Ready to start your journey with Barridoff?
We are specifically interested in paintings, drawings, photography, prints, and sculptures from Old Masters through Contemporary artists with special interest paid to works by Maine artists or Maine themes.
Unfortunately we do not accept requests directly from artists at this time. As an auction house, we deal with the secondary market involving the resale of art, which is often no longer owned by the artist. Unless you are an established artist on the secondary market, the value of your art would be better ascertained by galleries that specialize in representing artists in a retail environment.
Step 1 - Request an evaluation
The virtual evaluation form is easy to complete and enables you to submit photos and information for review and receive a free estimate of auction value.
Step 2 - Receive your estimates
Once your submission has been processed, it will enter the queue to be evaluated by one of our Fine Art Specialists. Once the evaluation is complete, you will receive an Evaluation Report by email. If we determine that your property is an appropriate fit for inclusion in an upcoming auction - and if you would like to proceed with consignment - we will assign estimates, professionally photograph, catalog, and market your property to an international audience of prospective buyers. We are happy to provide an auction estimate free of charge whether or not the item is ultimately consigned in a Barridoff auction.
The high and low estimates given for an item are solely a guideline based upon our approximation as to the range within which a piece may be sold for at auction after careful market research. An estimate is not a statement of value or selling price of an item and we make no guarantee, representation or agreement as to the value or selling price of an item more than our opinion of the item’s possible value on the open market.
Our estimates are similar to what your real estate broker would determine your home may go for when you list it on the market. This is opposed to a formal art appraisal, which is similar to the real estate appraisal a bank would require to provide a mortgage for the property. We can provide information and rates if you are seeking a formal art appraisal for tax, insurance, or estate distribution purposes. But for purposes of auction, the estimate can best be called an educated guess and is meant to guide the seller in the setting of reserves and estimates on items and the buyer in planning their bidding strategy.
Step 3 - Consign with Barridoff
If we accept your property for inclusion in an upcoming auction, we will contact you to arrange for receipt of the artwork. Shipping is the seller’s responsibility. The seller’s contract sets the reserve price, the estimates, and the seller’s commission. For sold lots, Barridoff will send payment within 35 days of receipt of the buyer’s payment. Your payment will be based on the hammer price less the commission, other fees, and any agreed-upon expenses. Barridoff does not charge a commission or fees for works that do not sell.
After the auction, for sold lots, the buyer is responsible for shipping. For unsold lots, it is the seller’s responsibility to arrange for shipment or pickup of the remaining items.