Frequently Asked Questions
If you're looking to acquire unique, limited-edition art and support a charitable cause, participating in an Art on a Postcard (AoAP) auction is a wonderful way to do so. Here’s an in-depth guide on the auction process, rules, and what you can expect as a bidder.
How Can I Bid in an Auction?
Before placing a bid in an auction, you’ll need to register. During registration, AoAP will request relevant information to complete necessary due diligence checks. Please note that AoAP reserves the right to refuse any participant’s entry into the auction.
Can I Cancel My Bid?
Once a bid is placed, it cannot be retracted. So, be certain before you bid!
For any additional questions, feel free to contact us at info@artonapostcard.com.
Can I See the Artwork in Person?
Yes! You’re welcome to view the artworks in person at our Private Views, which are scheduled during the auction period.
If I Am the Winning Bidder, What Happens Next?
Once the auction concludes, winning bidders will have their artworks shipped from: Art on a Postcard, Unit 14, 15-17 Ingate Place, Nine Elms, London SW8 3NS
All artworks are sent via insured shipping, covering an appropriate amount. You can purchase Insured Shipping via this link: https://artonapostcard.com/products/auction-postage?_pos=1&_psq=INSUREDS&_ss=e&_v=1.0
Please allow up to 14 working days for UK shipping and up to 30 working days for international addresses.
What Payment Methods Are Accepted?
We accept both Credit Card payments and Bank Transfers.
How Long Does It Take to Ship an Item?
Artworks are sent via insured shipping within 14 working days for UK addresses and 30 working days for international addresses.
Can I Collect My Artwork in Person?
Yes, you can arrange for personal collection via this link: https://artonapostcard.com/products/collect-in-person
Where Do the Proceeds Go?
Proceeds from our auction are donated to charity, supporting causes such as The Hepatitis C Trust, which works toward eliminating hepatitis C in the UK by 2030.
Charity Registration No: 1104279
Company No: 05069924
Scotland Registration No: SCO39914
Can I Resell or Reproduce an Artwork?
The reproduction, duplication, or resale of works is strictly prohibited. Violating this policy risks our relationships with artists and threatens the charitable work AoAP supports. Legal action will be taken against violators.
Auction Payment Protocol
Once you’ve won a bid, here’s a step-by-step overview of the payment process:
- Auction Closure Confirmation: Winning bidders will receive an email confirming their winning bid.
- Details Confirmation: AoAP will contact you within 24 hours of the auction’s end to confirm your details, including your shipping address (please note, this will not include the invoice yet).
- Invoice Issuance: Your invoice will arrive within three working days.
- First Reminder: Two days after the initial invoice, AoAP will send a reminder email.
- Second Reminder: Four days after the initial invoice, a second reminder will be sent.
- Alternate Contact Methods: If no response is received within six days, AoAP will attempt to contact you by telephone.
- Overdue Payment Notice: Eight days after the initial invoice, if no payment has been received, an ‘Overdue Payment’ email will be sent with a 48-hour deadline.
- Account Restriction: If the payment deadline is missed, your account will be banned from the auction platform, and the next highest bidder will be contacted.
For any payment-related questions, reach out to info@artonapostcard.com.
Auction Terms and Conditions
1. Bidding and Buying
- Registration: All prospective bidders must register with relevant information to complete due diligence checks. AoAP may refuse participation at its discretion.
- Bidding Compliance: By participating, you confirm your bids are free of collusion and comply with English and Welsh law.
- Correct Information: It’s the bidder’s responsibility to ensure accuracy in their online form submissions.
2. The Auction
- Reserve Price: Works are subject to a reserve price.
- Currency: The auction will be conducted in GBP. International buyers are responsible for any currency exchange rate differences.
- Bid Refusal and Withdrawal: AoAP reserves the right to refuse bids, withdraw works, or re-offer works if there’s an error or dispute during the sale.
- Sale Closure: The highest bidder at auction close becomes the purchaser, finalizing the sale contract with AoAP.
3. Payment
- Bid Price: The final bid price is the total amount due, payable immediately upon invoice receipt. A 3% commission will be added to cover transaction fees and support our charitable efforts.
- Title Transfer: Ownership of the artwork transfers only upon full payment of cleared funds.
- Account Holder Payment: Only the registered account holder for the winning bid can complete the payment.
- Shipping Fees: Any fees incurred during shipping are the buyer’s responsibility.
4. Shipping
- Shipping Origin: Works ship from AoAP’s office at Ingate Place, London.
- Insured Shipping: Artworks are sent with appropriate insurance. All shipping fees are buyer’s responsibility. Items cannot be undervalued or marked for purposes other than ‘sale’ to avoid taxes.
5. Failure to Pay, Collect, and Cancellation of Sale
- Postage Payment Requirement: If postage remains unpaid for three months after the bid price is paid, the sale is valid, but VAT exemption no longer applies.
- Sale Cancellation: If postage remains unpaid after six months, the sale is canceled, and all payments become donations to The Hepatitis C Trust.
- Underbidder Opportunity: In cases of non-payment, the artwork may be offered to the next highest bidder or re-auctioned later.
- Sale Rescission: AoAP reserves the right to rescind a sale if there’s doubt about the seller’s ownership of the artwork.
- Account Blacklisting: Failure to pay within six months may lead to permanent auction platform restrictions.
6. Reselling or Reproducing Artwork
- No Reproduction: Reselling, reproducing, or duplicating AoAP works is prohibited. Violations will lead to legal action and auction platform restrictions.
By adhering to these guidelines, you’ll be able to participate fully in the AoAP auction process, supporting both the artists and the charitable work made possible through these sales.
For further inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact AoAP at info@artonapostcard.com.
