FAQs

Buying on Arteify

How do I register to bid?

Registration is free. Create an account, verify your email, and you can browse every listing straight away. To bid in live auctions you’ll complete a short identity-verification step before your first bid.

What is the buyer’s premium?

A buyer’s premium is a percentage added to the hammer price. On Arteify it is 10% of the hammer price, shown clearly on every lot page before you bid. VAT and the Artist’s Resale Right levy may apply to some lots and are shown where relevant.

Are the works genuine?

Every seller is verified before their first listing goes live. For art we ask for provenance and, where applicable, certificates of authenticity; for antiques we review condition and ownership history. We decline listings where authenticity can’t reasonably be established.

What payment methods are accepted?

Major credit and debit cards, and bank transfer. Payments are handled by established, PCI-compliant payment providers, and Arteify never stores your card details.

Can I return a purchase?

Yes — if an item is materially not as described, you have 14 days from delivery to start a return. See Returns & Refunds for the full process, or email info@arteify.com with your order number and photographs.

How is delivery arranged?

Arteify introduces and vets a network of specialist handlers. You choose a provider and contract with them directly, and they invoice you; transit insurance is arranged with your chosen handler. See Logistics.

Selling on Arteify

How do I list an item?

Apply for seller verification on our Sell with Arteify page. Once approved, a seller dashboard lets you submit details, upload images, add provenance, and choose an auction or fixed-price format.

What are the fees?

Arteify charges a seller’s commission of 8%, alongside the 10% buyer’s premium — 18% combined across the transaction. There is no upfront listing fee. Where they apply, VAT, the Artist’s Resale Right levy and shipping are additional and passed through; shipping is quoted and invoiced separately by your chosen logistics provider. Your consignment agreement confirms all fees before anything goes live.

How and when do I get paid?

Sellers are paid by bank transfer once the sale has completed and the buyer has received the work. Payments run through our established payment providers.

Do I ship the item myself?

No — Arteify introduces and vets specialist handlers who contract with, and invoice, you directly. Collection can be arranged from your home, studio or storage, and customs paperwork is handled for international shipments.

Auctions

Live auction vs timed auction?

A live auction runs in real time, with bidding open for a set period and a visible countdown. A timed auction closes at a fixed date and time. Both run entirely on Arteify — no telephone bidding or saleroom attendance needed.

What happens if I win a lot?

You’ll receive an invoice by email shortly after the auction closes, with payment details and the delivery options for that lot.

Can I set a maximum (proxy) bid?

No — Arteify auctions are straightforward ascending auctions. You enter the exact amount you want to bid, and you are only ever committed to the amount you enter. To stay in the lead you simply place a higher bid — the lot page always shows the current highest bid and the next minimum increment. There is no automatic proxy bidding, so keep an eye on the lots you are following as the sale draws to a close.

Account & general

Is my personal data safe?

We collect and process personal data in line with UK GDPR and never sell it to third parties. Full details are in our Privacy Policy.

How do I contact Arteify?

Email info@arteify.com — include your order or lot reference for transaction matters and we’ll come back to you as quickly as we can.