Consignment Terms and Procedures
We will gladly consider any instrument or bow for consignment to a future sale. In order to properly evaluate your instrument or bow, we need to know as much information as possible. We suggest that you email us with a description of the item, including the name of the maker or attribution, the exact wording of the label or stamp, the condition and known repair history of the item, weights and measurements if appropriate and any information regarding certificates or other documentation. Photographs often help us in our initial evaluation of an item. Photographs can be sent digitally or by postal mail and should be done in the traditional reference shots as seen on our website: head-top-back for instruments and frog-tip for bows.
If we think that your item would be successful if offered through Tarisio, we will ask you to send it to us so we can examine and photograph it in person. After agreeing on an estimate amount and a reserve for your item, a consignment contract will be sent to you by regular mail. Your item will then be posted on our web catalog, displayed in our viewing rooms, and offered for sale during the auction week.
Seller premiums
Tarisio’s seller’s premiums are the lowest in the industry:
New York sales
9% of the first $7,000, 2.5% between $7,000 and $50,000 and 0% thereafter, with a minimum commission of $90 per lot.
London sales
9% of the first £4,000, 2.5% between £4,000 and £25,000 and 0% thereafter, with a minimum commission of £45 per lot.
There is an additional 1% insurance fee, but no fees are charged unless the item sells. There are no listing or photography fees.
Tarisio averages a 90% sales rate, and its results are consistently among the highest of any auction. For a sampling of some of the international auction records that Tarisio has set, please visit our records page.
All consignors receive a complimentary sale catalog. Sale proceeds are paid 30 days after the close of bidding.
