Online art auctions and traditional, in person auctions are two different methods of buying and selling art. Both options have their advantages and shortcomings, and the best option will largely depend on your own needs, expectations and preferences. Below, explore the difference between online and traditional art auctions to help you decide which option is the best fit for you.
Online vs Traditional Auctions
As the name suggests, online art auctions take place online! This digitised version of the traditional art auction lists items or collections for auction. Online bidders will place bids and keep up to date with the status of their offer via email. If they are the winner, they will pay for their piece and organise the shipping or collection plans with the artist or the platform.
Physical art auctions are set on a specific date at a location, where individuals will attend at the set time. An auctioneer will run the session, and bidders will place their offers using a paddle or other signal object. Bids continue until there is only one individual bidder, who will then be declared the winner. This individual will pay for their item on the day and they will either organise separate shipping, third party collection or they will take the piece home with them after the event.
These are two vastly different means of procuring art during an auction, with the online platform offering a host of fresh benefits that sets it apart from traditional methods of auction.
Online Art Auctions Benefits
One of the most significant benefits of an online art auction is convenience. Online art auctions can be accessed from any device, anywhere in the country, as long as you have an internet connection. Buyers and sellers can participate as and why they want to, and take their time to make considered, strategic decisions that can give them an edge and lead them to the winning position! Buyers can enjoy more opportunities to find the right items for them, with a whole world of different auctions on offer from fine art to bronze sculptures, traditional woven rugs, homewares, estate sales and more. Another benefit of online art auctions is that they generally involve a minimised level of fees, commissions and more seamless shipping processes, with promotions and guides available to help buyers to maximise their resources. The excitement of the auction manifests in notifications instead of atmosphere, and buyers can interact with an auction whenever they please.
In person traditional auctions are usually more expensive than online auctions, and they will feature higher fees and commissions. Buyers also have to arrange for availability on the date of the auction and they must organise their own shipping and collection on top of payment for their piece. Plus, their desired pieces might not appear on the day so they might find that attending the auction was not worth their time.
In conclusion, online art auctions carry a host of benefits that the modern buyer can enjoy from the comfort and convenience of their home. Discover online art auctions to transform your bidding and buying process today.
