The expert for auction houses
Being an expert for a voluntary public auction company means above all being part of an existing commercial structure and working in synergy with it, while remaining a service provider.
There is neither a contract nor a fixed job, unlike auction companies operating in the Anglo-Saxon mode, only a relationship of trust and privileged links between an auction house and its expert.
The role of the latter goes well beyond the framework of pure expertise to participate in the elaboration of catalogues, in the choice of photographs for a better presentation of the sale and in the setting up of the exhibition room.
Furthermore, the expert must be familiar with the different restoration techniques and their costs because, due to the increasingly frequent consultation of public sales websites on the Internet, he is the privileged contact and advisor of the potential buyer.
The Conseil des ventes volontaires is very vigilant about the obligations of experts: prohibition to sell or buy in the sale of which they have appraised the lots, accepting a reserve price according to the estimate, respecting the rules for drawing up descriptive sheets, insuring themselves for their professional civil liability, etc...
Because they are above all generalists, auctioneers greatly appreciate the help, knowledge and guarantees of the experts with whom they work. This is what they expect from the presence of an expert.
For more details, please refer to the dictionary of expertise drawn up by the Conseil des ventes volontaires.
