The Bid Department offers various methods of buying at auction: in person, absentee bidding, via telephone and through the Internet. You will need to sign up for each auction or simply attend the sale if you plan to bid in person. New clients do not need to set up an account before bidding as one will be created for you upon initial registration.

Our specialists will provide a condition report on any specific work of art at the bidder’s request.
Payment information New York Auctions | PDF - 64K
Payment information London Auctions | PDF - 64K
Shipping form New York | PDF - 80K
Shipping form London | PDF - 194K

In Person
If you are able to attend the auction, you may bid in-person. Please register for a paddle in advance by filling out our pre-registration form.
Registration form New York Auctions | PDF - 32K
Registration form London Auctions | PDF - 49K

Absentee and Telephone Bidding
If you cannot attend an auction and wish to bid, you can complete the bid form for either Absentee or Telephone Bidding and fax the completed form to the fax number stated at the top of the form or scan and email to bids@phillipsdepury.com. For Absentee Bids, Phillips de Pury & Company will execute your bid(s) and attempt to purchase the lot for you at the lowest price, allowing for other bids and reserves. For Telephone Bids, we will contact you during the sale, and a saleroom representative will bid live with you over the phone. All bid amounts do not include the Buyer’s Premium and any applicable sales tax.
Bid form New York Auctions | PDF - 87K
Bid form London Auctions | PDF - 56K

Online Bidding
Phillips de Pury & Company offers clients the ability to watch auctions online and place real-time bids through our dynamic live bidding platform. You must register to bid live 24 hours in advance of the sale in order for the bid department to approve your registration. To bid online from a PC or MAC you must have Flash installed.

Buyer's Premium
This is the amount of money automatically added to the “hammer price” and paid by the successful bidder as part of the purchase price.
· United States (USD): (i) 25% of the hammer price up to and including $50,000, (ii) 20% of the portion of the hammer price above $50,000 up to and including $1,000,000 and (iii) 12% of the portion of the hammer price above $1,000,000.
· United Kingdom (GBP): (i) 25% of the hammer price up to and including £25,000, (ii) 20% of the portion of the hammer price above £25,000 up to and including £500,000 and (iii) 12% of the portion of the hammer price above £500,000.  In addition, VAT may be payable on the buyer’s premium and/or hammer price. In certain circumstances, the Artist’s Resale Right is also payable as part of the purchase price.

In addition, the buyer must pay all applicable sales, use and excise taxes.

The Reserve
Most lots sold at auction are subject to a reserve, which is the confidential minimum price at which the property may be sold and which will never exceed the low-presale estimate printed in the catalogue. The reserve price is known only to the consignor and Phillips de Pury & Company. Lots offered with no reserve are noted in the catalogue with a symbol after the estimate price. 

Conditions of Sale & Guide for Prospective Buyers
Buyers are urged to read Phillips de Pury & Company’s Conditions of Sale prior to bidding at any auction. Particular attention should be given to any symbols displayed next to a lot in the catalogue. An explanation of all symbols is always printed in the Guide for Prospective Buyers, which appears immediately preceding the Conditions of Sale at the back of the auction catalogue.

In reference to our New York sales, please refer to our Conditions of Sale and Guide for Prospective Buyers:
Conditions of Sale | PDF - 84K
Guide for Prospective Buyers  | PDF - 56K

In reference to our London sales, please refer to our Conditions of Sale, Guide for Prospective Buyers, and VAT Guide for Buyers:
Conditions of Sale | PDF - 88K
Guide for Prospective Buyers | PDF - 68K
VAT Guide for Buyers | PDF - 205K