1. INCLUDING A WORK IN A SALE 

To include your items in a sale, contact us for a free and confidential appraisal. 
Our auctioneers will examine your objects to determine their authenticity, state of conservation and current market value. 

At the end of this stage, we will provide you with a realistic and transparent estimate. If you wish, you can set a reserve price, i.e. the minimum amount for which you agree to sell your item. 

Sales tailored to each item: We regularly organise auctions at Hôtel Drouot, whether general or specialist (jewellery, paintings, furniture, works of art, etc.). Each sale is covered by an online sales catalogue, accompanied by a paper version as appropriate. All our sales are broadcast live on the internet, enabling us to reach an international clientele. 

Tip: Prepare all the documents relating to your item (certificate of authenticity, provenance history, invoices, etc.) to facilitate the appraisal process. 

 

2. THE SALE MANDATE

Once the valuation has been carried out and your decision to sell has been confirmed, a sales mandate is drawn up.  

This official document specifies: 

- The selling costs. 
- The reserve price, if you have set one (the amount below which the property cannot be sold). 
- Any specific conditions relating to the sale. 

This contract guarantees total transparency and provides the legal framework for the auction, giving you complete peace of mind throughout the sale process. 

 

3. SHOWCASING YOUR ITEM 

Each item is carefully photographed and presented in an online sales catalogue, sometimes accompanied by a paper version. Descriptions are written with precision to highlight every aspect of the lot. 

Prior to the sale, the items are displayed at a public exhibition so that potential buyers can examine them closely and ask questions of our experts and auctioneers. 

Our teams promote your items to buyers, collectors and institutions around the world via a wide range of communication channels: the Gazette Drouot and specialist press, social networks, newsletters and catalogues. 

 

4. THE DAY OF THE AUCTION 

During the public auction, the auctioneer presents each lot and conducts the bidding with rigour and dynamism. 

By broadcasting the sale in the auction room, online and by telephone, your items are given optimum exposure and can attract buyers from all over the world. 

The auction result: Once the hammer has fallen, the item is officially sold to the highest bidder. 
You will be informed of the result of the sale as soon as the hammer falls. 

 

5. SALE STATEMENT & PAYMENT 

After the sale, you will receive the sales statement showing the amount to be paid to you, which corresponds to the total amount of the lots sold less the selling costs agreed beforehand in the sales mandate.

Once the property has been sold and payment has been made by the buyer, you will receive payment by secure bank transfer within the legal deadline of 2 months, after deduction of the selling costs agreed in the sales mandate. 

Throughout the process, our team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and to provide you with all the support you need until the sale is completed. Don't hesitate to contact us!