Article
Auctions on Arttoo give you access to rare and in-demand works, often at competitive market prices. Because auctions move quickly and all bids are binding, it’s important to understand the process before participating.
You can bid in any Arttoo auction via desktop or through the Arttoo mobile app. There are no additional fees for bidding through Arttoo.
Table of Contents
- Auction Types
- What to Know Before You Bid
- Registering for a Sale
- Bidding & Winning
- What to Expect After a Sale
Auction Types
Before placing a bid, check whether the sale is Live or Online-Only. The auction type is listed on the auction page, and the timing and bidding experience will vary slightly.
Live Auctions
In a live auction, an auctioneer sells each lot sequentially in a live sale room. Arttoo offers the same live sale room experience through our bidding platform.
You can participate in two ways:
- Advanced bidding (pre-sale): Place a maximum bid before your lot opens. Arttoo will automatically bid on your behalf at the lowest competitive price—up to your maximum.
- Live bidding: Join the live sale room on Arttoo and bid in real time against online and in-room bidders.
Lots close one at a time, and the pace depends on bidding activity and the auctioneer.
To manage competitive bidding, auctions may use cascade (or “popcorn”) bidding, where the closing time for a lot extends when new bids are placed near the end. This gives all bidders a fair chance to respond. To learn more, see What is cascade and popcorn bidding and how does it work?
Online-Only Auctions
Online-only auctions do not have a live auctioneer. All bidding takes place on Arttoo until each lot’s scheduled closing time.
Key differences:
- Lots close individually at set times
- Closing times may extend if bids are placed in the final minutes
- Bidding is exclusively online via Arttoo
What to Know Before You Bid
All auction lots are sold as-is, and all bids are binding. Before placing a bid, review the following:
Condition Reports
Most auction works are pre-owned and may show signs of wear.
- Review the condition report on the lot page (if available)
- Contact specialist@arttoo.co to request additional details or images
Shipping
Shipping costs are the responsibility of the winning bidder. To request a quote, email specialist@arttoo.co with:
- The lot you’re interested in
- Your full delivery address
Some auction houses require buyers to arrange their own shipping, and can typically recommend experienced shippers. These auction houses include:
- Rago
- Wright
- Los Angeles Modern Auctions
- Freeman’s
- Hindman
- Roseberys
Understanding Total Costs
Your bid (the hammer price) does not include additional fees. In addition to your winning bid, the following may apply:
- Buyer’s premium: A standard auction fee (typically 15–30%), listed on the lot page
- Shipping: Based on artwork size, origin, and delivery location
- Taxes & import duties: Calculated based on your location and applicable regulations
- Additional fees: Such as Artist’s Resale Rights (ARR), when applicable
Always review the lot page carefully to understand your full cost before bidding.
Registering for a Sale
You must register before bidding in any auction. Registration allows the auction house to vet bidders and ensures a smooth post-sale process.
How to Register
- Click Register to bid on the auction page
- Enter your billing information (this becomes your default invoicing address)
-
Provide a valid email address and phone number
- Avoid using Apple ID relay emails, as they may prevent the auction house from contacting you
- Agree to the terms and conditions (all bids are binding)
- Complete identity verification if requested
Registrations are typically approved within 24 hours. If your registration is still pending after one business day, contact specialist@arttoo.co.
If you see Registration closed, you may request late registration by emailing specialist@arttoo.co. Approval is not guaranteed.
Note: Some auctions use automatic checkout, meaning your credit card may be charged immediately if you win. This will always be indicated on the auction page before you register or bid.
Bidding & Winning
Advance Bidding
We recommend placing a maximum bid and joining the live sale for the best chance of winning.Once registered, you can submit a maximum bid before your lot opens:
- Arttoo will execute bids at the lowest competitive price up to your maximum
- If multiple bidders place the same maximum bid, priority goes to the earliest bid
- You can increase your maximum bid at any time before the lot opens
You’ll be notified if you are outbid before the lot goes live.
During live bidding, notifications are not sent due to the
speed of the sale.
Important:
If your maximum bid does not
align with standard bidding increments, the auctioneer may skip
an increment to secure the lot for you at your full maximum. For
example:
- Your max bid: $18,000
- Competing bid: $16,000
- The auctioneer may skip $17,000 and award you the lot at $18,000
Live Bidding
Joining the live sale room allows you to:
- View bids in real time
- Receive “fair warning” before the lot closes
- Place bids instantly
You’ll receive an email reminder approximately 8 lots before your lot opens.
Because bids execute immediately, please bid carefully.
Online-Only Auctions
You can place a maximum bid at any time before the lot closes:
- Bids are executed at the lowest competitive price up to your maximum
- If two bidders place the same maximum, the earliest bid takes priority
Example:
- Your max bid: $15,000
- Competing bid: $11,000
- You win at $11,000
Lots typically close in short intervals and may extend if bids are placed near closing.
You will receive outbid notifications, but delays can occur—monitor lots closely as they approach closing.
What to Expect After a Sale
Once the final lot closes, you’ll receive an email confirming the outcome of your bids.
-
If you win, you’ll receive follow-up
communication from Arttoo's Specialist team or the auction
house with:
- Payment instructions
- Shipping details
- Next steps
- If you do not win, you’ll receive confirmation of your bidding results.
Some auctions use automatic checkout and may charge your card immediately after the sale closes. This will always be indicated on the auction page.
If you have not received follow-up communication within 5 business days, contact specialist@arttoo.co.