Buying & Selling
Information for new buyers
The public has long harbored the mistaken perception that auctions were strictly an arena for dealers and the privileged. However, today the auction house is an exciting and viable resource where the novice and seasoned buyer alike can explore an unequaled selection of items at all price levels under one roof. And, if you spot the perfect table at an exhibition, simply register for a bidding number. Then with catalogue and bidding number in hand, you can sit in the gallery to await the auction's start. By merely raising your hand, you alert the auctioneer that you are bidding on a particular item -- scratching your nose, however, will not make you the reluctant owner of a painting.
You will find the excitement of a successful bid, at your desired price, is incomparable. Once you have successfully bid, all that is left to do is settle your account and take your purchases home. Of course, if you have purchased a large item, the auction house will assist you in making appropriate transportation arrangements. It has become that simple for you to take advantage of the many benefits of buying at auction. Below are guidelines to further acquaint you with buying at auction.
Attending the pre-sale exhibition
The pre-sale exhibition, or preview, gives you an opportunity to scrutinize items prior to the auction and is open to the public at no charge. Previews are held the Sunday preceding the sale from 11 a.m. to 4p.m., Monday and Tuesday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. You are encouraged to attend the preview and to closely examine all lots of interest to you. Weschler's staff will gladly assist you if requested.
Absentee Bidding
If you are unable to attend a catalogue auction, you may leave an absentee bid. This is a confidential, written maximum price for the lot or lots in which you are interested. It is executed by the auctioneer, on your behalf, in competition with the gallery audience. Whenever possible, the auctioneer will acquire the lot for less than your maximum bid.
You may submit absentee bids at Weschler's by agreeing to the Terms & Conditions.
Additionally you may participate by telephone in a catalogue auction through advance, written notification to the gallery that indicates the lot or lots on which you wish to bid. Our facilities for telephone bidding are somewhat limited so it is strongly recommended that you make arrangements at least 24 hours in advance. Please contact Linda Amigh at (202) 628-1281 for specific information on absentee bids.
Each bidder will be assigned a bidding number before bids can be recognized. Bidding number registration will be available during exhibition hours and during the auction at our offices. Bidders already registered with an annual Weschler's bidding number need not re-register for each sale.
Artfact Live! Auction Bidding
In addition, buyers may bid live on Artfact Live!. Please visit www.Artfact.com/LiveAuctions to register for the auctions and bid live along with those here in the auction house and on the telephone.
Catalogues
The auction catalogues are available at Weschler's Gallery during the exhibition and auction for $20. A catalogue admits two people to the auction. Catalogues can be mailed for a cost of $25 and mailed overseas at a cost of $35. Annual catalogue subscriptions are available by category. Additional information may be obtained by contacting Linda Amigh at (202) 628-1281.
Price Lists
Post sale price lists are available free of charge, approximately three weeks after the sale. Price lists are automatically sent to catalogue subscribers, as are Weschler's postcard announcements.
Pre-Sale Estimates
As a convenience to bidders, Weschler's publishes pre-sale estimates of the value of each lot in the auction. Estimates are intended as a guide and should not be considered a prediction of the selling price.
Condition Reports
All property is sold "As Is" in accordance with Conditions of Sale clause 2 and neither Weschler's nor the consignor make any express or implied warranty or representation as to the condition of any lot offered for sale and no statement made at any time, whether oral or written, shall constitute such a warranty or representation.
Weschler's staff is available to answer any questions or to provide any additional information regarding property offered, however such condition reports do not constitute warranty and are not intended to replace first hand inspection by a prospective buyer.
Bidding Increments
The auctioneer generally advances the bidding in the following incremental amounts:
- $100-499 $25 increments
- $500-999 $50 increments
- $1,000-1,999 $100 increments
- $2,000-4,999 $200 increments
- $5,000-10,000 $500 increments
- $10,000+ auctioneer's discretion
Purchaser Payments
Successful bidders are requested to make total payment for purchases by cash, Visa or MasterCard or pre-approved check on the day of sale.
Buyers not known to Weschler's and planning to pay with a personal or business check are required to supply us a bank letter of credit prior to the auction. If such arrangements are not made prior to the auction, purchases will be held by Weschler's until the check has cleared our bank.
Buyer's Premium
Catalogue Sales - A standard 17 1/2 percent Buyer's Premium of the successful bid price up to and including $50,000, and 10 percent of the successful bid price over $50,001 will be added thereto and is payable by the purchaser as part of the total purchase price. District of Columbia 5-3/4 percent Sales Tax is added to that total, except for bidders who hold a valid District of Columbia re-sale tax number.
Weekly Sales - A standard 15 percent Buyer's Premium is added to the purchase price of all items sold. District of Columbia 5-3/4 percent Sales Tax is added to that total, except for bidders who hold a valid District of Columbia re-sale tax number.
Please Note: The District of Columbia does not reciprocate with other jurisdictions and Weschler's cannot accept tax numbers from other jurisdictions. Tax numbers must be registered at the time a bidding number is issued. For further information please contact Virginia Weschler at (202) 628-1281.
Removal of Property
All purchases should be paid for and removed the day of sale, but in no event later than three days post sale. Weschler's will advise you on the best way to transport large items, and will help arrange for packing, insurance and shipping. Weschler's assumes no responsibility for the acts or omissions of carriers or packers whether or not they are recommended by us.
Click here for the list of recommended shippers.
Any additional shipping inquiries, please contact Judy Acs at (202) 628-1281 or by email at shipping@weschlers.com
Exportation Permits
Certain lots may be subject to the provisions of the Endangered Species Act of 1973, the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, and the Migratory Bird Act of 1982. In order to export these items, the buyer must obtain special licenses from the Department of the Interior, United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Some items may not be exported, and others may not be resold once purchased. Prospective bidders who intend to export or resell such items are solely responsible for obtaining such licenses and Weschler's cannot, and will not, assure that such licenses can be obtained.