We have been collecting art for over 30 years. We have been in many art auctions both on land and sea. We have sailed on all major lines and I also have a BFA degree and have visited all the major museums and galleries worldwide. Therefore, I consider myself an expert in art and collecting. So, that this, let me give you an overview of the purchase of art for a cruise. Each line is different in its approach. For example, Princess Cruises has its own program procedure. Royal Caribbean contract to Park West Galleries, which has offices in Michigan and Florida. There are many others, but let's focus on Park West.

Started with the basics. Buying art at auction is a bidding process and the Park West is no exception. The art is present, usually framed on easels in the public areas of the ship. They may be originals, which are one type or engravings, which may be limited editions of the exact same piece, numbering a few hundred many thousands. Prints can be lithographs, serigraphs, giclee prints and reproductions, to name a few possibilities. Regardless of the media or art, you should know some things before you bid:

• WHO IS THE ARTIST: How well known in the art community?
• Are they alive or dead?
• Is your work in museums?
• Are they still painting or creation?
• WHAT IS THE MEDIUM: A painting, a print?
• A limited edition?
• Is it a reference and how many were made?
• SIGNED? For the artist?
• On the board, as part of a reproduction?
• Or a real pen and ink signatures?
• WHAT IS THE VALUE? Actual and competitive?
• How would you sell on the open market?
• What is the appraised value?
• WHAT IS THE ORIGIN? How Where is it?
• Who is the publisher?
• That was the piece?
• NO It Come frames? Thus, a new framework?
• If not, how is it sent?
• What is the shipping cost?
• Not seen with a letter of authenticity?
• Who issues it and the real work is guaranteed for life?
• If not, what is the refund or return policy?

These are the basic questions. Whether you collect for investment or personal satisfaction that you own a Picasso, you need to know these things. Whether it is the the auction house or dealer, you should always ask these questions. But in the case of Park West, I can answer these questions for you. The framed art is displayed but not sold framed. However, you can buy a frame and also an assessment, at an additional cost. All you get is a certificate of authenticity, with no guarantees that is real or fake. Read the fine print of the contract signing because verbal agreements are not honored. Now, a look at the auction process itself.

Say you are bidding on an artwork of Peter Max. They say it's a silkscreen gallery and has a value of $ 5900. But you can get at auction for $ 3500, a real steal, they say. They could have given a brief biography of Max and why you simply must have a maximum of Peter in his collection. By the way, you are already registered as a bidder and have been assigned a bidding number. You hold your paper numbered and boom! The hammer falls and you say it's yours. Once the auction has ended, then sign the contract and for payment, which now includes a 15% buyers premium plus shipping costs, which are now on the card credit of his vessel.

But suppose you come home and find the same item on eBay for $ 2000. So what? You have no recourse and that are bound by the contract. Whatever you said about its value is almost forgotten, sorry. They also like to make a "mystery" art auction where placed on their backs to you and you bid blindly. Promise that you do not have to buy the piece once turned in sight. This is a silly and stupid idea, but do it anyway. I guess I figure that people love surprises, but not in the auction. Here is a reason for them, please just show us the piece without the games.

They also hold raffles and give away copies of value. Well, they can say they have a value of five or six hundred, but most plates are signed impressions that probably cost them five U.S. dollars a piece when printed by the thousands. Actually do a little more money by charging $ 35 for an evaluation and $ 35 for shipping, which cost ten dollars more to post. Hey, it's a business. Therefore, the idea is to realize that there is no free lunch or tenders to be taken into your auctions. His reserve or minimum bid is what they need to make a profit. Its estimated value is what it might sell for a beginner absolute or the stupidest person in the world. They will say they have compared it with other pieces sold, but I can say anything you would like to hear for sale.

Therefore, should you go to your auctions? Of course! Go to be educated, see art, enjoy one hour of time to drink cheap (very very cheap) champagne when was chosen to offer and maybe win something. However, be prepared to pay $ 35 for shipping your "free" art and understand that value is only a poster almost nothing. I recommend you not buy anything you have not investigated personally. You need to know in advance the price and so my advice is to spend your money elsewhere. Park West Gallery can sell 1000 pieces of each year, but also sold expensive items. Finally, it is entirely your choice how to get your art but let the buyer beware.

Jeffrey Hauser was a sales consultant for the Bell System Yellow Pages for nearly 25 years. He graduated from Pratt Institute with a BFA in Advertising and has a Master’s Degree in teaching. He had his own advertising agency in Scottsdale, Arizona and ran a consulting and design firm, ABC Advertising. He authored a book about his directory years, “Inside the Yellow Pages” which can be seen at his website, http://www.poweradbook.com and he is currently the Marketing Director for [http://www.menuelephant.com] which posts restaurant menus on the “site you’ll never forget.”

1215-GRG-1***Stop My House Auction with UCC-1 paper !

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