Buying Guide

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The Deutscher and Hackett galleries, centrally located in Melbourne and Sydney, are spacious and purpose built for the display of fine art. Our auction viewings are presented as major art exhibitions, carefully designed and beautifully lit, providing art collectors with the opportunity to experience works of art in a perfect exhibition environment. View Deutscher and Hackett gallery locations. 

Pre-auction viewings are scheduled in Melbourne and Sydney over a two week period prior to the auction.

Deutscher and Hackett offer three methods to bid at auction, in addition to bidding live online. For our in-depth guide, click here.

The estimated price range accompanying each lot reflects the opinion of our art specialists as to the hammer price expected for the lot at auction and is informed by realised prices for comparable works as well as the particularities of each lot including condition, quality, provenance and rarity. 

While presale estimates are intended as a guide for prospective buyers, lots can be sold outside of these ranges. Pre-sale estimates include GST (if any) on a lot but do not include the buyer’s premium or other charges where applicable.

The reserve is the minimum price including GST (if any) that the vendor will accept for a lot and below which the lot will not normally be sold. The reserve price, which is confidential, can be any figure up to and including the low-estimate, but will not be higher than the low estimate.

Bidding usually opens below the listed pre-sale estimate and proceeds in the following increments (the auctioneer may vary the bidding increments at his or her discretion):

$500 – 1,000 by $50

$1,000 – 2,000 by $100

$2,000 – 3,000 by $200

$3,000 – 5,000 by $200 / $500 / $800

$5,000 – 10,000 by $500

$10,000 – 20,000 by $1,000

$20,000 – 30,000 by $2,000

$30,000 – 50,000 by $2,000 / $5,000 / $8,000

$50,000 – 100,000 by $5,000

$100,000 – 200,000 by $10,000

$200,000 – 300,000 by $20,000

$300,000 – 500,000 by $20,000 / $50,000 / $80,000

$500,000 – 1,000,000 by $50,000

$1,000,000+ by $100,000

The ‘buyer’s premium’ refers to the 25% charge (including GST) payable by the buyer calculated as a percentage of the hammer price. 

For example, a final hammer price of $10,000 would attract a buyer’s premium of $2,500 (including $227.27 GST). Therefore the total purchase price would be $12,500.

Auctions are conducted on a GST inclusive basis (where GST applies). Buyers are required to pay a 10% G.S.T which sum is:  

1. included in the final bid prices where buying from a GST registered vendor; and 
2. included in any additional fees charged by Deutscher and Hackett; and 
3. added to the buyer’s premium. GST is also payable on some lots. 

This usually occurs when the lot has been consigned by a GST registered entity. A list of these lots is set out in the catalogue. Where GST applies to these lots the final bid price will be inclusive of the applicable GST. 

If a buyer is classified as a “non-resident” for the purpose of GST, the buyer may be able to recover GST paid on the final purchase price if certain conditions are met. 

1. You are not resident in Australia for taxation purposes; 
2. You are not registered or required to be registered for GST in Australia; 
3. You were not in Australia on the day that you agreed to buy the Goods; 
4. You will export the Goods within 60 days of paying any part of the purchase price (excluding a deposit) to us, or within 60 days of receiving an invoice from us, whichever occurs first. 

Should the buyer satisfy these requirements they will be required to sign a GST declaration that Deutscher and Hackett will provide.

Lots are offered for sale on a consecutive basis. Deutscher and Hackett will determine the conduct of the auction at its sole discretion, including the regulation of bidding. Consecutive or responsive bids may be placed by the auctioneer on behalf of the vendor up to the reserve.

The fall of the auctioneer’s hammer indicates the final bid and the buyer assumes full responsibility for the lot from this time.

Deutscher and Hackett will issue an invoice to the successful buyer within 24 hours of the auction. Invoices are usually issued via email. If the buyer has not provided an email address Deutscher and Hackett will endeavour to contact the buyer to determine an alternative arrangement. Payment must be made within seven days of the date of sale irrespective of when the buyer has received the invoice.

The buyer will not acquire title until payment has cleared in full. Interest at a rate of 17.5% p.a. will be charged over outstanding accounts where no extension of terms has been granted. Interest will be payable from the payment due date. With respect to each lot purchased, the buyer agrees to make the following payments within seven days from the date of sale:

1. a. The hammer price.
2. b. In exchange for services rendered by Deutscher and Hackett, a buyer’s premium calculated at 25% (including GST) of the hammer price.
3. c. Post sale packing, handling, shipping and storage where applicable.
4. d. If payment is made via Visa, Mastercard or American Express, any merchant fees payable by Deutscher and Hackett on the transaction as indicated in the prospective buyers and sellers guide.

Collections

Lots paid for in full may be collected from Deutscher and Hackett premises the day after the auction occurs but lots paid for by cheque may not be collected until all funds have cleared. 

Proof of identification is required upon collection and lots not collected within seven days of the sale may incur costs associated with external storage and freight.

Transport & shipping

Deutscher and Hackett offers assistance with services including packing, transport and shipping - this includes obtaining quotes and referrals and making arrangements on behalf of clients as required. We also offer services that include installation and advice on conservation and framing. Deutscher and Hackett does not accept liability for the acts or omissions of contracted third parties. I

f you would like a quote for shipping, or any other services, either prior to or after purchasing a work of art please contact us.

Prospective bidders are advised to enquire about export licences — including endangered species licences and cultural heritage permits, where relevant — prior to bidding at auction. See the National Cultural Heritage Control List for further information or telephone the Cultural Property Section of The Ministry for The Arts on (+61)1800 819 461. The delay or denial of such a licence will not be grounds for a rescission of sale.

Risk in the lot, including risk of loss or damage, will pass to the buyer on either the date payment is due, whether or not it has been made, or on collection by the buyer, whichever is earlier. The buyer is therefore encouraged to make arrangements to ensure comprehensive cover is maintained from the payment due date. 

The buyer assumes risk for the property in all respects from this date and neither Deutscher and Hackett nor the vendor will be liable for loss or damage occurring after the payment due date. The buyer is encouraged to make arrangements to ensure comprehensive cover is maintained from this date. Title in the lot does not pass to the buyer, even if the lot is released to the buyer, until the buyer has paid all sums owing to Deutscher and Hackett. If a buyer makes a claim against Deutscher and Hackett for damage or loss after sale, the buyer’s premium and the final bid price shall be payable notwithstanding.