Frequently asked questions

Auctions

What is the difference between a Live-Streamed Auction and a Timed Auction?

A Live-Streamed Auction is an online event featuring a professional auctioneer. As the auctioneer announces each lot, you can place a live bid against other collectors. A timed auctions takes place over a set period of days, with no auctioneer. Collectors can bid at any point during this period.

How do I participate in an auction?

In order to participate in any auction, first create an Artbid account. Once you have done this, you will have access to register for any of the upcoming auctions. Each auction requires a unique registration in order to participate.

How do I bid in an auction?

For Live-Streamed Auctions, you can place pre-bids before the auction commences and during the online event, when the auctioneer announces your selected works. They go in order of lot numbers. It is recommended to set your maximum price and the system automatically bids for you in increments against others.

For Timed Auctions, set your maximum bid at any given time during the set period of days. If you have been outbid, we will notify you for the opportunity to increase your maximum bid.

What is pre-bidding?

Pre-bidding is placing a bid on an artwork before a live-streamed auction starts. Set your maximum price and the system automatically bids for you in increments against others, potentially saving you money or securing the artwork before the event.

What is a buyer’s premium?

A standard practice across auction houses, a buyer’s premium is an operational fee added to the sale price of an item, payable by the winning bidder. The buyer’s premium is generally 20-25%, but at Artbid, the buyer’s premium is 12%.

What payment methods do you offer?

All major credit cards and bank transfer. Credit Card payments incur a fee, estimated at 2.2%.

Can I cancel my bid or return my winning artwork?

Once you submit your bid, you cannot cancel it. All online bids are final and cannot be revoked once a bid has been placed.

Artworks

What does “ready to hang” mean?

In most cases, ready to hang refers to the artwork’s canvas being stretched over a timber frame, with fixtures on the back, so it’s ready for mounting upon delivery. If the artwork is framed, it will also be mentioned in the lot information.

Where are the artworks shipped from?

All artworks are shipped directly from the artists.

How do I know if the art being sold is authentic?

Every artwork is verified by Artbid and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

What is resale royalty?

When an artwork is resold during an artist’s lifetime and for 70 years after the artist’s death, a 5% royalty fee is paid to artists who are Australian citizens or permanent residents, or their heirs.

Shipping and Returns

How much does shipping cost?

Shipping is complimentary to most of Australia, except Tasmania, the Northern Territory, and certain remote areas. Check the postcode lookup tool to see if you qualify for free shipping. If not, contact us directly for a quote.

How long does delivery take?

Between 1-3 weeks. We partner with a variety of fulfilment operators who specialise in the transport of art and depending on the size, value and destination of your delivery, shipping times may vary.

Do you ship internationally?

At the moment, we only ship Australia-wide. In the unlikely event that your artwork arrives damaged, please get in contact with us as soon as possible for a full refund.

What is your return policy?

Unless an artwork arrives damaged, Artbid does not accept change of mind returns or refunds. In the unlikely event that your artwork arrives damaged, please get in contact with us as soon as possible and a full refund will be processed.