The Risks of Buying Fine Art Online

More often than not, when buying something new, customers will search the internet for what they’re looking for. Buying online is incredibly common nowadays and in today’s modern world, you can get almost anything online, from food and electronics to jewellery and cars. While it may be convenient, you need to be cautious when shopping online, especially when buying high-value, antique items like fine art. 

Whether you’re buying drawings, paintings or sculptures, it’s important to be aware of the risks of buying online. Instead of shopping via marketplaces and independent websites, it’s much more beneficial to buy fine art at auctions. Even seasoned collectors can make mistakes when buying online and it’s often best to be cautious when it comes to fine art. Below we have explored the risks of buying fine art online and why auctions are a better option to explore. 

The Risks of Buying Fine Art Online. 

One of the main risks of buying antiques like fine art online is the potential of encountering counterfeit pieces. Without the ability to physically inspect the artwork yourself, it can be incredibly difficult to verify its authenticity. Unfortunately, while high-resolution images are useful to review, they don’t always provide the detail and subtleties you need. You can’t check the brushwork or texture, for example, and the key details that indicate whether a piece is genuine or not are easy to miss when shopping online. 

Another major concern is the lack of provenance. It isn’t uncommon to not be provided with information about the history of ownership or documentation that comes with a piece of art. When buying online, this crucial information can sometimes be falsified too, causing uncertainty about the artwork’s legitimacy and real value. Ultimately, you need to be incredibly careful whenever you’re browsing fine art online, especially if you’re unable to review a piece yourself in person before handing over any money. 

Why Buy at Fine Art Auctions Instead

Since buying fine art online can be so risky, many collections prefer to shop via auctions. Reputable auction houses, like Hutchinson Scott, provide a more secure and transparent buying process and here’s why fine art auctions are a preferable option; 

• Expert Verification - Auction houses like Hutchinson Scott have a team of experts to verify the authenticity of each piece, ensuring counterfeit pieces aren’t being sold as originals. A thorough examination ensures you are investing in genuine artworks, reducing the risk of problems should you decide to sell them in the future.
• Provenance Documentation - When buying at auction, you will have access to any provenance information available, ensuring you understand the history of the artwork. This transparency provides complete peace of mind and you can make an investment in confidence knowing the artwork’s background and previous ownership.
• Detailed Condition Reports - Every lot in an upcoming auction will have a detailed condition report that outlines things like the condition of the artwork and any previous restorations. If you’re unable to view the sale in person, reading the condition report can give you an insight into the antique you’re interested in buying. 
• Pre-Sale Estimates - At auctions, estimates are prepared in advance and they can provide you with a guideline when you’re buying fine art. These estimates will give you a realistic idea of the artwork's current market value, helping you make strategic bidding decisions during the auction and ensuring the piece is a good investment. 

Bidding Online with Auction Houses

You may not realise it, but many auction houses have online bidding platforms, enabling you to enjoy the convenience of buying fine art online. This combines the ease of online shopping with the security of traditional auctions and also enables you to explore what’s being sold at auctions all over the country. When you bid online with a reputable auction house, you can benefit from everything mentioned above from the comfort of your own home. 

At Hutchinson Scott, we offer live online bidding with no additional fees, so you can participate in the auction as it happens. You also have the option to leave a maximum bid before the auction day via our website. The auctioneer will then bid on your behalf, hopefully allowing you to secure the lot you’re interested in for the least amount of money. If you are unable to attend the sale, you also can place commission bids or bid over the telephone. This approach offers the best of both worlds, combining convenience with the trustworthiness of traditional auctions.

Looking for Fine Art Auctions?

Ultimately, while online shopping is so common nowadays, when you’re investing in antique items there are risks to be aware of. More often than not, it’s much more beneficial to buy fine art online via reputable auction houses and you can ensure you’re spending your money wisely on pieces that will be a good addition to your collection. 

At Hutchinson Scott, we make it easy to participate in our auctions, no matter where you’re located. Bidding online via our website couldn’t be easier and you can find out everything you need to know about our upcoming auctions on our website. As an independent, family-run business we take pride in our fine art auctions, and we are committed to providing a professional service to all potential customers. If you have any questions about buying with Hutchinson Scott, don’t hesitate to contact us today.