Purchase Inquiries T here are many ways to buy original works of art. Seasoned collectors buy at auctions or through dealers that bid at auctions for them. Auctions often have the lowest prices, but there are special risks in buying art through auctions. Once art is purchased at auction it it very difficult to return. Also, there is the pressure of bidding in a fast-paced atmosphere and the risk of overpaying in the heat of the chase.
Many collectors buy art through art galleries.
A large number of art galleries who deal in historic art purchase inventory at auctions. Markups of two to two and one-half times from auction price to retail price are common. When buying from an art gallery you may be able to take the artwork home and live with it for a few days with the assurance you can return the art. Galleries often have layaway plans which allow collectors to pay for the art over time. Reputable galleries are interested in educating clients as well as selling art and will spend substantial time with a client helping her or him learn about art that interests them.