How to buy furniture and art objects online?

The health crisis we are experiencing has stimulated the online art market and opened access to furniture and works of art to a much wider audience. Even though the art market in general has been severely impacted by the crisis, with the cancellation of fairs, exhibitions, and shows, as well as the closure of auction houses and galleries, it has managed to recover by increasing online sales for those who have implemented a digital strategy .

This favorable trend in the online art market is also based on a renewed interest in furniture and objets d'art, as we explained in our previous article . Digital transformation is becoming a priority for all market players. However, the sheer number of websites, platforms, and objects for sale makes online research and purchasing tedious, time-consuming, and risky. Is it more advantageous to buy from private individuals, at auction houses, on specialized websites, or directly from an online gallery? Which solution will guarantee you the best service? The best value for money? We decided to analyze each online art purchasing channel for you.

Buying directly from individuals:

The economical but time-consuming and very risky solution.

Today, it's possible to buy antiques and furniture directly from individuals on platforms like LeBoncoin. While this is certainly the least expensive option, it requires a tremendous amount of research. You need a keen eye to find valuable pieces, given the poor quality of the photos provided. The items are very often in poor condition and require extensive restoration; parts are often even missing. The risk of being scammed is also very high, and the logistics of transport are almost always your responsibility, uncertain and laborious. Even though this purchasing channel is the most financially advantageous, by cutting out the middleman, it doesn't include any services and risks costing you dearly in terms of time and energy.

Online auctions: 

The uncertain option if you are not knowledgeable.

It is also possible to find some truly beautiful pieces at auctions , a channel already widely used by dealers, collectors, and connoisseurs. Even though access to auctions has become increasingly accessible to the general public with the development of online sales, the research process remains extremely time-consuming and requires an expert eye to assess the condition of the objects. Indeed, the photos are often of poor quality, the descriptions brief, and many objects require restoration. Furthermore, the time for reflection is very short, and you cannot benefit from any cooling-off period. As for transport, it is always at your expense, and since auction houses are mainly located outside of major cities, the cost can be high and the logistics complex. All in all, this option is likely to cost you more than it seems if you are not knowledgeable about auctions, not to mention the buyer's premium, which varies between 25 and 30%.

Specialized platforms: 

Choosing security at a higher price

Today, numerous platforms connect you with sellers and act as trusted intermediaries. This solution is often considered more reassuring for buyers, and their user-friendly interfaces make navigation easier: items are sorted and cataloged. However, this type of platform has some drawbacks. They remain dependent on the quality of service provided by the sellers they list, whether in terms of the condition of the items, their authenticity, the quality of the photos, or even the delivery and logistics services. Furthermore, this option is more expensive, as these platforms take a commission, adding approximately 20% to the seller's price, to compensate them for their service.

Some platforms, such as Proantic, do not take a commission on sales but assume no responsibility in the event of a dispute with the merchants. Therefore, you are subject to varying sales conditions and levels of service depending on the merchants you interact with.

Buy directly from online antique galleries: 

A tailor-made solution with complete service from start to finish

This solution allows you to access a personalized service , take the time to reflect, obtain the fairest negotiated prices and expert advice... provided you find the right galleries and check their reputation !

To assess the reliability of an online gallery , it is important to verify that it meets the following criteria:

- A wide catalogue of quality objects , pre-selected by experts for their beauty, authenticity and state of preservation

- A positive rating and comments on " Google Reviews "

- A high-quality website with professional photos that allow you to get a precise idea of ​​each item (their colors, dimensions, defects...) and documented descriptions.

- Personalized advice from specialists who respond to your questions in the shortest possible time and provide a detailed condition report as well as a certificate of authenticity.

- The possibility of benefiting from a withdrawal period in order to make your purchases in complete peace of mind and to return them easily and free of charge if they do not suit you.

- delivery service and custom packaging to ensure safe transport to your doorstep.

This comprehensive, tailor-made service solution will allow you to shop online with complete peace of mind and at the best price!