We use the term online only to describe timed auctions. These auctions end at a defined time, the highest bid wins and is awarded the contract.
The auction therefore takes place without an auctioneer and exclusively on the Internet. Any bids can be placed at any time before the end of the defined auction time (see also the extension rule for short-term bids immediately before the end of the auction time).
As a rule, the auction period for the first lot ends at 6 pm on the last day of the auction. The following lot numbers then expire at one-minute intervals. The precise time of the end of the auction is also displayed for each lot in the 24 hours before the end of the auction.
Questions and Answers about our Timed Auctions:
I am in Berlin during the auction period. Can I view the artworks personally?
We are pleased that you are interested and would happily present the works of art to you in person, when possible. You can contact us at onlineonly@grisebach.com. to arrange an appointment for a viewing. Please remember to include information regarding how we can best contact you.
Is there a printed catalogue?
Online Only!
How can I take part in a Grisebach Timed Auction?
You can view all works to be auctioned online without registering.
Should you wish to take part in the auction or note a lot electronically, you need to register with Grisebach using your personal email adress.
Please register once on our website to create your personal customer account.
Online Only auctions are exclusively carried out as Timed Auctions. In addition, we host traditional auctions twice a year where you can also bid live online with your online registration.
There are strict regulations for bidding at Grisebach. If you are placing a bid at Grisebach for the first time, additional information will be required in order to comply with the regulations. Once this information has been processed you will be granted authorisation to place a bid. Bear in mind that this process typically needs at least one working day to take place.
Should this be the case, you can expect that we will contact you and ask for your personal identity card. Sometimes we ask about your previous auction activity. We do this because we are committed to ensuring that the auctions run safely and smoothly, for ourselves, but also for the consignors of the artworks, and all other parties involved. We kindly ask for your understanding. Naturally, this information will not be shared with third parties.
I have placed bids in auctions at Grisebach before. Do I need to register again?
If you have recently been a customer at Grisebach and we already have your personal information, we will contact you to ensure that your data is up to date. After that, we will activate your bidding rights.
I have already bid at Grisebach auctions via Lot-tissimo.com. Do I have to register again?
You can also participate in Grisebach's Timed Auctions via Lot-tissimo.com or the-saleroom.com. In this case, please use your existing account there.
I have previously registered on grisebach.com for auctions and search requests: Can I also use my user data for Grisebach Timed Auctions?
No, unfortunately not. This new form of auction requires an additional registration.
What does "maximum bid" mean?
A maximum bid is the highest amount that you are willing to bid for a lot. This function allows you to define a certain amount that you are willing to bid. Only as much as needed to outbid other bids will be taken from your maximum bid.
Is my maximum bid visible to other people?
Only you can see your maximum bid, and you will not be able to see if someone else has placed a higher maximum bid than you either. Higher bids can only be recognized when you place a bid, which can then potentially be outbid again immediately.
What costs and payments should I expect for my acquired artwork?
Along with the hammer price you’ve acquired your artwork with, you should expect to pay a surcharge. Some works of art also require additional sales tax on the hammer price and surcharge. Generally, the surcharge is a lump sum of 32%. If the artwork was imported into the EU and import sales taxes must be paid, then the surcharge will lay at 39%. Some works of art are subject to regular taxation, in which case the surcharge will be 27% of the hammer price. Finally, the sales tax applicable at the time of the auction will be added to the hammer price and the surcharge.
Can I place a bid below the starting price?
No. The starting price corresponds to the minimum bid and is therefore the lowest amount that can be bid.
Can I choose my bid freely or are bidding steps predetermined?
You are free to choose your bid amount, it just has to be at least equal to the next minimum bid.
Under what conditions is the bidding period extended?
If a bid is placed in the last two minutes before the bidding time expires, the bidding time for this lot is automatically extended by two minutes. This is to ensure that the highest bidder up to that point has another chance to place a higher bid if necessary.
Where can I see if my bid has been accepted?
In the catalogue view, your status as the current highest bidder is confirmed in green. You will also find your bids displayed under “Your Account”.
If you do not find your bids on these pages, there was an error in the transmission. Please try again.
How do I find out that I have been outbid?
You will automatically receive an e-mail notification from us if you have been outbid. You can also view the status of your current bids in your account under "Bids placed".
How do I raise my bid?
Simply enter a higher bid; if you are logged in with your personal account you will not be able to bid against yourself.
Can I bid against myself?
As long as you bid with your personal account, this is impossible.
Can I cancel a submitted bid?
The bid you place is legally binding. It cannot be cancelled. Please write to us at onlineonly@grisebach.com if you have any further questions or if unauthorised third parties have gained access to your account so that we can immediately block it.
How will I know if I have a winning bid?
In your account under “Won Lots” you will see your winning bids. If you were outbid, you will be informed by email.
Does my bid correspond to the final price I have to pay?
All bids are strictly net bids. There is a surcharge and, in some cases, additional sales tax.
Will there be a post-auction sale?
Should an artwork remain unsold, it is possible that it will be offered again at another Timed Auction at a later date. If you are interested in a particular work of art, please feel free to contact us. We would be happy to advise you.
When will I receive my invoice?
Your invoice will be sent to your registered email address within approximately two working days. If shortly after the auction you commissioned us with the transport of your artwork, the transport charge will be included in your invoice.
How can I pay?
Upon receipt of your invoice you will find various payment options. Our preferred method of payment is via bank transfer. Payment with credit card (Visa, Mastercard) or EC card is available on site. Payment via Paypal is also available at paypal@grisebach.com
How do I get my artwork?
After we have received your payment, your work of art will be ready to be collected at our logistics service provider in Berlin. Please notify us when you plan to stop by, and we will have the artwork packed and ready for a safe journey home (onlineonly@grisebach.com).
Alternatively, you can arrange for us to transport the artwork to you. Grisebach works with highly specialized transportation companies. Typically, the artworks are sent unframed. This is true even if the artworks have been displayed with a frame during the preview. Some works of art can only be dispatched with a frame. If that should be the case, you will be informed in your shipping instructions.
In some cases, if it is possible and reasonable to determine them in advance, we may predetermine and include shipping costs within the lot’s shipping instructions. If you agree with these conditions, you are welcome to entrust us with the packaging and shipping of your artwork. The transport costs will then be automatically included in your invoice. Please contact us if you need additional information or if you want to request a quote.
Can I collect my purchases myself?
You can personally pick up your artwork at our logistics service provider upon prior arrangement. Then we can have the artwork packed and ready for you to transport it safely to its new home. You can arrange an appointment at onlineonly@grisebach.com. Make sure to specify how we can best reach you.
I have forgotten my password, what should I do?
If you have forgotten your password, you can request to reset it at the login window. Afterwards, a link will be sent to your registered email that will enable you to create a new password.
Further questions?
Our specialists are at your service for all questions regarding the artworks, registration, or transport. Please send your requests to onlineonly@grisebach.com. Let us know how we can best contact you and we will get in touch with you shortly.
