Knowledge base
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the ways to buy at Sotheby’s?
What are the Conditions of Business for Buyers?
If I buy an item through an online auction, can I check out online?
If I am the winning bidder, what happens next?
How can I purchase a Private Sales item?
How long is the purchase process for Private Sales items?
Do I need to pay for Sotheby’s brokerage service for Private Sales?
What is Buy Now?
Can I cancel an order or return items purchased on Buy Now?
Guide for Buyers | Global
Guide for Buyers | Collection, Shipment, Export, Storage
Guide for Buyers | VAT & Other Tax Information
Guide for Buyers | Symbol Key
Guide for Buyers | Glossary & Important Notices
Do you provide restoration and servicing for watches?
Is it free to request an estimate online?
What do I need to request an estimate for my item?
Can I request an estimate even if I’m not ready to sell?
How far in advance of a sale must I submit my item?
What happens after I submit my item?
How are estimates determined?
How long does it take to receive an estimate?
What is the difference between an estimate and a final appraisal of value?
How do I contact a specialist?
Should I call Sotheby's to get an estimate?
As an artist, can I sell my own art?
Can Sotheby's provide historical or provenance information on a work?
What taxes do I pay on my purchase?
What payment methods are accepted?
What is the threshold for paying by credit card?
How do I pay if my item is above the credit card threshold?
How do scheduled payments work?
Can a third party pay for my purchase?
Does Sotheby’s offer acquisition financing?
Does Sotheby’s provide separate invoices?
How do I pay for my purchases by wire?
Is there a credit card surcharge for New York transactions?
How does interest on late payments work?
How do I claim a VAT refund?
Can I collect purchases in person?
How long does it take to ship an item?
How soon after the sale closes can I arrange shipment details?
How do I arrange shipping or collection for wine purchases?
What are the shipping options for Buy Now items?
What are late collection fees ?
How can I customize my shipping experience?
My shipping quote is not visible in my account. What are the next steps?
Can I obtain a shipping quote before I bid?
How can I join a consolidated shipment?
Can I send my own shipping label?
How quickly can I collect my auction items?
Who qualifies as an authorized representative?
Can I opt out of shipping insurance?
What are “Know Your Client” checks?
Why does Sotheby’s conduct KYC checks?
Who does Sotheby’s complete KYC checks on?
What information and documents will I be asked to provide?
When will KYC checks be conducted?
Can I use funds from a family member or business account for purchases I made under an individual account or vice versa?
In what circumstances is additional information required?
Will my personal data be shared with third parties?
What happens if I decline to provide the requested information?
What is an Ultimate Beneficial Owner?
Contact client support
Email us
You can submit an email describing your issue, and one of our representatives will assist you.
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Phone support is available Monday through Friday, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM local time for each selling location.
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Search our teamGeneral Enquiries
| UK |
+44 (0) 20 7293 5000 |
| US |
+1 212 606 7000 |
| HK |
+852 2524 8121 |
| FR |
+33 (0) 1 53 05 53 05 |
Bidding Enquiries
| UK |
+44 (0) 20 7293 5283 |
| US |
+1 212 606 7414 |
| HK |
+852 2524 8121 |
| FR |
+33 (0) 1 53 05 53 48 |
Buy Now Enquiries
| Global |
+1 212 606 7430 |