This checklist can be saved in your own files to be used as needed. When purchasing a work of art, antique or antiquity from an on-line auction house consider these steps:
Research the seller
You may find difficulty in verifying the identity of a seller when purchasing from on line auction houses; extra caution is therefore advised when buying from these sources /
Do always try to check the validity of a business name /
Do always try to check the reliability of contact details /
Avoid buying from people who only list a Postbox address /
Check your seller’s track record: have they sold items like this before?
(On most auction sites you can read feedback about a sellers’ reliability from other bidders) /
Research the item
If the description doesn’t answer all your questions contact the seller directly /
Ask questions related to the condition of the object /
Ask where the object came from including its country of origin. For archaeological objects found in the UK consult Portable Antiquities Scheme. /
Ask to see pictures of the object /
Ask to see any written documentation about its history /
Ask if an authentification certificate if available /
Compare the asking price of the item to current market prices /
Check the object against material contained in a database of stolen art /
Be clear about procedures
Make sure you know how much you’re paying; clarify delivery and handling costs and the currency in which you’re trading /
If you’re trading with a seller in another country, check applicablelegislation, taxes and import duties /
Once you know the final cost make sure you get confirmation of your order, either by email or by post, before agreeing to pay /
Check the manner of shipment; make sure the seller uses insured carriers and that all the shipments are insured for their full value /
Clarify the expected delivery date /
Read the privacy policy of the auction house; make sure you know what happens to the information you submit /
Keep record of all email correspondence and make print outs of the pages from the website as a record of the offer you have accepted /
Use secure payment methods
Use a credit card or escrow service; do not agree to send cheques or other means of payment. Escrow service is a third party payment service which holds buyers’ money in trust until they receive the item /
Watch out for fraudulent escrow sites; be wary if a seller suggests you use an escrow service not recommended by the auction site /
Help to prevent fraud
Provide feedback if the auction has a feedback system as a way to share your experiences with other bidders and to contribute to fraud prevention /
Report any fraud to the auction site and the appropriate law enforcement agencies /
© Museums, Libraries & Archives Council 2006