Has anyone sold a Chanel bag with Sotheby's or Christie's? I'd like to know if one is better than the other, or general experiences. I tried to sell a bag on the online portal (for a fixed price set by Sotheby's after authenticating), and they instead decided to sell it in their 'salon'. However, after four months it still hasn't sold and they now say that UK-based bags can't be sold online. So I'm considering trying my luck with Christie's instead. I prefer a recognised auction house as I feel they're more credible and they do all the legwork.
Selling my Chanel flap with Sotheby's or Christie's
- Thread starter disneyrollergirl
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The secondhand shops have really high fees. Therefore it makes much more sense to go through an auction house. The fees are much lower. But they don't accept every article as far as I understood.
It might depend on the country regarding the fees. But in Switzerland they request between 70% and 30% from the selling prices which is, in my opinion, not fair. I think with the auction house it is around 15%. This is a huge difference. But as I mentioned they don't accept every article.
I think it depends on economic situation. People don't spend so much money compared 2 /3 years ago.
I think it depends on economic situation. People don't spend so much money compared 2 /3 years ago.
I've only sold jewellery with the same auction houses (at auction not immediate purchase).
IMO, these auction houses just use these immediate purchase bag pieces as eye-candy for their online presence, the images bring people as traffic towards their site. It's all smoke and mirrors.
Sotheby's 'Buy Now': Judging by the odd pricing in British pounds (e.g. £4,757) and rounded prices in USD ($6.200) the bags I'm seeing are all in the US. This also leads me to believe someone is managing the whole Buy Now online for them in the US. That's presumably why they won't take your bag in the UK.
Christie's Private Sale bags (in particular) also look like they're a managed partner concession by someone else (or are all the property of that partner) as they are all 'price on request' with only one (croc) CF. You'll have to ask if your bag is eligible for Private Sale. You have to agree on a selling strategy including price (or estimate in the case of auction) before signing the contract. If you sell at auction the wait for your money is almost 2 months but it's quicker if sold PS. Make sure they tell you every single fee up-front, they seem to make it as opaque as possible (all auction houses do). They may suggest putting it into one of their handbag auctions, but you agree (or not) up front what you want.
There's also Bonham's (but for auctions).
The one I would NOT recommend is Kerry Taylor (auction only). She always makes the estimates very low to attract buyers, but if the low estimate is met, you've agreed. They also don't know how to store and allow rummaging and trying on by potential buyers at preview days. Never, ever again. Also buyer aware for similar reasons.
I'd approach Christie's & why not since Sotheby's didn't work out for you.
Be up front as to what your expectations are price wise & ask if certain times of (never any guarantees)
the year certain bag auctions do better than others. Spring vs summer, fall vs holiday time
Here in the US fall sales usually do better than spring/summer, but you just never know what
is going on in the market as well as in the heads of potential buyers.
Fees/commissions can be negotiated & there usually is a 90 day pay out
Be up front as to what your expectations are price wise & ask if certain times of (never any guarantees)
the year certain bag auctions do better than others. Spring vs summer, fall vs holiday time
Here in the US fall sales usually do better than spring/summer, but you just never know what
is going on in the market as well as in the heads of potential buyers.
Fees/commissions can be negotiated & there usually is a 90 day pay out
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