• If I buy an art object or collector's item on the internet, am I sure that it is authentic?
• On an online platform that sells objects, there are experts. Are they responsible if I buy a fake?
• I would like to avoid worries by sharing my art collection with my children. How do I go about this?
• I have a collection to sell, what can I do?
• I want to have my art collection appraised and insured, where do I start?
• I want to be sure that the collection item I have purchased is authentic. Who do I contact?
• How much will a valuation cost?
• Can I contact an art expert directly? How will this work?
• What do I need to provide to an expert in order to get an appraisal?
• Are there lawyers who specialise in works of art?
• My family heirloom is damaged. How can I find a good restorer?
• Can I trust an expert who is not recognised by a national chamber?
• What should I do if I want to move or transport a work of art?

- If I buy an art object or collection on the internet, am I sure that it is authentic?

Unfortunately, there is no control body for the sale of art on the Internet. Whether you buy from an online auction, a dealer's website, or a platform offering objects, you must ensure that the art object (and not its photo) has been seen and guaranteed by an expert affiliated to a federation such as Fnepsa.

- On an online platform that sells objects, there are experts. Are they responsible if I buy a fake?

Beware, the word "expert" is often used by platforms to mislead consumers. A real expert is someone who has not proclaimed himself or herself as such, but who has been recognised by a federation of experts such as Fnepsa for his or her competence and ethics. Consumers should beware of so-called experts, who are often unknown on the art market and are paid by these platforms: they have no independence, little competence, and it is difficult to hold them responsible in the event of a problem.

- I would like to anticipate problems by sharing my art collection with my children. How do I go about this?

You need to call in an approved expert to carry out a description and value the works of art. His or her speciality should be the objects to be appraised, but he or she may call on other experts from his or her chamber or federation for objects outside his or her field of expertise. Before he begins his work, the amount of his fees must be fixed.

- I have a collection to sell, what can I do?

It is better to start with an expertise and a valuation, you will have precise information on the authenticity and the condition.

- I want to have my art collection appraised in order to insure it, where do I start ?

Insurance companies do not take into account the free estimates proposed by platforms or voluntary sales companies. It is necessary to have a proper expertise with a replacement value for each object. This expertise, remunerated, must be carried out by an expert approved by a federation or chamber of experts such as the Fnepsa.

- I want to be sure that the collectible I bought is an authentic piece. Who should I contact?

You must contact an expert specialized in the field of your object. This expert must be approved by a recognized organization such as Fnepsa.

- How much will an expertise cost me ?

The price of the expert's fees is free: it is therefore essential to ask the expert to detail his mission and to value his fees before he starts his work. You will have to accept his estimate before he can start the expertise.

- Can I contact an art expert directly? How does it work?

On the Fnepsa website, you can find the contact details of a specialized expert and contact him directly. He will confirm whether he is competent to appraise your object and will indicate his fees. He will be able to recommend you another expert if the object is out of his competence.

- What do I have to provide to an expert to have an expertise ?

The absolute rule is that no real expert can make an expertise on a photo. Only an estimate, often free of charge and without legal value, can be made on a photo.

- Are there any lawyers specialized in works of art ?

A Fnepsa expert to whom you have explained the issues at stake will advise you on a choice of specialized lawyers (artists' intellectual property law, civil liability law, law on the transport of works of art, etc.).

- My family heirloom is damaged. How do I find a good conservator?

As with self-proclaimed experts, the competence and ethics of a conservator are not guaranteed. If a conservator belongs to an organization such as Fnepsa, you can be sure that the work will be done according to the rules of the art.

- Can I trust an expert who is not recognized by a national chamber?

You do so at your own risk. Would you go to a doctor who is not recognized by the medical association? The only difference is that there are several organizations that recognize experts. These organizations, of which the Fnepsa is a part, have joined together within the European Confederation of Art Experts, the CEDEA, recognized by the art market.

- What should I do if I want to move or transport a work of art?

I contact a Fnepsa expert who will advise me on the choice of a specialized art transporter if necessary and will inform me of the guarantees to be taken out to proceed with a removal of movable goods (expertise before removal, condition report on reception, insurance, limit of guarantee per object, time limit for claims in case of damage, etc.).

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