How buying and bidding work
Everything you need to know before your first bid or purchase, in plain language.
1. Your account
Register with your name, e-mail and phone number. We use these only to run your bids and purchases and to reach you about them. You can bid, buy at a fixed price and make offers from one account.
2. Auctions
Timed, online, run by the studio. Each lot shows a starting bid, the current bid, the number of bids and the closing time in Pakistan time.
Maximum (proxy) bids. Enter the most you are willing to pay. The system bids on your behalf, only as much as needed to stay ahead of the next bidder, up to your maximum. Nobody sees your maximum. If someone outbids you, you receive an e-mail so you can decide whether to go higher.
Bid increments.
| Current bid | Increment |
|---|---|
| Up to Rs 10,000 | Rs 500 |
| Rs 10,000 – 25,000 | Rs 1,000 |
| Rs 25,000 – 50,000 | Rs 2,500 |
| Rs 50,000 – 100,000 | Rs 5,000 |
| Rs 100,000 – 250,000 | Rs 10,000 |
| Rs 250,000 – 500,000 | Rs 25,000 |
| Rs 500,000 – 1,000,000 | Rs 50,000 |
| Above Rs 1,000,000 | Rs 100,000 |
Closing and extensions. If a bid is placed within the final 5 minutes, the closing time moves 5 minutes later. This repeats until 5 minutes pass with no new bid, so the lot goes to the collector willing to pay the most, not the fastest clicker.
Reserves. Some lots carry a confidential minimum. The page tells you whether the reserve has been met. If the final bid is below it, the work is not sold and the studio may contact the highest bidder.
No buyer's premium. You pay the hammer price plus delivery if you choose it.
Bids are binding. A bid is a commitment to buy at that price if you win. Please bid carefully.
3. Buy now and offers
Fixed-price works can be reserved instantly. The painting is held for you for 48 hours while you complete payment. Where the artist allows offers, you can propose a price; offers are answered within two days and an accepted offer becomes a reservation.
4. Payment
After winning or reserving, your account shows the payment details. Accepted methods:
- Bank transfer within Pakistan
- JazzCash and Easypaisa
- International bank wire (SWIFT)
- Cash on collection from the studio
Upload a screenshot or receipt of your transfer from your account page. The studio confirms within one working day. Auction winners have 5 days to pay; unpaid lots may be offered to the under-bidder.
5. Delivery and collection
Collect from the studio by appointment, or have the work delivered. Within Pakistan, paintings travel by insured courier; internationally they are rolled or crated and shipped with tracking. Delivery is quoted at cost before dispatch and added to your payment.
6. Authenticity and care
Every painting is signed on the front and comes with a signed certificate of authenticity stating the title, year, medium and dimensions. Acrylic and oil on canvas should hang away from direct sunlight and damp; dust gently with a soft dry cloth.
7. Returns
Auction purchases are final. Fixed-price purchases may be returned within 7 days of delivery in their original condition, with the collector covering return shipping. Commissions are made to order and are not returnable.
The full legal terms are in the auction and sales terms.