This guide covers common auction terms and frequently
asked questions
to help you participate in auctions on
Arttoo with confidence. .
Have additional questions? Contact the Arttoo Specialist team via
specialist@arttoo.co or +1 (800) 718-4149 (Monday-Friday,
5am-5pm ET).
Common Auction Terms
Condition Report
A condition report
describes the physical state of an
artwork, including any signs of wear or
damage such as dents, creases,
discoloration, or tears.
-
If available, it will appear in the About the Work
section on the lot page
-
If not listed, click Request condition report
-
Reports are typically provided
within 2 business days
Buyer’s Premium
A buyer’s premium (BP)
is an additional fee paid on top of the
hammer price (your winning bid).
Reserve Price
A reserve price
is the confidential minimum price
required for a lot to sell.
-
If applicable, this will be
indicated when placing a bid
-
If your bid meets or exceeds the
reserve, Arttoo will automatically
bid up to that level and continue
competitively
Maximum Bid
A maximum bid
is the highest amount you’re willing to
pay for a lot, placed in advance of the
live sale.
-
Arttoo automatically places bids on
your behalf up to your maximum
-
Bids are executed at the lowest competitive price
-
If two bidders place the same
maximum bid, the earliest bid wins
Artist’s Resale Right (ARR)
The Artist’s Resale Right (ARR)
is a royalty paid to the artist when
their work is resold through an auction
house.
-
Applies to works sold in the European Economic Area
(EEA)
-
Typically ranges from 0.25% to 4%
of the hammer price
-
Included as part of the final
invoice when applicable
FAQs
Do I need to register before placing
a bid?
Yes. You must register and be approved
before you can bid in any auction on
Arttoo.
Are bids binding?
Yes. All bids are legally binding and
cannot be canceled.
Why am I being outbid
immediately?
If you are outbid immediately after
placing a bid, another bidder has
already placed a higher or equal maximum bid.
Arttoo will automatically bid on their
behalf to maintain their position as the
highest bidder. You are not bidding
against yourself.
What happens if I’m outbid?
You will receive a notification
(typically via email) if you are
outbid.
However, notifications may be delayed
during the final moments of an auction,
so we recommend monitoring lots closely
as they near closing.
Why do I see different bid amounts on
other platforms?
Before a live auction begins, bids may
differ between Arttoo and other
platforms (such as the auction house’s
website).
-
Arttoo displays bids placed through
Arttoo only
-
Other platforms display their own
bids
-
Once the auction goes live, all
bids are combined
To avoid confusion, we recommend
placing bids through a single
platform.
What is the total cost of an artwork
at auction?
Your total cost may include:
How do I know if shipping is
included?
Shipping is not included in your bid.
To request a quote, contact specialist@arttoo.co
with:
-
The lot number
-
Your delivery address
When do I pay for a winning
bid?
Payment timing depends on the
auction:
-
For more auctions, you will be
contacted by the auction house
directly 3-5 days after the sale
concludes with payment instructions.
Payment deadlines and available
methods will depend on the specific
auction house.
-
Select auctions use automatic
checkout, where your credit card on
file is charged immediately.
This will always be indicated on the
auction page.
Can I cancel a winning bid?
No. Auction bids are binding and cannot
be canceled.
What is cascade (popcorn)
bidding?
Cascade (or “popcorn”) bidding extends
the closing time of a lot when new bids
are placed near the end.
This ensures all bidders have a fair
opportunity to respond before the lot
closes.
Can I bid from my phone?
Yes. You can participate in auctions
through both desktop and the Arttoo mobile app.
What happens after I win an
artwork?
You will receive follow-up
communication from Arttoo or the auction
house with:
-
Payment instructions
-
Shipping details
-
Next steps
