Buying Art From Afar: Understanding the Ins and Outs of Proxy Purchases

Are you an art lover that has sadly missed out on buying your favourite artist’s work because you haven’t been able to be at the opening of the exhibition? Did you know that no longer has to be the case? Purchasing art via a proxy buyer is becoming more and more popular but you have to know where to look for the service. A quick google search will tell you it’s not a widely offered service in the UK. There is an expansive art scene here and there are way more than a few international buyers that want their perfect piece of artwork. So why aren’t more people offering the service? I’d take an educated guess that, like me, most people didn’t even realise there was a requirement for it.

As a Virtual Assistant there aren’t many requests that haven’t been sent my way however a few months ago an international art collector engaged me asking if this was something I could help with. As an art lover (not to be confused with an art expert by any means) I was keen to take on this new challenge. The collector was unable to make the exhibition opening and needed someone to act on their behalf in order for them to be able to secure their desired artwork. From there I have had numerous conversations about this service and thought it might be useful to share some of my experience and tips to ensure the process is smooth and problem free for anyone that wants to purchase art by proxy.

#1 Find someone you trust and have a good rapport with.

A proxy buyer is acting on your behalf so you need to be able to ensure they understand you, your needs and can get the job done. There will be a lot of back and forth in the days/weeks prior to the exhibition and on the day of so if you can find someone you click with this will make the process a lot easier.

#2 A proxy is not necessarily an expert.

While there are expert proxy buyers out there, if you decide to use a Virtual Assistant the likelihood they will not have a vast knowledge of the art world is high. They will act upon your instruction and yours only. A proxy will not go ahead and purchase without prior agreement, I would also expect a reputable proxy buyer to ensure this is in their contract to ensure you are both protected.

#3 Be prepared.

Pass on as much information as possible, if you know what piece/s you are after make sure your proxy has visuals or at the very least a crystal clear understanding of what you want. If your proxy has done this before they may have existing relationships with certain galleries, or in the process they could have formed a good relationship with the gallery, ask them if they have any further information they can give you to help you secure your desired piece. Trust me the gallery will be as helpful as they possibly can be without being unfair to other clients. A good example of this would be the gallery may give you an advanced warning there will be a restriction on the number of pieces that can be purchased, this enables you to be extra prepared with a shortlist.

Exhibition openings can also be very competitive and there is a chance that you may not get your preferred piece. Create a plan of action with your proxy on what you want them to do in this scenario, they can also advise how they would be comfortable proceeding in these circumstances. Nothing is guaranteed and preparing for all eventualities really does pay off.

#4 Payments

Payments for the artwork

I cannot stress enough please do not share credit or bank information with your proxy, a professional will ask you to deal directly with the gallery on this matter. The proxy will only be involved here to help facilitate a smooth payment on the day of purchase i.e. they will get the details and process from the gallery and relay this information to the buyer.

The buyer should also take the following information in to account.

1. If you are abroad, a test payment of a nominal amount i.e. £1 will need to be sent to verify all bank details are correct. This will happen a few days before the exhibition so there are no issues on the day of and the day can progress smoothly as planned.

2. Payments may take a couple of days to clear from international banks, but proof of payment will be required on the day. Without proof of payment the gallery may reserve the right to put the artwork back on sale.

3. Freight and relevant insurances will come at an additional cost so these also need to be taken in to account. It may take a couple of days for you find out the cost as the overall measurements and weight of the packaged artwork needs to be taken in to account before an accurate quote can be issued.

Payment to the Proxy Buyer

Don’t be surprised if the proxy asks for payment or partial payment up front. The day of the exhibition opening is busy, there will be a queue at the gallery, and it is advised that those wanting to purchase get there early, so a proxy buyer will at least want to know that their travel expenses are covered before rising early and making the journey for you.

#5 Be contactable.

I know, an obvious one! But plans change and unexpected things can happen so make sure you are available for consultation at any point.

Hopefully with the facts above you’ll be armed to go and find your proxy buyer and finally be able to purchase pieces that may have previously been out of reach. Or as a proxy you’ll know what to expect, although no two galleries, exhibitions or clients are the same, you’ll at least have an idea of what is required.

Proxy purchasing may not be suitable for everyone and requires a high level of trust from all parties involved. However, it is likely to become the future of art acquisition for those who, for various reasons cannot attend the opening of an exhibition.

For more articles like this or further information visit www.rebeccacook-virtual-assistant.com