Christie's Avis 18

Christie’s had reviewed some Japanese prints I submitted to their website, they then rejected them 3 months later. They responded by saying the prints don’t meet the threshold of sales of sales they’re looking for (I’ve been rejected numerous times over the years). So, I sold them privately.
Ironically, and 6 months later, I’m looking at Christie’s auction results and what do I find?: my print (with distinct attributes) Zojoji Temple Shiba having sold for 3 times the amount which I sold it for. And yet another the following Spring sold; both getting 40k total.
Not that this is a bad thing. It’s actually a great thing! And honestly I find it amusing to tell others of my good fortunes with Christie’s.
Upshot: the house brings great prices but apparently not for just ordinary consignors. Also, the slow times I attribute to the convenient online submission process which is likely overloaded with stuff to review.
Finally, what must one do to properly court a such a universally renowned auction house? Maybe someday they will “see me for who I am :)”

they're gold diggers. unless item is all god given, and holy, they don't even let you sell it at auction and deny every single claim. all products need to be gold. THEY'RE GOLD DIGGERS!

Popped in to see the Winter Egg. Was shocked by its appearance. I thought such an experience item should not be touched by bare hands… I noticed several greasy fingerprints on the crystal shell. Ether it was a copy, unprofessional handling, or preserved emperors prints.

I would like to say that Natalie S. at the NY office has impeccable customer service. So, I give her a 5⭐.

However, the "expertise" people who reviewed the items I submitted for auction estimates is where I have legitimate complaints.

I am a former gallery owner (retired), artist and a minor collector of various types of art. I purchase my personal collection pieces through reputable (licensed) businesses.
So,I am not ignorant of the art market and its quirk's.

Though, all four items I submitted (one with COA, another is a limited edition item that I have seen come to auction previously, another an original acrylic painting- also previously sold at auction etc.) were denied. When I called to ask what the reason was that none of them met consignment,I was given no explanation and it was briefly explained to me that Christie's doesn't offer "that service".
I was then offered referrals to other establishments.🤨

This tells me, that Christie's Auction house does NOT offer transparency (they refused to say what their minimum consignment value is), or equal opportunity.😱

As some may agree, that is considered bias (borderline for discriminatory sales ethics), others will likely just huff and say they have the right to be exclusive. Which, to an extent they do.

However, I will admit it is disappointing that in the past there were questionable items sold through their auctions, but when it comes to the genuine items... its only as good as the name of the seller attached to the piece.😧

I have read the reports of collectors all around the world (many preferring more transparency in the art industry), at the end of the day it is about three things for most collectors:

-Interest (taste)

-Value (investment)

-Enjoyment (resonating with the piece and/or artist)

I feel that transparency is a valuable asset to any business or any transaction.
So, experiencing this from a world renowned auction house that has been in business for so many years... is very disconcerting to say the least.😕

I would recommend anyone else who considers working with Christie's Auction house... Ask yourself if transparency matters to you, ask yourself if you would want your name and reputation aligned with a company that in recent times has shown selective service, had items questioned of their authentication, turned down sales opportunities of original pieces (potentially due to bias) and considers themselves an elite business entity for 'only' the cre`me of society's deepest pockets, and still doesn't offer 'transparency' as part of it's offered services.🤔

I honestly don't know who to feel worse for... someone who asks for transparency and is politely rebuffed, or the fine patrons who are exploited for their names, reputations and deep pockets.🤷

Best of luck to everyone.

I am extremely disappointed for Christie’s service. Will never do business with it again. It installed a microwave with ventilation over the range. But refuse to connect the outlet to the fume hood over the countertop cabinet. The Rite-way contractor who installed the fume ductwork was shocked on Christie’s attitude. I spent $517 including $149 installation plus another $99 for their return. Still they can’t get the job done. They are very rude.

Christie's used my identity to auction a piece by a different artist. I tried contacting the relevant art department to ask for their counsel's email address, which is nowhere to be found of their mostly nonfunctional website. Their employee was rude to the point of verbal abuse and hung up on me. I barely spoke a sentence to him, he was verbally abusive because I called the number listed for him on Christie's site during working hours in his time zone.

I have mixed opinions about the christies to be honest, good points: 1.The manners and service of treatment is good if not excellent.
2. they even give you your own space and room to recover and relax.
bad points: 1. although its unsafe to walk in the corridors and maybe go for some fresh air , theres needs to be a bit of leeway as in they need to explain properly why its a full risk and not just say its unsafe out there, plus i feel i could catch anything anywhere , being cooked up in a room and having to stay here untill they tell me i can be discharged is not such a pleasant feelin, when im feeling ok to walk about.

Customer service is slow and difficult to reach. I needed a quick response, but it took too long

Used Christie's online valuation to submit 6 items for them to review. Provided the information they requested (photos, measurements, descriptions), took over 2 hours of effort. Received an email from them today: "Unfortunately, your property doesn’t fall into a category or value level that Christie’s currently handles for sale. Therefore, we’re unable to provide an estimate for the item". As Christies' don't provide any information on what are their categories/value level, anywhere on their website, I was unable to avoid what was a complete waste of my time. Christies need to add this specific detail to their pages on how to complete submissions AND their FAQs. Otherwise, they will continue to offend many genuine people who expect help, but end up with nothing for their effort.

Francis Berlin is very greedy and power hungry

I acquired an item at Christie’s auction house .
When I went to resell it , I summited details in February 2023 , I got no response to my request for valuation .
I tried again in October 2024 , again no response .
When I contacted them again to complain about the poor service, they alleged they responded which they did not , then said they were not interested .
This certainly raises very serious questions how Christie’s operate - I would avoid Christie’s as they are many more far more professional Auctions houses ,
A very sub standard service given the profile and fees they charge ,

Reached out to Christies to get a price quote on one of their items and I still haven't received an answer! I get it everyone is very busy but you should at least time the time to response to a quick message

Visit my Instagram page @mikava.artist to view my portfolio

Christies is a terrible company. My husband worked for them in the IT department. They let him go without notice. The staff at Christies were too cowardly to tell my husband they no longer wanted him. My husband negotiate a 3 weeks pay offer. Christies confirmed the pay off. That was 2 months ago. My husband is still waiting to be paid. Christies have not responded to any emails or phone calls. Their behaviour is a disgrace. The staff are a bunch of clowns.

Sent a bunch of my art work prints with in mind to sell them - expected wait time response: 3-4 weeks. 8 weeks later after chasing them for 2 weeks, I get a snobbish and lack lustred response saying they are not interested as it doesn’t reach their threshold … yet their website shows they have sold the same prints recently at a decent value and over expectation value?? Very lame! If it’s not an Andy Walhol then they don’t seem to be interested in a Chris Levine .. I suggest not to bother with Christie’s as they don’t think you are good enough which is the impression their “specialist” gives.

Quello che ho constatto nel valutare la mia porcellana Cinese con gli esperti della Christie's alla fine il resultato era un bel niente. Sara rinomato ecc ecc Ma' ce sempre un ma' aparte la vendita ho meno non ho ricevuta nessuna valutazione.
In bocca a lupo al Christie's spero sempre che mantenga il suo nome sui primi della lista. Anche se personalmente non mi son trovaro bene e una formula che per loro sta funzionando.

Christies does not response to the emails , bigheaded company with ignorant experts