How the Auction Works

Our auctions showcase a dynamic range of collectible works — Post‐War and Contemporary Art, Prints and Multiples, Street Art, and more, curated by our expert specialists and offered in timed and buy‐now auction formats. 
We invite individual collectors to consign their works to sell at auction or via private sales to our global network of more than 500,000 members. Because we value your comfort and discretion, we never disclose results or publish sales in price databases. 
In addition, we partner with celebrated cultural institutions worldwide as well as international tastemakers on special auctions to help collectors access the extraordinary, discover new passions, and make a difference through philanthropy.

ABSENTEE / MAXIMUM BIDDING

When you enter an amount higher than the minimum bid, the system treats this amount as your maximum bid. Entering a maximum bid does not necessarily mean you will pay that price. You may pay less. As the auction proceeds, we compare your bid to those of other bidders and the system automatically bids on your behalf, up to but never exceeding your maximum bid. We increase your bid by increments only as much as necessary to maintain your position as highest bidder. If your maximum bid no longer exceeds the current bid, you will receive an outbid notification email, and have the option to bid again.

BUYER’S PREMIUM & ADDITIONAL CHARGES

Winning bidders are charged a 20% Buyer’s Premium on top of the hammer price. A summary of all charges is provided prior to confirmation of the transaction. The summary outlines the total price realized (Hammer Price + Buyer’s Premium) along with any applicable taxes.

RECEIVING YOUR PROPERTY

If you are the winning bidder, upon the close of our auction you will receive an email from Phi Auctions prompting you to check out. Checking out allows you to pay for your artwork. You will also be presented with options and rates to arrange shipping. Our standard shipping timeline (from payment for lot and shipping fees to final delivery) is 3 to 4 weeks for shipments within the continental United States or domestic UK, and 6 to 8 weeks for all other shipments. Please note: Buyers are responsible for all shipping costs.

SHIPPING OPTIONS

For auctions where Phi Auctions handles fulfillment, we offer two checkout options.

• Select one of our preferred fine art shipping partners to manage packing, collection, and delivery door to door (and installation if you require).
• Coordinate off-line with Phi Auctions to arrange FedEx shipping, or arrange to pick up your artwork from the consignor directly, if applicable.

INSURANCE

Phi Auctions offers a blanket insurance policy.

TAXES

All sales with a final delivery address in New York State are subject to state sales tax. International shipments are subject to duty and tax as determined by the customs of the importing country. The purchaser will pay any fees directly upon receipt of your shipment.

WONDERING WHAT IT’S WORTH?

Phi Auctions provides free auction estimate services for fine art from single items to large collections. With many specialized departments to meet your needs, Phi Auctions employs a team of specialists well equipped to value your items. Consultations for auction evaluations with our experts are private and complimentary. In order to accept your item(s) for consignment, we must first examine the property to determine if it is appropriate for sale at Phi Auctions. If so, we will provide you with a pre-sale value estimate reflective of the current market. Due to the high volume of requests Phi Auctions receives, please allow up to ten business days for specialists to perform additional research and assign an auction estimate. These valuations are free of charge, and requests may be submitted using our online form below.

It’s free. We provide auction estimates free of cost and no obligation to consign.

It’s simple. Upload details and images of your work via the form below.

It’s swift. Once submitted, we reply with an auction estimate within just five business days.

It’s satisfying. If you choose to consign, enjoy returns up to 92%. We offer the highest return rates anywhere in the industry.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED

1. Information about the item you are submitting
2. Photographs of the item
3. Your contact information so that we can follow up with you