff will be happy to discuss and arrange
any of these options with you.
The auctioneer regulates the auction procedure and has the absolute
discretion to determine the outcome of any dispute during the course
of any auction.
3. How do I bid?
You need to register at our registration desk, and obtain a bidding
card. As a condition of registration, you will need to provide a current
NSW driver's licence and/or another form of photo identification which
is acceptable to us. Simply raise your hand, bidding card or call
out your bid. The auctioneer will also accept commonly used hand signals,
which will be explained at the commencement of the auction.
4. How do I make payment for my purchases?
Payment for purchases is to be made in Australian dollars on the day
of the auction. We accept cash, EFTPOS, American Express, Visa, MasterCard,
Bankcard & Diners Club cards. Personal & company cheques can
only be accepted with 3 major forms of identification by the successful
purchaser. The auction company has the discretion to hold the merchandise
until the cheque is cleared, if the cheque exceeds a predetermined
amount. Once payment has been made in full all items can be removed
by the purchaser from the particular venue. In the event where full
payment cannot be made on the day of the auction, a 20% deposit must
be lodged immediately after the auction with full payment due within
one working day.
5. Is GST included in the purchase price?
Yes, GST is included in the purchase price. Overseas purchasers
who are not Australian residents may reclaim the GST, subject to customs
guidelines.
6. What is the Buyer's Premium?
It is standard practice across all auction houses to add a fee to
the sales price of every item. This fee, known as a Buyer's Premium,
forms part of the commission for the auction house. For example, if
an item is sold for $100.00 with a 16.5% buyers premium, the final
cost to the purchaser will be 100 x 16.5% = $116.50. Note that the
final hammer price excludes the buyer's premium.
7. Are there any reserves?
There may be fixed reserves on the items for sale in our auctions
and we reserve the right to place a reserve on any Lot to be sold.
However, the auctioneers have wide discretion and can refuse a bid,
refer or pass in an item if they deem the bid to be unreasonable.
8. Can I change my mind on an item already purchased?
No, all auction houses require customers inspect potential purchases
thoroughly during the scheduled viewing of goods and evaluate their
priorities before bidding.
On the fall of the hammer the highest bidder is deemed to have entered
into a contract to buy the Lot.
9. Can I rely on the catalogue descriptions?
We make every effort to ensure that our catalogue descriptions are
accurate and complete. We have a refund policy in our terms and conditions
in the event that there is an error or omission in any catalogue description.
10. An artwork is described in the catalogue as a "limited
edition". What does this mean?
It means that the artwork has been produced in limited quantities.
Usually the number is also shown on the artwork. For instance "145/500"
means the artwork in question is limited to a print run of 500, and
the one for sale is No. 145 in the print run.
11. An artwork is described in the catalogue as a "lithograph".
What does this mean?
It refers to a printed artwork produced by a printing process in which
the image to be printed is rendered on a flat surface, as on sheet
zinc or aluminum, and treated to retain ink while the non-image areas
are treated to repel ink.
12. An artwork is defined in the catalogue as "after"
a certain named artist. What does this mean?
It means that in the opinion of the auctioneer the artwork in question
appears to be in the same style as the named artist. It does not mean
that the named artist was in fact the creator of the work.
13. Are aboriginal artworks shown in your catalogues authentic?
We endeavour to ensure that all aboriginal artworks to be sold are
created by indigenous Australians of Aboriginal descent. To that end
we only deal with suitably qualified and experienced Aboriginal art
dealers (or with the artists themselves). We provide certificates
of authenticity with each and every Aboriginal artwork sold. Wherever
possible we also provide a photograph of the artist holding actually
creating the artwork sold, by way of further evidence to verify that
the artwork is in fact attributable to the artist as described in
our catalogue.
14. Are other artworks shown in your catalogues authentic?
We take great care to ensure that all our artworks to be sold are
as described in the catalogue. To that end we only deal with suitably
qualified and experienced art dealers. We provide certificates of
authenticity with each and every artwork sold.
15. Do you have a delivery service available?
You will need to make your own arrangements to arrange delivery of
large items to your home. We can recommend some delivery companies
to assist with packaging and transportation but accept no liability
or responsibility for their actions.
In the event that delivery is not available on the day of the auction,
in most cases the goods can be left at the venue for your collection
the following day. Purchase conditions stated above still apply.
Note that "risk" passes to the purchaser on the fall of
the hammer so we encourage purchasers to effect "all risk"
insurance cover to insure against damage, destruction or theft of
the item following the sale.
16. How do I find out about future auctions?
Simply register with the front desk staff at an auction, or register
online to receive notice of future auctions in your area. 1517. Why
do people buy at Charleston's Fine Art Auctions? Our customers list
the following reasons for returning time and again to Charleston's
Fine Art Auctions:
* Reputable source of fine art since 1997
* Value for money
* Being able to determine the price of an item
* Superior quality and selection of goods offered
* Friendly, relaxed atmosphere
* Guaranteed catalogue descriptions
* The environment at Charleston's Fine Art Auctions is exciting -
with the thrilling prospect of purchasing a remarkable piece at the
right price.
|
