What is the 'expert estimate'?
Some special objects on our online marketplace come with an estimate, indicated by our experts. The estimated price range functions as a guide for prospective buyers to assist them with determining the appropriate amount to bid for an object.
How is the ‘expert estimate' determined?
Our experts aim to determine the potential final bid value of objects offered for sale on our online marketplace. The estimate is based on both publicly (for example other online platforms or pricing websites) and privately (for example, historical sales data) available information. To establish market demand, experts consider a variety of factors, including but not limited to the following:
- artist or maker
- country of origin
- period
- provenance
- materials
- dimensions
- rarity
- subject matter or type, and/or
- condition
It should be noted that our experts do not carry out any physical inspections of the objects sold on our online marketplace. This means that for some information, such as for example the condition of an object, we rely on the accuracy of the information provided to us by our sellers.
Read more about the role of our experts here.
Specific types of ‘expert estimates’
For certain objects, our experts use a specific estimation tailored to the specific properties of these types of objects. If such a specific estimation is provided, it is indicated on the object page.
‘Gallery estimates’:
Gallery estimates are displayed specifically for some but not all visual artworks sold on our online marketplace. Our experts provide price ranges displayed in both online and physical galleries for similar artworks by the relevant artist in question as a factor to determine an estimate.
To establish a gallery estimate, our experts consider the following factors:
- artist or maker
- country of origin
- provenance
- materials
- dimensions
- rarity, and/or
- quality
‘Retail estimates’:
Retail estimates are sometimes displayed for the (modern) jewellery and precious stone objects sold on our online marketplace. Retail estimates are determined using the recommended retail price ranges of comparable objects sold by both the online and physical retailers as a factor.
To establish a retail estimate, our experts consider the following factors:
- artist or maker
- country of origin
- provenance
- materials
- dimensions
- rarity
- subject matter or type
- condition, and/or
- quality
To establish a retail estimate for precious stones, our experts consider the following:
- country of origin
- provenance
- treatment
- dimensions
- rarity
- subject matter or type, and/or
- quality
In order to have a good overview of these characteristics, we rely on the grading details that can be found on the reports of the Gemmological Laboratories. These reports play an essential role in outlining important details about the nature of the precious stone and may therefore influence the estimation process. The Gemmological Laboratories are independent entities and therefore Catawiki does not guarantee and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy, terms or information contained in the laboratory reports.
Please note that if an object is not accompanied by a report from a Gemmological Laboratory that states that the precious stone is natural and untreated, we will assume that some form of treatment may have been used and that such treatment may not be permanent. Our estimates reflect this assumption.
The expert estimate is not a guarantee.
When placing a bid on an object, your intrinsic and personal value for such an object should be the leading consideration. If however the market value of an object is important to you, we advise you to consult your own appraiser for taxation. Please be aware that purchasing objects for investment purposes or speculative purposes poses risks.
An estimate by definition cannot be relied upon as indicating the (objective) value of an object. Due to the nature of (online) auctions, there may be significant differences between the estimate and the eventual purchase price. Therefore, our estimates cannot be interpreted as indicating or guaranteeing the value of an object. For example, a third party appraiser might indicate a different value than our estimate or, in case of a resale, you might not receive an amount corresponding to our estimated value.
Catawiki can never be held liable whatsoever in the event that objects are sold for more or less than the estimated amount.