How to Bid: Step-by-Step Guide

1 : Timed Auction - 2 : Live Auction

To ensure a secure and professional bidding environment, Auction Lisbon uses a two-step registration process. Please follow these instructions carefully to ensure your bids are accepted.

1 - Timed Auction

Step 1: Register on The Saleroom

All bidding for our Timed Auctions takes place exclusively on The Saleroom platform.

  • Find our current catalogue and click on "Register to Bid".

  • Please note: You cannot place bids directly on the Auction Lisbon website for Timed Auctions.

Step 2: Account Validation & Identity Verification

Once you have registered on The Saleroom, our team will review your application. To be fully approved, you must complete your profile on our official website:

  1. Register an account at www.auction-lisbon.com.

  2. Upload a copy of your ID (Identity Card or Passport) via our secure portal.

  • Data Security: Your documents are encrypted and stored on our highly secure servers, used solely for auction compliance.

Step 3: The 24-Hour Deadlline

To guarantee the integrity of the sale, all identity verifications must be completed at least 24 hours before the auction closes.

⚠️ Important: If your ID has not been provided or verified within this timeframe, we will be forced to decline your registration on The Saleroom, and you will be unable to place any further bids.


Alternative Bidding Methods

If you prefer not to bid online via The Saleroom, you can still participate through:

  • Written Commission Bids: Leave us your maximum bid, and we will execute it for you.

  • Telephone Bidding: Contact us to arrange a live phone call during the closing phase of the lots (subject to availability).

  • Contact: [email protected]


Understanding the "Timed Auction" Format

A Timed Auction is a modern, online-only auction format. Unlike a traditional live auction with an auctioneer, the "clock" is the judge. Here is how it works:

1. The Bidding Window (Start to Finish)

  • The Start: The auction opens for bidding on a specific date (e.g., February 1st). From this moment, you can browse the catalogue and place bids at any time of the day or night.

  • Leading Bids: You can see the current high bid on each lot. If you are outbid, you will receive an automatic email notification from The Saleroom allowing you to react.

2. The Sequential Closing (The Finale)

  • Staggered End Times: Lots do not all close at the exact same time. Usually, they close one after another (e.g., Lot 1 closes at 6:00 PM, Lot 2 at 6:01 PM, etc.).

  • Watch the Countdown: Each lot has its own individual countdown timer. Make sure to monitor the specific lots you are interested in as the end time approaches.

3. The "Soft Close" Rule (No Sniping)

To ensure fairness and replicate the atmosphere of a real auction room, we use a "Soft Close" system:

  • Last-Minute Bids: If a bid is placed within the last 30 seconds of a lot’s scheduled closing time, the countdown for that specific lot will automatically reset to 30 seconds.

  • Fair Opportunity: This extension continues as long as there is active bidding. It prevents "sniping" (where someone tries to steal a lot in the very last second) and gives every bidder a fair chance to place a counter-bid, just like a "Going once, going twice..." in a live room.

4. The Result

  • Once the timer for a lot reaches zero without any further bids, the lot is Sold. You will receive an invoice from Auction Lisbon shortly after the entire auction has concluded.

 

1.2 Registration & Bidding Limits

To participate, all bidders must register and verify their identity through our website.

  • Standard Authorization: Once your account is validated, you are automatically authorized to bid up to €20,000.

  • Limit Increases: To increase your bidding limit beyond this amount, please contact Mindy Van Aldere at [email protected] for prior approval.

1.3 Buyer’s Premium & Taxes

When calculating your final bid, please keep the following in mind:

Buyer’s Premium: 18% premium is added to the hammer price.

VAT: Portuguese VAT (23%) is applicable as per local regulations.

Terms: Please consult our full Terms & Conditions at www.auction-lisbon.com.

 

1.4 Payment Terms

Timely payment ensures a smooth transition of ownership:

  • Due Date: Payments are due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.

  • Extended Terms: Any requests for extended payment terms must be submitted and formally accepted before the auction begins.

  • Credit Card Payments: Processing fees apply for all credit card transactions and are the responsibility of the buyer.

2 - How to Bid |  Live Auction

Participating in our art sale is seamless. Whether you are joining us locally in Lisbon or from across the globe, here is everything you need to know to secure your favorite lots.

2.1. Bidding Methods

We offer several convenient ways to participate in the sale:

  • Live Online Bidding: Bid in real-time via the Auction Lisbon Live platform or through Invaluable.com - the saleroom - Lottissimo

    Note: A 5% platform fee applies for all online bidding.

  • Telephone Bidding: Speak directly with one of our representatives during the auction to place your bids live over the phone.

  • Absentee Bids (Commission Bids): If you cannot attend, leave your maximum bid with us in advance. Our team will execute it on your behalf, ensuring you stay competitive without exceeding your limit.

2.2 Registration & Bidding Limits

To participate, all bidders must register and verify their identity through our website.

  • Standard Authorization: Once your account is validated, you are automatically authorized to bid up to €20,000.

  • Limit Increases: To increase your bidding limit beyond this amount, please contact Mindy Van Aldere at [email protected] for prior approval.

2.3 Buyer’s Premium & Taxes

When calculating your final bid, please keep the following in mind:

Buyer’s Premium: 22% premium is added to the hammer price.

VAT: Portuguese VAT (23%) is applicable as per local regulations.

Terms: Please consult our full Terms & Conditions at www.auction-lisbon.com.

 

2.4 Payment Terms

Timely payment ensures a smooth transition of ownership:

  • Due Date: Payments are due immediately upon receipt of the invoice.

  • Extended Terms: Any requests for extended payment terms must be submitted and formally accepted before the auction begins.

  • Credit Card Payments: Processing fees apply for all credit card transactions and are the responsibility of the buyer.