Last updated: 15/08/2025
The following terms apply to all users participating in art auctions on Museums.com. By registering as a bidder or listing artwork for auction, you agree to abide by these rules and procedures, which are designed to ensure a fair and secure experience for all participants.
To place a bid, users must register as a buyer on Museums.com. We may request verification of identity or payment method prior to approving access to auctions. Museums.com reserves the right to deny or revoke bidding privileges at its discretion.
Museums.com supports proxy bidding. This means:
◉ You can enter your maximum bid, and the system will automatically increase your bid incrementally to maintain your position as the highest bidder—up to your max.
◉ You’ll only pay the minimum amount necessary to outbid other bidders (not your full max, unless required).
This system is designed to protect bidders and keep auctions competitive without requiring constant manual updates.
Sellers (including artists and galleries) may:
◉ Set a minimum bid, which is the lowest opening amount a bidder can place.
◉ Set a reserve price, which is the minimum amount the seller is willing to accept. If the reserve is not met, the item will not be sold.
Reserve prices are not disclosed to bidders.
To maintain fairness and prevent last-second "sniping," if a bid is placed with less than 5 minutes remaining, the auction clock will automatically extend to 5 additional minutes.
This extension can occur multiple times, ensuring that all interested parties have an opportunity to respond with new bids.
When an auction ends, the highest bidder who meets or exceeds the reserve price is deemed the winner and enters into a binding agreement to complete the purchase.
If a winning bidder fails to pay:
◉ Their account may be suspended or banned from future auctions.
◉ The seller has the option to offer the artwork to the second-highest bidder.
◉ Museums.com may require future bidders to provide verified payment details or deposits before bidding.
Note: While all bids are legally binding, enforcement of non-payment may be limited based on jurisdiction. We recommend serious bidding only.
◉ Auctions over $2,000 USD require escrow through Escrow.com or our cryptocurrency escrow system.
◉ Accepted payment methods: credit card (under $2,000), ACH, wire transfer, Escrow.com, and cryptocurrency (BTC, ETH, USDC, USDT).
Winners must complete payment within 5 business days of the auction closing.
◉ The buyer is responsible for all shipping costs, customs fees, import duties, and applicable taxes.
◉ Sellers are expected to package artwork securely and ship via a reliable, trackable method.
◉ Shipping and insurance terms must be clearly stated on the auction listing.
Museums.com is not liable for shipping delays, customs issues, or damage in transit. We recommend buyers request insured shipping where possible.
Disputes involving damage, misrepresentation, or non-delivery may be submitted while funds are still held in escrow. We offer a structured resolution process, including escalation to Museums.com arbitration, whose ruling will be considered final and binding by both parties.
Users may not:
◉ Bid on their own listings
◉ Engage in collusion with other bidders or sellers
◉ Use multiple accounts to manipulate bidding
◉ Attempt to negotiate outside the auction system
Violations may result in permanent suspension and/or legal consequences.
Museums.com reserves the right to modify auction rules and procedures at any time. Updated terms will be posted here and apply to all future auctions.
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