FAQ Acheteur
Find our clients' frequently asked questions here:
Before the auction
How can I participate in an auction?
All our auctions are open to everyone. You can participate:- In the auction room during the sale
- Online via Drouot
- By telephone
- By leaving an absentee bid in advance
How do I bid online?
All our auctions are broadcast live on Drouot.To bid online, you must create an account and then register for the specific auction.
For any questions regarding your account or registration, we invite you to consult Drouot's online help (Drouot FAQ: https://drouot.com/fr/faq).
How do I bid by phone?
You can request to be called during the auction to bid on one or more lots.To do so, simply send your request to contact@villemur.art, specifying:
- The lot number(s);
- Your name;
- Your phone number;
- And a copy of your ID.
Can I leave an absentee bid?
Yes. If you cannot attend the auction, you can leave an absentee bid with us. We will bid on your behalf up to the maximum amount you have indicated.Requests must be sent before the auction to contact@villemur.art no later than…
How can I get more information about a lot?
The administration office can provide you with:- A condition report;
- Additional photographs;
- Details regarding the provenance or characteristics of the item, when this information is available.
Are the estimates the price at which the lot will be sold?
No. The estimate is an indicative range. The hammer price depends on the bidders' interest on the day of the auction and can be lower or higher than the estimate.Can I view the items before the auction?
Most of our auctions are preceded by a public viewing, allowing you to discover and examine the lots.The viewing dates and times are indicated in each catalogue.
Are auctions reserved for professionals?
No. Auctions are open to everyone, whether they are collectors, art lovers, decorators, or simply curious individuals.Can I participate in an auction without any prior experience?
Yes! Auctions are not reserved solely for professionals or seasoned collectors. They are open to everyone.You can attend an auction, visit the viewings, and bid on the lots that interest you. You can consult the catalogue free of charge, ask us for additional information about the items, and attend the public viewing when one is organized.
Auctions are, above all, a place of discovery where everyone can buy according to their desires and budget.
Do I have to pay any fees in addition to the hammer price?
Yes. The price announced by the auctioneer corresponds to the hammer price.Buyer's premium (fees) will be added to this amount. The rate is specified in the conditions of sale associated with each auction. Please read our general terms and conditions of sale carefully.
After the auction
How do I know if I won my lot?
If you bid online, you are generally informed directly by the platform.You will also receive an invoice by email within 24 hours following the auction if you are the successful bidder for the lot.
I won a lot, what should I do now?
If you are the successful bidder for a lot, you will receive an invoice within 24 hours following the auction.Once payment has been processed, you will receive a paid invoice which will allow you to collect your lot.
Within what timeframe must I pay for my purchase?
We invite you to pay your invoice as soon as you receive it. After certain deadlines, penalties or restrictions may be applied in accordance with our conditions of sale.I haven't received my invoice, is this normal?
Yes, in some cases. Invoices are generally sent within 24 hours following the auction. We advise you to check your junk mail (spam) folder.When will I receive my paid invoice?
Once your payment has been made, the paid invoice is sent within an average of 48 business hours, depending on bank processing times.A slight additional delay may apply for payments made by bank transfer. Please be sure to check your spam folder.
How do I pay for my lot?
Payment is made via the online payment page.Lots can be paid for as soon as you receive the invoice, and you will then receive your paid invoice (buyer's invoice).
You can also make a bank transfer. To do so, please feel free to write to us at contact@villemur.art, enclosing your invoice.
Can I have my lot shipped?
Yes. For auctions at Drouot, several specialized providers can handle the packing, transport, and shipping of your purchases.We invite you to consult the services offered by Drouot (https://drouot.com/fr/magasinage) or to contact us for guidance.
How long does my lot remain available at the storage facility?
Lots are kept at the Drouot storage facility according to their current storage conditions.Fees may apply. We recommend that you collect your purchases as soon as possible.
Can another person collect my lot on my behalf?
Yes. The person must bring your paid invoice as well as documents proving that they are authorized to act on your behalf.I want to cancel my purchase, is that possible?
Bids are final. Any successful bid binds the buyer to settle payment for the lot in accordance with the conditions of sale.I didn't win the lot I was interested in. Can I be informed of similar sales?
Yes. We invite you to subscribe to our newsletter or to follow our upcoming auctions in order to be informed of lots likely to interest you.My account is blocked, what should I do?
In the event of non-payment, a block may be applied by our teams:- After 3 days following the auction, a first reminder may be sent;
- Beyond one month, the account may be permanently blocked.
For sales held outside Drouot, can I collect my lot without an appointment?
We are often on the move. In order to ensure we can welcome you under proper conditions, it is necessary to make an appointment in advance.You can book a time slot directly via our online Calendly schedule:Schedule an appointment