{"id":914,"date":"2023-03-26T17:53:06","date_gmt":"2023-03-26T21:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/?p=914"},"modified":"2023-12-07T12:38:24","modified_gmt":"2023-12-07T17:38:24","slug":"expert-advice-how-to-buy-art-at-an-online-auction","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/expert-advice-how-to-buy-art-at-an-online-auction\/","title":{"rendered":"Expert Advice: How to Buy Art at an Online Auction"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Online auctions offer a convenient and accessible way to purchase unique, valuable works of art<\/a> from anywhere in the world. However, purchasing through an online auction can be challenging, especially for those new to the process. This article will provide expert advice on buying art at an online auction, including tips on navigating the process and avoiding common pitfalls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Do Your Research<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Before buying art at an online auction, it\u2019s essential to take the time to do proper research, which includes learning more about the artist, the piece itself and the auction house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the artist, you might want to look for information about their style, previous works, and market value to help you make a smart investment. One great option is to choose well-known and coveted artists, such as Pablo Picasso<\/a>, Andy Warhol<\/a>, and Roy Lichtenstein<\/a>, as their works typically gain value over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To ensure you purchase an original work of art, you should look for documentation verifying the piece, such as certificates of authenticity or provenance. Additionally, it’s recommended to review the artwork’s history by examining any previous sale records, exhibition catalogs, or publications that mention the piece.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, remember to get familiar with the auction house’s terms and conditions, including bidding rules, fees, and shipping policies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"roy<\/a>
Roy Lichtenstein (American, 1923-1997), Crying Girl, 1963. Image Credit: Freeman\u2019s<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Inspect the Artwork<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Inspecting the artwork is crucial when buying art at an online auction. Unlike traditional settings, online auctions do not offer the opportunity to see the piece in person. Therefore, relying on the information and images provided by the auction house is essential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Look for high-quality images that show the artwork’s details and condition. Zoom in on the pictures to examine the piece closely. If the images are unclear or inadequate, request additional images or a condition report from the auction house.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Consider the artwork’s condition and any possible damages. Remember that minor damages may not necessarily affect the artwork’s value, but it’s essential to be aware of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"Gertrude
Gertrude Abercrombie, Dizzy Gillespie. Image Credit: Rago Arts and Auction Center<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Setting a Budget<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Setting a budget is critical when buying art at an online auction. Determine the maximum amount you’re willing to spend on the artwork<\/a>, including any fees, taxes, and shipping costs. Consider any additional fees charged by the auction house such as the buyer’s premium, a percentage of the hammer price. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"andy<\/a>
Andy Warhol (1928-1987), Marilyn (Feldman\/Schellmann II.27). Image Credit: Doyle New York<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Bidding Strategies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Participating in an online auction requires a unique approach. Unlike in-person auctions, where bidding is often conducted in person or over the phone, online bidding occurs through a platform that allows you to place bids remotely through different methods. You can bid in real-time through live bidding or use the absentee or pre-bidding option to place bids before the live auction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

To maximize the chances of winning an artwork through an online auction, you might want to bid early to show your interest and intent to purchase the piece. This strategy can often help deter other bidders and secure the work at a lower price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another strategy is to wait until the final moments of the auction to place your bid. This approach lets you see how many bidders are interested and how much they will pay. Keep in mind that competition can drive up the price, so it’s essential to stick to your budget and not get caught up in the moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\"pablo<\/a>
Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), Jacqueline au Bandeau de Face (Grand T\u00eate de Femme) (Bloch 1069, Baer 1303), 1962. Image Credit: Bonhams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
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Buying art at an online auction can be a rewarding experience, but it’s essential to approach it with caution and preparation. Do your research, inspect the artwork, set a budget, and use strategic bidding strategies to increase your chances of success. By following these expert tips, you can confidently navigate the online auction process and purchase exquisite works of art.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learn expert tips on how to buy art at an online auction successfully. Discover strategies to purchase valuable works of art from anywhere in the world.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1432,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[117],"tags":[112,114,21,45,22,113,115,116],"class_list":["post-914","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-art","tag-art","tag-art-collection","tag-auction","tag-auctions","tag-online-auction","tag-online-auctions","tag-painting","tag-sculpture"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=914"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/914\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1432"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=914"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=914"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.liveauctioneers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=914"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}