Collector tip
Ask for the condition report before you bid
Photographs are useful, but they may not show every detail. A current condition report can help you understand an object’s state before you decide whether to bid.
Request the report early
Contact the auction house before the sale, identify the lot number, and ask whether a written condition report is available. Reports may be prepared by specialists, and response times can be longer close to an auction. If there is no report, ask whether a specialist can answer specific questions or arrange an in-person viewing.
Ask focused questions
General phrases such as “good condition” can mean different things to different people. Ask about the details that matter to the object:
- Cracks, chips, dents, scratches, stains, or other damage.
- Repairs, replacements, restoration, alterations, or overpainting.
- For jewelry: stone chips, loose settings, sizing, and clasp function.
- For watches: running condition, service history, and replaced parts.
- For art: unframed edges, canvas condition, relining, and visible wear.
Compare the report with the sale terms
Read the auction’s language about condition, inspection, and “as-is” sales. A condition report is helpful information, but it is not a substitute for reviewing the terms or inspecting the lot when that is possible. Keep the report with your records, and ask follow-up questions if a photograph, description, and report do not seem to align.
A note from Dion Abadi
Dion Abadi is an Atlanta-area art and jewelry auctioneer and author who encourages collectors to ask clear questions before bidding. For more background, visit the About Dion Abadi page and his collector’s guide. To discuss a professional or media inquiry, contact Dion Abadi.
Condition information varies by auction and object. Review the official report and sale terms, and ask the auction house any questions you have before bidding.