How does it work?
On this page we will guide you through the operations of the auction house, which steps need to be taken if you wish to sell or buy and we also inform you about the bidding process.
Selling process
Have you lost your interest in one of your artworks or do you need to handle the legacy of a loved one?
Please let the team of Vendu Rotterdam help you in bringing it up for auction with their knowledge, experience and care.
In case a beloved relative or friend has passed away, you have a lot to deal with. We are happy helping you with professional and careful handling of the estate, from the appraisal to a broom clean delivery of the house.
We offer both a national and international platform for selling objects in every price range. Our appraisers use their expertise to estimate your possessions and they are happy to give you their advice.
We would like to draw your attention to the following. When selling your goods, we are subject to international and European legislation regarding goods containing materials from endangered and protected animal- and plant species. Please, read here how this may affect your goods.
Appraisals
Our experts can provide you with a well-considered valuation for auction, insurance, and succession according to the guidelines of the TMV Federation. Please click here for more information.
Bringing in goods
When you have had your goods appraised by our team and they are suitable for auction, you can decide to proceed selling them through Vendu Rotterdam. Our appraisers will advise you on the auction suitable for your possessions and provide you with an estimation. You will receive a receipt, enlisting your items for auction with
global descriptions. This receipt counts as an official agreement with Vendu Rotterdam.
After consignment
After you have handed over your goods in the care of our experts, your goods will be professionally
photographed and, if necessary, more extensive research will be carried out by our specialists. After this, the objects are provided with a lot number and stored insured until the auction date. You will then receive an e-mail prior to the auction with definite description(s) and estimations. You can always check the status of the consignment in the customer portal of your Vendu account.
After the auction
You will receive your sale invoice within 3 or 4 weeks after the last auction day. In the meantime you can always view your pro forma invoice in your Vendu account. This account gives an overview of the results per lot number minus the seller’s premium and further costs (see sellers premium). The net amount will be transferred to your bank account within 4 weeks after we have received the payment from the buyer.
To bid and to buy
If you wish to participate in our auction, you must first register. You can do this by registering online. After you have entered all your details correctly, you will receive a confirmation e-mail to be validated by you. After completing these steps, you are officially registered and you can place your biddings during all of our auctions. Below you will find information about our various auctions and the bidding process per auction.
Timed online auction
The General Auction is the only timed online auction at Vendu Rotterdam.
In case of a timed online auction, with a specified starting date, you will be able to place your bidding at all time. You have to be logged in to be able to place a bid. You can then bid for each object offered in the online auction catalogue. You can choose to place a direct bid or leave an absentee bid with a maximum amount. Our system will then automatically bid for you up to your specified maximum. You will receive an email notification
when outbid. You can bid on any item until the specified end date and time, after which the lots will close one by one. This way you can easily leave a bid wherever and whenever you want. If there is still a bid in the last minute, the closing time will be extended by 3 minutes.
N.B. When bidding, keep in mind that you are bidding the hammer price. This amount is increased by the buyer’s premium.
Live auction
The Art & Antiques Auction, Design Auction, Jewellery & Watches Auction and Collectibles Auction are live auctions at Vendu Rotterdam.
During a live auction you can bid live online through your personal account, by telephone or in our saleroom via your personal bid number. When you wish to bid on a lot number in the saleroom, keep your auction number up in the air so that the auctioneer can see you. If you have successfully bid, the auctioneer will make a note of
your bid number after which you can pay for your goods and collect them from our administration office.
If you have registered with us as a telephone bidder, we will call you five lot numbers ahead of the lot number of your personal interest. When this lot number is up, we talk you through the bidding process and ask you at each stage whether you want to continue bidding. We will keep you informed until you have successfully bid,
or when you indicate that you wish to stop bidding.
In addition, you can leave absentee bids in advance if you are not able to be present in the saleroom or bid online. Placing an absentee bid works the same as placing a maximum bid during the timed online auction.
Unlike a timed online auction, you will not receive any automatically generated message when your offer has been outbid. You must follow the auction live to be able to proceed your bidding when the lot of your interest is up for auction.
N.B. When bidding, please keep in mind that you are bidding the hammer price. This amount is increased by buyer’s premium.
Click here for visual guidance in registering and bidding during a timed online auction.
After the auction
After the auction you will receive the invoice by e-mail. The purchased goods must be paid for and collected within five working days. Payment can be done by bank transfer, after which you can collect your purchases from the office. Click here for more information about the buyers premium.
Aftersale
If goods have remained unsold during the auction, you will have the opportunity to purchase them shortly after the auction ended in the so-called ‘aftersales’. Lots in the aftersale are usually charged with the original miminum price in addition to buyer’s premium and any other costs.