FAQs

FAQs

How can I obtain the results from an auction?

First you must register with our site, in order to have access to this information. After registration, you should click on “AUCTIONS” and then on “FINISHED AUCTIONS” and consult the results of each auction. The results are normally made available immediately after the auction is closed. You can also obtain the results by telephone: +351 213 242 980 or contact-us here.

If I don’t register in your site, what information may I consult?

You can consult all information about forthcoming auctions, except for the respective results.

How many auctions does Palácio do Correio Velho organise per year and when?

We organise around 15 auctions per year, with themes varying between Antiques, Modern and Contemporary Art, Books and Manuscripts, Wines and Collectors’. We are open between September and July.

What are Collectors auctions?

These are more informal auctions that present a wide variety of items at especially attractive prices, normally below € 500, without any reserve price. “Collectors” auctions are ideal for finding a special gift or a decorative item for your home.

What is the reserve price of a lot?

This is the minimum price for which Palácio do Correio Velho is authorised to sell a specific lot. In most cases, the reserve price is equal to the value of the minimum estimate, except for Collectors, Wines or Books auctions, or occasional specific cases.

I would like to know the value of my items, but I don’t want to sell them in an auction. What should I do?

If you need a valuation of your items, in particular for insurance purposes or for property divisions, please schedule a visit to our premises, bringing the item(s) that you would like to be valued. Palácio do Correio Velho will provide you with a written valuation, in the form of an itemised list, that will specify the estimates and reserve price of each item. You may consult the cost of this valuation in this site, in VALUATIONS.

I have decided to sell my items in an auction. What kind of valuation do you provide and what are the associated valuation costs?

Palácio do Correio Velho will draw up an itemised catalogue and assign an estimate to each item for the auction. This valuation, for sale in the auction, will be provided free of charge to the person placing the item for auction.

If, after receiving the valuation, I decide that I no longer want to put my items up for auction, will I have to pay anything to Palácio do Correio Velho?

Yes, you will have to pay the valuation cost, in accordance with the prevailing price list.

The item(s) that I would like to be evaluated are difficult to transport, or are located outside Lisbon. How can they be evaluated?

In this case, you may send photographs, together with the items’ dimensions and other relevant aspects and Palácio do Correio Velho will provide you with an informal preliminary opinion concerning the estimates. This opinion, based upon photographic analysis is not binding and may be altered in the presence of the items.
We can also travel to the location where the items are kept, in order to make a formal valuation, wherein the respective valuation and travel expenses may be charged for.

I have decided to put my items up for auction, but I don’t know how to transport them to Palácio do Correio Velho. What are my options?

In this case, we can advise you in relation to one or more transporters who will then provide you with a budget for carrying out this service, that must be paid at the time of transport or will be subsequently deducted from the sale value of your items in the auction.

What costs will I have to pay to put my items up the auction?

The cost of selling an item in an auction is essentially the sales commission - that will be previously agreed with you. In addition to this commission, you will also be charged an insurance fee for the items, at the rate of 1%. In function of the estimates of each item and the dimensions of the catalogue photograph, you will also be charged a catalogue illustration fee. The sales commission and other costs will only be charged after the auction has been held.

I’ve sold my items. When will I receive payment?

In the event of a sale and receipt of the full sale price from the buyer(s), payment will be made 30 days after the date of the last auction session.

What are the advantages of buying in an auction?

First and foremost, you can find unique and extraordinary items, that you are unlikely to find anywhere else. Ranging from furniture to jewellery, you can find old and original items, often at lower prices than those practised in retail outlets. Finally, each of the items has been studied and classified by Palácio do Correio Velho’s specialists and if you ever become tired of your purchase, we can help you sell it in a future auction.

How can I be certain that I will be making a good purchase?

Palácio do Correio Velho has been operating in the antiques market since 1989 and has forged an unparalleled reputation in terms of reliability and knowledge. Our specialists have in-depth knowledge of the criteria used to determine the value of each item and prepare their estimates in accordance with these criteria. If you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact us.

How can I present a bid for one or more lots?

You can present your bid(s) or make a telephone bid via our website, after registration of your details. Bids are also accepted by e-mail, fax, post or delivered to our head office. For this purpose, you should complete and sign the “Absentee / Telephone Bidding Slip”, which is available in our site and also in the auction catalogues and in our premises.

What if I can’t attend an auction?

The quickest way is to register your bid or telephone bid request via our website. Alternatively, you can use the “Ordem de Compra / Licitação Telefónica”, which is printed in all our auction catalogues. You simply have to indicate the lot(s) that you are interested in bidding for, the maximum price you’re willing to pay and then fill in your personal details and send the slip to our offices, by e-mail, fax, post, or deliver it to reception during the exhibition. We will then represent you in the auction, when the lot(s) you have selected are put up for sale. (We will attempt to buy the lot for the lowest possible price and will never exceed your maximum price). Don’t forget that your bid of telephone bid request must be sent up to four hours before the scheduled auction.

My bids were successful and I purchased various lots. How will I know how much I have to pay?

You’re a buyer! You can determine the final amount of your purchase by summing up the hammer prices plus the respective buyer’s commissions. You will be sent an itemised invoice for your purchases.

When do I have to pay for my purchases and what payment methods are available?

Payment should be made up until 5 working days after the date on which the auction was held. Palácio do Correio Velho accepts cheques, bank transfers, Multibanco ATM or cash (subject to certain restrictions).

How do I withdraw the items that I have purchased?

After full payment of the invoice of your purchases, you can directly withdraw the items from Palácio do Correio Velho’s premises or request that your transporter do this on your behalf. If you would like, we can provide you with the contacts of one or more transporters who offer this service.

Do I have to pay storage costs for the items I have purchased?

After purchase, in order to avoid paying storage costs, the purchased items should be collected from Palácio do Correio Velho’s premises within 15 days after the auction date. If the items are not collected within this deadline, Palácio do Correio Velho reserves the right to levy the following charges:

Charges related to Jewellery / Books / Watches / Silverware / Porcelain

Storage up to 15 days after the auction date - Free of charge
Storage after 15 days, following the auction date
- Handling and transfer €50 + VAT
- Storage €4 + VAT per day

Other items

Storage up to 15 days - Free of charge
Storage after 15 days
- Handling and transfer €50 + VAT
- Storage €8 + VAT per day