Buying at online auctions
Buying from online auctions has been a trade secret for years, with savvy dealers scoring antiques, fine art and jewellery for incredibly low prices, as long as they have a good enough eye to tell a real antique from a fake.
Now with more and more reputable auction houses offering online-only auctions, you don’t need to be an expert to get a great deal on a genuine item. Experienced art collectors and newcomers are both increasingly using auction websites to find everything from modernist furniture and lighting to Picasso prints and vintage watches. Online auctions are great because the prices are lower than retail, what you would be charged at a gallery or shop. Plus, you can bid from the comfort of your home.
Read our tips below to get great deals when bidding online, while making sure you get the real thing!
1. Always beware of fakes and only use reputable online auctioneers. There are many sites selling fakes, and on some auction sites, like eBay, anyone can list items at inflated prices, without having the piece authenticated first. It is always important to bid through an auction house where every item has been personally vetted by an expert in the relevant field, to ensure that you are getting a genuine item. Most reputable online auction houses publish information about their experts, which you should read before bidding.