Delivery and Shipping

MADAM – I am a regular user of various online sites that facilitate distant bidding. I have noticed a huge disparity between auction houses that recognise that the bigger the audience, the greater chance of higher prices for the lots on sale – and therefore the chance of increased buyer’s premium earnings – and those that seem to regard bidders using delivery services as a cash cow to be milked through ‘shipping costs’.

Whether it’s delivering a 12ft long model ship or taking a dining table from Paris to London, getting a prized item from A to B safely is vital. We also report on latest developments in art insurance.

An update to the offensive weapons bill (2017-19) could have a negative impact on the shipping of antique swords and knives.

How can art and antique buyers ensure their purchases arrive in the same condition as when they were bought, at a competitive price? ATG explores some options...

ATG asked the experts for general advice and tips they would give a first-time buyer new to art shipping.

Delivery of art and antiques is highly competitive as suppliers vie to provide customers with a better, faster experience. But there are still complexities to iron out, not least expectations on cost.

On Twitter last week, auctioneer and TV pundit Paul Laidlaw vented about a high quote for delivery that far exceeded the cost of the object he was buying.

The New York-based art shipping firm Arta is in the process of raising its second round of funding – this time to help it expand in the UK and Europe.