How to Sell an Item at Christie's
Christie's was founded in 1766 by James Christie. The company now has offices in 43 countries. Christie's sells items through auctions and consignments. Over 80 categories direct buyers to particular items of interest. Prices begin at $200 and can exceed $80 million.
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Instructions
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Consult Christie's sale categories to see if they handle your item. Click on "Sale categories" at Christie's homepage to view the extensive list of art, collectibles, cars, jewelry, wine and sculpture.
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Click on "Selling" from Christie's homepage and select "How to sell." Read the "Overview" and sidebar to see all their options for sellers.
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Select "Seller's commission" for information about sliding scale, charges for restoration, shipping and catalog illustration. Note rates vary by location--United States, Europe and Asia.
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Click "Saleroom of your choice" in the "Seller's commission" overview for further contact information about rates.
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Choose "Invitation to consign" from the previous page. See the upcoming auctions dates with items for each event.
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Go back and select "Auction estimate request" from the sidebar. Christie's details what you need regarding photos, item dimensions, history of item and appraisal copies. Click "Begin here" to continue. The process includes creating an account.
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Return to the previous page and click on "Private sales" for contact name and email address to arrange a private sale.
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Tips & Warnings
For a complete list of all contacts, phone numbers and emails see "Frequently asked questions" on the sidebar at the "How to sell" page.
You have the option to make an appointment with a sales room in your country for an in-house appraisal of the item you want to sell. Take the piece to the location for a specialist's appraisal.
Christie's typically needs 2 to 3 months before your item goes up for sale.
Whenever an item goes unsold, you have the option of having it returned or considered for another selling event.
Payment arrives around 35 days after the auction.
