Paris Live Auction s.v.v.artcurial

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#31
in general, the photos and descriptions are really lacking (i know i'm repeating myself)
For example, although not spelled out, there is a big stain on the front of the toile/barenia birkin -- i thought it might be my screen, but it was there on the enlarged version too. I can't imagine any reputable auction house, as this one seems to be, wouldn't be fully prepared to reply with additional necessary photos and explanations when asked.
I have decided to register and will be happy to share any further experience about communicating with them. I want to respect people's confidentiality on which items they're bidding on. But if any of you would like to share how your communication is going with them, here's a good thread to do it. For example, about their response turn around time, completeness of response, etc.
I think we can benefit each other if there's benefitting to be had on this auction!!
 
#32
Ohh Laila, what have you started!!!:drool: I am thinking about possibly going over to take a look!!! Thanks for posting this information!! I hope lots of tpf ladies get what they seek!
 
#33
here's what i copy/pasted from some fine print on one of the listings there:
oh shoot, i hit post before paste. anyway, it was about the reserve price may not be higher than the low estimate price published. i'll try to copy/paste again
 
#34
^ can't copy/paste from that part. anyway, look at the scroll box under artcurial's CONDITIONS OF SALE.
it also refers to the possibility of phone bids.
not that i want to discourage any "local" Europe-based tPF members from going there in person. au contraire! maybe, leave the phone lines for us "alaskans"
 
#38
I have heard nothing from them so far. I asked for more detailed pics and some other details of a large HAC.

I'm sure they are reputable but I suspect this will end up as a dead end for me. All too french.... ;)
 
#41
MattNY said:
I have heard nothing from them so far. I asked for more detailed pics and some other details of a large HAC.

I'm sure they are reputable but I suspect this will end up as a dead end for me. All too french.... ;)
Click to expand...
MattNY, i haven't heard back on my registration being approved, and it's over 24 hours, so i may email or call them. i'll post progress/experience here, for anyone's info

classicsgirl go to eBay, hermes, and click any of the items that have a 2XXX number in front of the title -- that'll get you to one of this auction's items.
 
#42
Thanks for everyone's advice, I'm still confused about a few things though! First I noticed that all the auctions have the same end time, if you want to bid live, how do you bid on more than one item without an absentee bid? And, how do you get offered a phone line? Is that a better option than just bidding beforehand?
 
#43
classicsgirl said:
Thanks for everyone's advice, I'm still confused about a few things though! First I noticed that all the auctions have the same end time, if you want to bid live, how do you bid on more than one item without an absentee bid? And, how do you get offered a phone line? Is that a better option than just bidding beforehand?
Click to expand...
I just this a.m. got 2 email responses from them.
They stated there is a minimum of 60 feedback for eBay bidders.
They also attached an application to be completed and faxed back.
(Phone line allocation will be at their disgression -- I don't know if I will get one, although it's my only option since I don't have enough eBay feedback. Drat! And after all those $$$$$ paid in wire transfers!)
 
#44
^Sorry I forgot to answer your question about the bidding times. That's been discussed earlier here (or where the topic came up -- see link in Post #1)
In summary, they go through the items in order of Lot Number. Their website shows 10:30 as the start time for the first group and 14:30 for the second group. Now that should be Paris time, so if you plan to watch the auction/bid live that may mean the alarm clock method for ya!
 
#45
Just got off the phone with the auction house (Artcurial) and this is what they told me. The premium is 23% by phone. When I asked why it was higher than the 22.5% stated on eBay for bids through eBay, she thought it was an error. I commented that they're going to have some unhappy customers if the premium is higher than what they expect! She connected me to a colleague who could answer my question about VAT & refunds. That second person said that it is 19.6% calculated on the premium portion only; shorthand calculation she said would be 4.5% on the total (hammer + premium). They will prepare papers for the VAT to be refunded (unclear how much of it, maybe it depends on the type of item???) and as long as the buyer has evidence of the items leaving the EU within 3 months of purchase, that refund can be processed.
Now I realize these percentages differ from what is quoted on the eBay listings. So I would encourage anyone bidding to make the same phone call and get the info needed to make you comfortable to proceed.
Finally, she said that they have contacts with a couple of people who can handle the shipping, with Fedex if you request as that could be cheaper than the French post.
Don't forget that the prices of the items will be documented and you are responsible for any customs that the U.S. may charge upon receipt.
 
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