Conditions of Sale, Waivers of Warranty and Limitations of Liability
Registering for and/or placing a bid at auction constitutes the acceptance of and agreement to these Conditions of Sale, Waivers of Warranty and Limitations of Liability (collectively, the “Conditions of Sale”). These Conditions of Sale are binding and enforceable on all bidders and buyers.
1. Bid Price
Each buyer must have an assigned Buyer’s Number prior to bidding. The highest bidder on a lot shall be the buyer of the lot. The purchase price shall be the sum of (1) the price at which the item is sold (hammer price), plus (2) A buyer’s premium of 23% on the sold price of the item, OR an internet buyer’s premium of 28% plus (3) prevailing sales tax unless the purchaser is exempt by law from such taxes.
2. Acceptance Of Bid
As each item is sold, the Auctioneer shall announce the winning bid and the Buyer’s number. Failure of the person assigned to the Buyer’s Number to object at the time of the announcement shall constitute an acknowledgement of the bid and purchase. The purchaser is legally liable to pay for the item or pay the difference if we must re-offer and sell the item for a lower price.
3. Regulation Of Bid
The Auctioneer shall regulate the bidding and shall be the sole arbiter of any disputes. We reserve the right to withdraw property at any time before the sale and reject a bid from any bidder. We assume no responsibility for failure to execute any bid for any reason.
4. Payment And Pickup
Invoices must be paid in full and merchandise picked up within 14 days of the sale. Left items may be moved to an off-site facility for pickup and a storage fee will be charged if merchandise is left longer than 30 days at $100.00 per lot per day. If the property is left longer than 90 days, it will be considered abandoned. We are not responsible for packing and shipping.
5. Phone and Absentee Bid
Phone and Absentee bids are accepted until twenty-one (24) hours prior to the start of the auction for all lots in the auction. A deposit may be requested on absentee bids over $2,000.00. The auctioneer will bid the phone/absentee bid against floor bidders. In the event of a tie, the floor bidder shall prevail. The auction house assumes no responsibility for failure to execute any bid for any reason and absentee bids are made subject to the Conditions of Sale. Phone/Absentee bidders are urged to call after 12 noon on the first weekday following the sale to find out if they were successful. The phone/absentee bidder guarantees to bid on the selected lot(s) at open bid of $500.00, whichever is higher. A deposit may be requested on high value lots. Please note that Internet purchases are not available for pick up till the following day.
6. No Transfer
No lots shall be sold, transferred, or assigned to anyone other than the winning bidder prior to the removal of the lot from China Arts Auction and only the winning bidder shall remove the lot.
7. Risk And Loss
In the event delivery cannot be made because of loss due to fire, theft, or any other reason, China Arts Auction shall only be liable for the return of any deposits or payments made by the purchaser.
8. No Warranty All Items “As Is and Where Is”
China Arts Auction, its agents and employees, and the consignor do not warrant any lot to be merchantable or to be suited for any purchase and they do not assume any risk, liability or responsibility for any persons as to authenticity, genuineness, culture, source, origin, attribution, period, purpose or measurements of any lot.
Condition: Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for any error or omission. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for verification of any labels on the Lot which is come originally from consignors. Absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
We may include a brief note on condition within the catalog description. This does not constitute a complete condition report, China Arts Auction does not warrant any lot to be merchantable or to be suited for any purchase and they do not assume any risk, liability or responsibility for any persons as to authenticity, genuineness, culture, source, origin, attribution, period, purpose or measurements of any lot. Any condition statement is given as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. China Arts Auction assumes no responsibility for any error or omission. Absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging.
9. Right of Decision
Notwithstanding the preceding conditions, if within 21 days of the date of sale of any lot, the original purchaser (a) gives notice in writing to us alleging that the identification of Authorship (as defined below) of such lot is not substantially correct based on a fair reading of the catalogue (including the terms of glossary contained therein), and (b) with 10 days after such notice returns the lots to us in the same condition as at the time of sale and (c) establishes the allegation in the notice to our satisfaction then the sale of such lot will be rescinded and the original purchase price refunded. Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed as an admission by us of any representation of fact, express or implied, obligation or responsibility with respect to any lot. The purchaser’s sole remedy in the physical condition and size, quality, rarity, importance, provenance, exhibition and literature of historical relevance. Although our best judgment is used in attributing paintings, drawings and sculpture created prior to 1870 through the appropriate use of the glossary terms, and due care is taken to ensure the correctness of the supplemental material, the right of rescission does not extend to any possible errors or omissions therein.
10. Payment Method
Debit and Credit Cards (Visa/MasterCard/Amex), Cash, Cashier’s Cheque, Wire Transfer, Personal cheques (items may be held until cheque clears) are accepted, but not for jewelry and watches.
11. Attorney’s Fees
In the event of dispute, arbitration or any other legal action arising from the enforcement or interpretation of these Conditions of Sale, in addition to any other relief permitted by law, the prevailing party shall be entitled to recover their reasonable attorney’s fees and costs.
12. Applicable Law
These Conditions of Sale shall be governed by and construed, interpreted, applied and enforced in accordance with the domestic laws of the State of California as applied to contracts entered into by residents of California and to be performed entirely within the State of California. By participating in any auction subject to these Conditions of Sale, it is agreed that all parties (including but not limited to, the Gallery, bidders, and purchasers) consent irrevocably and exclusively to venue in Los Angeles County in the State of California.
13. Endangered Species
Certain property sold at auction such as Huanghuali, Huali, ivory, rhinoceros horn, tortoise shell, coral or whalebone, irrespective of age or value, may require a certificate or license before exportation and additional certificate or license upon importation to another country. It is your sole responsibility to comply with all export and import regulations relating to your purchases and also to obtain any relevant export and/or import license. Although licenses can be obtained to export some types of endangered species, other types of endangered species may not be exported at all, and other types may not be resold in the United States. Generally, please contact authorized shipper before sale if you require assistance in relation to export regulations.
Please note that the ability to obtain an export certification or license does not ensure the ability to get an import certification or license in another country, and vice versa. The need for import license varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions. The refusal of any import or export license or any delay in obtaining of such licenses shall not permit the rescission of any Sale nor allow any delay in making on-time payment for the lot.
14. Others
By bidding at auction, whether present in person, or by agent, by written bid, telephone or other means, the buyers shall be deemed to have accepted these Conditions of Sale and also accepted China Arts Auction has the right to pursue any remedies in any other jurisdiction in order to recover any outstanding sums due from the buyer. The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to the Condition of Sale, the conduct of the auction and any matters connected shall be governed and interpreted by the State of California laws.
Please Note that All Lots Won Are Final, Non-Refundable and Non-Exchangeable.