Question 1

What is an auction house?

Accepted Answer

An auction house is an intermediary between a seller and a buyer. The seller delivers objects such as antiques or other handicrafts to our auction house on commission. Buyers then have the opportunity to bid on the delivered objects in an auction.

Question 2

Where do the objects for the auctions come from?

Accepted Answer

Some of the objects in the auction come from private collections, estates or household liquidations. The auction house itself does not own any art objects!

Question 3

When and where are the auctions held?

Accepted Answer

The auction house Bischoff usually organizes 3 to 4 auctions a year. The auctions take place in the premises "Am Duffesbach 8" in the southern part of Cologne.

You can find all further information about our auctions at:
https://www.auktionshaus-koeln.de/auktion

Question 4

How do I know there's an auction going on?"

Accepted Answer

You can sign up for an email invitation on our website:

https://www.auktionshaus-koeln.de/auktion

Question 5

Is it possible to view the objects before an auction?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you have the opportunity to view all objects that are offered in an auction in advance.

Our preview usually takes place four days before the auction.

It is not necessary to register for the preview!

Question 6

Are previews and auctions public and do I have to pay an entrance fee?

Accepted Answer

Every preview and every auction in the auction house Bischoff is public, without admission and therefore accessible to everyone.

Question 7

Can I just stop by to have a look?

Accepted Answer

In the run-up to an auction, you can only visit our auction house during the preview times.

If you would like to consign objects, you can visit us during regular office and acceptance hours:

Monday to Thursday:
12:00 - 17:00

After consultation, individual appointments are also possible.
Feel free to contact us:
https://www.auktionshaus-koeln.de/kontakt

Question 8

Who is allowed to bid at an auction?

Accepted Answer

To bid at an auction, you must register in advance and be at least 18 years old. Everyone is welcome in our auction house.

Question 9

What does commission mean?

Accepted Answer

In a consignment sale, a middleman is hired to handle the transaction while the actual seller stays in the background. The actual seller receives the sale price minus a fee when the sale is completed at auction.

Question 10

Where can I find the objects that will be auctioned? Is there a sales catalogue?"

Accepted Answer

The auctioned objects will be photographed by us and listed in an auction catalogue.

Under AUCTION the price list is published as a PDF, the photos as a photo gallery and an online auction catalog at Lot-Tissimo.

We work in cooperation with Lot-tissimo.com as a portal for art and antiques auctions, where our auction is also broadcast live.

Question 11

What does limit and estimated price mean?

Accepted Answer

In our auction catalogue, you will find not only the descriptions, but also the limit and estimated price. The objects are examined by experts and a starting price (limit price) is set, which is then called up in the subsequent auction.

Example:
Painting €500 / €750

Mrs. Mustermann delivered a painting from the 19th century to our auction house. The expert estimates that the painting could fetch €750 at the auction. In order to make the lot more appealing for bidders, the painting will be called up below the estimate at the starting price of €500, for example. 
The estimate is based on what the painting might fetch at auction.

Question 12

What are bidder numbers and why do they exist?

Accepted Answer

Each bidder receives a bidder number after registration before the auction begins. This ensures that bidding is anonymous. The auctioneer enters the assigned bidder number when the bid is accepted.

If you have bought several lots, it is easier to assign them using your bidder number.

Question 13

I've never been to an auction house. How can I buy at an auction?

Accepted Answer

Registration as a bidder is free. We offer you various options for acquiring art objects in our auctions.
It is possible to bid on site in the auction room, in writing, by telephone or via the Internet via Lot-Tissimo.

For detailed instructions, go to: BID

Question 14

Can I buy certain objects or have them set aside before the auction?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not possible to reserve or buy desired objects in advance. Our auction house offers every buyer the same opportunity to bid on the desired lot on the day of the auction.

Question 15

What are bidding steps and at what intervals are they made?

Accepted Answer

Bid increments are set amounts within which you can bid.
Example: A ticket is called for €200. The next bidding step would be €220
It is not possible to bid below the next bidding step (e.g. €205).

The bidding takes place in approx. 10% increments:

Question 16

Will the auction be broadcast live on the Internet?

Accepted Answer