The mention of an art auction can bring up images of fast-talking auctioneers, adrenaline-fuelled bidding and eleventh-hour drama. And while we think that’s the fun part, it can also feel intimidating to a first-time collector. In reality, bidding has never been easier or more accessible, whether you want to attend a live auction at one of our venues around the world, or simply do it from home online.
Here at Basilica, we offer fine art and objects at all price points, particularly in online sales, where you might pick up an original work for a few thousand dollars or perhaps a few millions.
As a global pioneer in the international art market, Basilica Art House has a proven track record in achieving prices that meet or exceed pre-sale estimates. Ask our loyal sellers, and they’ll say it’s because of a combination of the following:
End to End Support
Our exceptional specialist and client service teams will guide you through the entire auction process
Unique art market experience
We have leading specialists in various categories, so you know your objects are examined by the best
Our global reach
With a global network in various countries, including leadership in growth markets such as Mumbai, we are connected to collectors in all regions
World-class marketing and publicity
We handle all objects with sensitivity, while making sure they are seen by the right people
Diverse selling platforms
We are leaders in live auctions, online-only sales and private sales, giving you the flexibility to sell your art on the right platform to achieve the highest price
- First, get in touch with us and see if your item is suitable for Basilica sale.
- A specialist will contact you to discuss estimates, advise on sale dates and explain your Seller’s Agreement and commission structure.
- Once you have signed your Seller’s Agreement, you should arrange for the item to be delivered to our saleroom or warehouse. We can assist with this, or we can put you in contact with trusted local shippers.
- Our specialists will coordinate every detail, from cataloguing your property to marketing it to prospective buyers worldwide.
- Join the excitement of the sale day by watching the auction in person, or follow online.
Please kindly note that:
- All estimates are provisional and subject to revision after one of our specialists has examined your property
- Please allow 4–6 weeks for a response
- Please do not send property to us for review
- We regret that we do not provide auction estimates or sale information for items that are of a type or value that are typically not sold in our auctions
Once we have determined that your property is appropriate for auction, our specialists will discuss the location and sale date with you to ensure the strongest bidding.
Alternatively, at certain value levels, we can help broker a private sale, avoiding the restrictions of the auction calendar. Our worldwide network of specialists will work one-on-one with you to offer advice on private sale strategies and help you shape your collection.
Your Agreement
Before you sell your property with Basilica, you will need to sign a Seller’s Agreement. This is the contract that confirms the services, outlines the fee structure and the terms and conditions of sale between you and us.
Seller’s Commission
Basilica charges a single Seller’s Commission rate for the services we provide. The commission is calculated on each item as a fixed percentage based on the eventual hammer price at auction. This rate includes marketing costs and insurance cover. If your item sells for over the high estimate we agree with you, there will also be an additional 2% Performance Commission fee. You may also be charged for other external services such as shipping, restoration and framing, but these will be discussed and agreed with you beforehand. VAT (value-added tax) or applicable duties or taxes may be due on such fees based on the jurisdiction of the auction site.
Agreeing to estimates and reserves
We will agree a low and high estimate range for each item with you. This information is published in the auction catalogue and will be publicly available to potential buyers. We will also agree a reserve price with you for each item. This will be an amount that we both agree that we will not sell your item below during the auction. This amount must be equal to, or lower than the low estimate, and will not be published.
Your shipping arrangements
Your Basilica post-sales contact can assist you with your packing and shipping arrangements in order to get your item to our saleroom or warehouse, or you may use your own shipper.
You will receive a notification informing you of the price that your item achieved at auction. We will then confirm your net proceeds of sale based on the hammer price, with any agreed-upon expenses and commission deducted. Please note that prices listed on our website display the hammer price inclusive of the Buyer’s Premium.
Basilica will then act on your behalf to secure payment from the buyer. Provided we have received payment in full, approximately 35 days after the auction, your payment will be sent to your nominated account, and you will receive a settlement statement for the sale.
If a buyer was not found for your item, we will contact you to discuss either re-offering or collecting your property. In some circumstances, we can recommend an alternative auction house.