Important information for buyers

Paddle bidding
Bidding paddles are obligatory at auctions. You may obtain a bidding paddle from the administration office from half an hour before the auction commences.

Opening times cashier’s office and collection counter
During auctions the cashier’s office and the collection counter are open continuously until half an hour after the auction has finished. However, during the auctioning of furniture no goods can be collected. Any purchased goods shall be collected no later than 7 days after the last day of auction. On expiry of this term the goods will be stored at the expense of the buyer.

Guide price and description
For indication purposes the catalogue states the expected price. It should be noted, however, that this is a rough estimate and that the hammer price at auction may be either higher or lower. All descriptions of auctionable lots have been written to the best of our knowledge and should be considered as opinions rather than absolute, factual statements.

Any defects or restorations are not stated systematically. It is up to the buyers to satisfy themselves as to the condition of the lots.

Absentee bids
If you are unable to be present at auction you may authorise us to bid on your behalf by completing an absentee bid form. You will have to lodge this form with the administration office or fax the form to us. While we do our utmost to bid for you according to your bidding instructions, we disclaim any liability for errors. No charge is made for absentee bids.

Telephone bids

    It is possible place bids by telephone on the following conditions.
  • Telephone bids are accepted only on lots with a minimum estimate of € 500.
  • All telephone bids should be confirmed in writing at least one day before the day of auction.
  • As a result of a limited number of telephone lines timely reservation is desirable. While we register telephone bids to the best of our ability, we disclaim any liability for errors.

Auction pace
Generally, approximately 90-140 lots are auctioned per hour. It is advised to allow both for higher and lower speeds.

Auction hall
The auction hall opens 15 minutes before the auction commences.

    Submissions
  • Biannual Art and Antiques Auction
    Prior to auction until 8 weeks before auction, Monday-Friday from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm, excluding auction weeks.
  • General Art and Antiques Auction
    Prior to auction until 5 weeks before auction, Monday-Friday from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm, excluding auction weeks.
  • General and Curiosities Auction
    Prior to auction until 2 weeks before auction, Monday-Friday from 9.00 am – 4.30 pm, excluding auction weeks.

    Valuation rates
  • 1. Verbal valuations Valuations at auction are free of charge. For other verbal valuations the following rates apply. Small numbers at the collection counter: free of charge. Valuations at home: € 75 for the first hour or part thereof, € 50 for any subsequent hours, plus travel expenses of € 0.50 per kilometre with a minimum of € 12, excluding VAT.
  • 2. Written valuations The following rates apply to official valuation reports. Written valuation at the desk: € 60 per half an hour. Other written valuations: € 160 for the first hour or part thereof, € 50 for any subsequent half hours, plus travel expenses of € 0.50 per kilometre with a minimum of € 12, excluding VAT.
    Auction rates
  • 1. Seller's commission (per lot):
    Hammer price < € 1.500 18% all in
    Hammer price > € 1.500 12% all in
  • 2. Buyer's commission (per lot):
    Hammer price < € 15.000 27.5% all in
    Hammer price > € 15.000 21.5% all in

The above rates apply to all auctions, unless announced otherwise.

If illustrations are included in the catalogue, the following photo costs will be charged to the sender:
Several objects on one photo: € 15.
Photo of one object: € 35.

    Payment methods
  • 1. Cash in euros, up to a maximum of € 10,000. This maximum also applies to payment in instalments.
  • 2. Pay by PIN.
  • 3. By bank transfer to account number 53.35.40.666.

Resale Right
A resale right applies to original works of art created by living artists (at the time of auction) who are citizen or resident of any of the EU or EEA countries or of any other country where similar resale rights apply.

Like other Dutch auction houses, B.V. Venduehuis de Notarissen in The Hague recovers the statutory resale royalty from the buyer and takes care of financial processing.

The resale royalty is based on the sale price including buyer’s premium (excluding VAT), starting from € 3000 and is comprised of the following percentages:

  • > € 3,000 < € 50,000 4%
  • > € 50,000 < € 200,000 3%
  • > € 200,000 < € 350,000 1%
  • > € 350,000 < € 500,000 0.5%
  • > € 500,000 0.25%
    • (to a maximum of € 12,500)