ABOUT CHRISTIE'S LIVE™ ONLINE BIDDING

Description of Christie's Live™

Online Terms of Use Terms and conditions related specifically to Christie's Live™ online bidding can be found on the Online Terms of Use page. These terms are in addition to Christie's Conditions of Sale and are not intended in any way to serve as a substitute. Prior to registering to bid, you must read and agree to the Conditions of Sale. The Conditions of Sale vary from auction to auction and are accessible by clicking on Important Information on the Registered Auctions page or on the Sale Registration page.

What is Christie's Live™? Wherever you are, wherever the auction is taking place, Christie's Live™ lets you hear and watch the auctioneer conducting a sale in the saleroom, and allows you to bid from your computer with a click of the mouse.

How can I participate in Christie's Live™? Here are 4 easy steps:
1. Log in to your account or create a christies.com account. Providing us your bank information will allow you to register for Christie's Live™ sales.
2. Download the required software we will send you in our confirmation email.
3. Select a sale from the auction calendar and click Bid Online at least 24 hours before the time of the auction; all London South Kensington sales and all New York House Sales require a shorter registration deadline. If in doubt, contact the Bid Department of the saleroom.
4. At the time of the auction, log in to your christies.com account and enter Christie's Live™ to participate in a live auction.
Important: If you plan on bidding from your office computer, firewalls may prevent you from downloading the bidding software or accessing the live auction.  Personal computer firewalls and anti-virus settings may also cause complications.

How do I know when online live bidding is available for a sale? Sales with LIVE bidding appear on our auction calendar and display a link allowing you to register for online bidding in that sale. OR, you can also check off the box to view only sales that offer Christie's Live™. Please visit our auction calendar regularly as updates are added daily.

Are you charging a different buyer's premium to the online bidder? No. Our buyer's premium applies to all bidders wherever they are and however they bid -- in person, on the phone, or on the Internet.

How is Christie's Live™ different from other online auctions? Christie's Live™ auctions provide live audio and video of the auctioneer. Bids are received in real time and you are competing with bidders in the saleroom where the auction is being conducted. All our auctions, including those with online bidding, last only a few hours and the bidding on each lot may last only a few seconds and do not extend over a number of days.

What do I need on my PC to use Christie's Live™? Below are the minimum system requirements for your PC to allow you to use Christie's Live™ and to bid online:
1. Windows 98SE, 2000, or XP operating system
2. Standard Pentium III (minimum 700 MHz) or equivalent x86 processor
3. 10.0 GB hard disk with 30 MB minimum of free hard disk space (you can check this on your PC by clicking Start>My Computer>System Information>General)
4. SVGA Color display and display controller, 800 x 600 minimum (you can check this on your PC by clicking Start>Control Panel>Display>Settings, then look under Screen Resolution)
5. 128MB of RAM minimum; for Windows 98SE 64MB of RAM minimum (you can check this on your PC by clicking Start>My Computer>System Information>General)
6. AC '97 compatible sound card and speakers
7. Internet Explorer 5.0 (or newer), Netscape 4.75 (or newer) or Firefox
8. Christie's Live™ software - click to install

Important: You must update your security settings to allow Active X Controls to run in your browser. You must also have administrator rights to your computer to install the Christie's Live™ software. Please contact your system administrator or review your computer's user guide.
 
Please note that if you are using Windows XP, and your default language setting is Chinese, Japanese, or Korean, you must change your regional setting to English (United States) to ensure that bid amounts are correctly displayed within the Christie's LIVE™ application. Click here for instructions.

I have a dial-up Internet connection. Do I have to change that? Your audio and video feed will be significantly degraded when you bid with a dial-up connection. If you choose to bid with a dial-up connection, we recommend you turn off your audio and video. The buttons to turn off audio and video appear to the right of the video display window on the bidder's screen.

What do I need on my MAC to use Christie's Live™? Christie's Live™ is not compatible running under the Mac OS X operating system. However, if you have one of the Intel-based Mac systems, you have an option to participate in Christie's Live™ by obtaining a copy of Windows XP SP2 and installing on your system in one of two ways.
 
1. Install Parallels Desktop from Parallels Inc. and following their directions, install Windows XP SP2 as a guest operating system. Then access the Christie's Website and install Christie's Live™ from a browser within the Parallels Desktop virtual machine running Windows XP. This method allows you to attend a Christie's Live™ auction online from your Intel-based Mac and still have access to your Mac OS applications on the Mac desktop. Visit http://www.parallels.com/en/products/desktop/sr/ for more information.
 
2. Install Boot Camp 1.1.2 Beta version or newer boot manager from Apple and install Microsoft Windows XP SP2 as a separate boot-up operating system. This option enables you to run your Intel-based Mac system booted under the native Windows XP operating system. You can then attend Christie's Live™ after installing the required software. After the auction, you can close Windows XP and return to your system under the native Mac OS operating system. Go to http://www.apple.com/macosx/bootcamp/ for more information.
 
Christie's Live™ has been tested with the following Intel-based Mac configurations:
Hardware: iMac, Intel Core 2 Duo processor (minimum 2GHz); 160GB hard disk; 1GB RAM; 128MB Video card Software: MAC OS 10.4.8 and Parallels Desktop Build 1970 running Windows XP Professional SP2
 
While not specifically tested on every Intel-based Mac model, Christie's Live™ should operate on any Intel-powered iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook and MacBook Pro that meets the requirements for running Windows XP SP2 (Home, Media Center) under either Parallels Desktop or Boot Camp boot manager.

Do I still need special software on my Mac to use Christie's Live™? Whichever solution you select to make your Mac Christie's Live™-compatible, Christie's Live™ can only be launched from your Mac with Windows XP using the Internet Explorer, Mozilla or Firefox browser and after you have installed the required bidding software. 

IMPORTANT - before you install our software: 
Update your security settings to allow Active X Controls to run in your browser
Secure administrator rights to your computer to install the software for Christie's Live™ online bidding. Otherwise, please contact your system administrator or review your computer's user guide.

Who developed this software? Our commitment to exceptional client service is evident in our constant pursuit of new technologies that are simple to use, yet offer an exciting new client experience in the saleroom. This new software developed by Auction Management Solutions (AMS) in Tampa, Florida, is designed to allow live bidding from the remote bidder's computer in an auction conducted in the saleroom.

How do I obtain and install this software? The special software you need to facilitate online live bidding is easily downloadable at no charge. Click here to install and follow the instructions. You will be asked to read and agree to a disclaimer regarding the software you are about to download. Please read carefully before agreeing to the terms, as neither Christie's nor the software provider will be responsible for any damage that may be caused to your computer or equipment in connection with the software download.

HELP, I have questions! Technical Support: +1 877 641 7704 (US only) or +1 860 882 0638 (outside the US.  Support is available Monday - Friday and on weekend days with auctions, from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm New York time, with extended hours on days with auctions in Europe (beginning 2 hours before the auction) and in Hong Kong (24-hour assistance).

How do I register to bid in a Christie's Live™ auction? 1. Log in to your account or create an account (please complete the Bank Details section).
2. From your (just created) account, click on the Christie's Live™ auction calendar, select the auction of your choice, then click Bid Live next to the Browse button.
3. Since you must have our Credit Department's approval to bid, please enter an amount in the Anticipated Purchase Level field.
4. Read the Online Terms of Use and Conditions of Sale and click the button at the bottom of the page agreeing to the terms.

Can I register for Christie's Live™ on the day of the sale? You may register for most Christie's auctions at least 24 hours before the time of the sale. Since registration closing deadlines may vary, please refer to the Auction Calendar to confirm the registration closing dates for particular sales. All London South Kensington sales and all New York House Sales require a much shorter registration deadline. If in doubt, contact the Bid Department of the saleroom. For any further assistance, please telephone, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm local times: New York +1 212 468 7110; London +44 (0)20 7840 1400; Hong Kong +852 2978 9910 (Monday-Friday, 9:30 am - 6:00 pm, Hong Kong time). You may also email us at info@christies.com.

Is my information safe? Your information is password protected, encrypted and stored on secure servers. Apart from Christie's staff, you alone have access to view, add or edit information. We will not share your personal data with anyone outside the Christie's International Plc group of companies. We may, from time to time, need to disclose your personal data to agents or contractors of Christie's to enable Christie's to process transactions or communicate with you. Where we do so it will be on the basis that such agents or contractors keep the information confidential and will not use the information for any other purpose than to carry out the services they are required to perform for Christie's. Please view our Privacy Policy.

Must I register for each Christie's Live™ auction if I want to bid? You create only one account and sign up for Christie's Live™ only once BUT you do need to complete the simple registration process for each Christie's Live™ auction because the Conditions of Sale may vary from auction to auction and saleroom to saleroom. The Conditions of Sale set forth the terms of bidding and buying at Christie's, important information about possible import/export restrictions, and explain possible charges for which you as the buyer will be responsible.

I am already registered for email notices and/or online absentee bidding. Must I still sign up for Christie's Live™? Yes, because we require additional information from you including bank details to bid live online.

I have bid in person in the saleroom. Can't you just import my information electronically? Your Christie's client account, with previous bidding and buying activity, is not set up to connect with your christies.com account. Since the christies.com account is self-managed (by you), as an added measure of ensuring the safety of your personal data, we have decided to keep your client account information separate from your christies.com account.

Will my Christie's Live™ registration automatically put me on an email list? Following your Christie's Live™ registration, we may send you emails for these reasons:
1. To confirm your email address
2. To confirm your registration for a particular auction
3. To remind you of auctions for which you've registered
4. To provide you with post-sale results
If you do not wish to receive emails about other auctions and events, you may opt out on the Interests section of your account or by clicking the Unsubscribe link at the bottom of any unwanted email you receive.

I have completed registration. How do I access the saleroom from my computer? Before the auction is due to begin, visit this Website, www.christies.com:
1. Log in to your account
2. On your account screen, click the Your Registered Auctions link in the Christie's Live™ section
3. If you registered for more than one Christie's Live™ auctions, select the auction scheduled to begin by clicking the Enter Online Sale link
4. An entry page will show with the sale name, sale number and an indication if the sale is in progress; click Enter Saleroom and you are ready to participate

HELP, I have a problem getting into the Christie's Live™ auction. What happened? Your firewall settings or anti-virus software may be preventing you from accessing the sale. Please telephone Christie's Live™ technical support at +1 877 641 7704 (US only) or +1 860 882 0638 (outside the US.  Support is available Monday - Friday and on weekend days with auctions, from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm New York time, with extended hours on days with auctions in Europe (beginning 2 hours before the auction) and in Hong Kong (24-hour assistance).

How do I bid in a Christie's Live™ auction? You may bid by clicking the button "Click to Bid Next Amount". A message saying Bid With You will appear, if you are the current high(est) bidder. If the auctioneer has accepted someone else's bid, the message will say Bid Against You. You may continue to bid until the lot is sold. The system has built-in protection to prevent you from bidding against yourself.

When is the best time during the auction to begin bidding on my items? In the typical bidding process, most bidders participate when the bidding begins. As the bidding advances, fewer and fewer bidders are competing until there is only one left -- the winning bidder. You as the online bidder may have a more difficult time placing the minimum bid in the initial moments but you have a better chance as the bidding continues with fewer bidders. A live auction is by its nature fast-moving. To ensure that online bidders are not placed at a disadvantage, placing a bid through Christie's Live is a one-step process. Once you have clicked on the button Click to Bid Next Amount, a bid is immediately submitted on your behalf. Bids submitted in this way are final and you will not be able to reconfirm, amend or retract your bid.

Will the auctioneer know I am bidding from my computer? The auctioneer has a screen that prominently displays Internet bids as they arrive. Additionally, a bid clerk at the auction site and standing near the auctioneer, communicates directly with the auctioneer and monitors bidding activity. As an item comes up for bid the Internet and saleroom audience has the opportunity to bid. Internet bids are executed in the order in which they are received. Christie's Live™ incorporates safety measures that will prevent online bidders from bidding against themselves regardless of how many times they may press the "Click to Bid Next Amount" button.

What happens when I am the successful bidder? You will know immediately because the bid status message reads Lot Sold to You. For parcel lots, a pop-up window will display so that you can select a quantity.

Be aware that the pop-up window will only display for several seconds. If you do not select a quantity before the pop-up window closes, a quantity of 1 will be selected for you by default. You will also receive an online statement as you exit the Christie''s Live™ auction. You may want to print out this statement for your records. This statement is not an invoice. While invoices are sent out by postal mail after the auction, buyers must contact us by telephone or in person as soon as possible following the sale for details about payment, collecting and shipping to avoid incurring unnecessary storage charges.

What is the final purchase price and how do I pay? In addition to the hammer price, you will pay to Christie's the buyer's premium plus any applicable value added tax (VAT), sales or compensating use tax. Since the Artist's Resale Right took effect in the UK in 2006, a royalty also may be payable on certain lots purchased in a London auction. Details for each auction are contained in the Conditions of Sale relevant to the auction. Payment may be made by personal check, bank wire transfers, cash (subject to certain limitations), Travelers checks and money orders (subject to certain limitations). Payment is due within seven calendar days of the sale, including collection of your purchase. Please contact the Bid Department of the saleroom, if you have any further questions.

How will I know the amount of the next bidding increment? Your Click to Bid Next Amount button updates with each new proposed increment showing you how much you will be bidding if you click the button. The bidding increment available to you may not reflect the bid that is subsequently taken in the saleroom as the auctioneer may deviate from Christie's standard increments at any time, at his or her discretion. Internet bidders will not be able to place a bid in an amount other than a whole bidding increment, i.e., they will not be able to initiate a bid or bid in a split increment.

Why did I not win the item although it sold for my maximum bid? Incoming bids are accepted at the auctioneer's discretion. In the event of a tie between an online bid and a bid in the saleroom, the saleroom bid will generally take precedence.

What is pre-emption? (Important for bidders in Paris sales.)
In certain cases, the French State is entitled to use its right of pre-emption on works of art or private documents. This means that the state substitutes itself for the last bidder and becomes the buyer. In such a case, a representative of the French State announces the exercise of the pre-emption right during the auction and immediately after the lot has been sold, and this declaration will be recorded in the official sale record. The French State will have then fifteen (15) days to confirm the pre-emption decision. Christie’s will not be held responsible for any administrative decisions of the French State regarding the use of its right of pre-emption.
(Important for bidders in Madrid sales!)
Prior to the sale Christie’s will communicate to the Autonomous Community of Madrid and to the Ministry of Culture the content of this sale, in order for them if so wished for, to use their right of pre-emption granted by law. In certain cases, the Spanish State is entitled to use its right of pre-emption on works of art or private documents. This means that the state substitutes itself for the last bidder and becomes the buyer. In such a case, a representative of the Spanish State announces the exercise of the pre-emption right during the auction and immediately after the lot has been sold, and this declaration will be recorded in the official sale record. The Spanish State will have then seven (7) days to confirm the pre-emption decision. Christie’s will not be held responsible for any administrative decisions of the Spanish State regarding the use of its right of pre-emption.

Can I leave an absentee bid and bid live online in the same sale? If you wish to bid online you should not submit an absentee bid because you could end up bidding against yourself. It's Christie's goal to have you participate using the method that is most convenient for you.

Can I bring my laptop into the saleroom and bid online from my computer? We do not recommend this because we cannot guarantee wireless Internet access in our salerooms.

Why haven't I received my Christie's Live™ sale registration confirmation email? While most of our emails should arrive within seconds, some may take longer. This could be because your Internet Service Provider (ISP) runs slower than others. It is also possible that your email provider treated our emails as junk mail or spam, and delivered them to your junk email (spam) folder instead. Check your mail filter settings and make any necessary adjustments. If you do not receive our email within a couple of hours following registration, please contact our Client Service Center, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm local times, at +1 212 468 7110 (New York) or +44 (0)20 7840 1400 (all other sales); or email us at info@christies.com.

I haven't received any Christie's Live™ emails. What happened? Here are a a couple of reasons:
1. You may have entered your email address incorrectly when you created your online account; check the accuracy of your email address in your online account
2. Your email provider may have treated our emails to you as junk mail or spam, and delivered them to your junk email (spam) folder instead; check your mail filter (spam) settings and make any necessary adjustments
If you are still not receiving our emails, please contact our Client Service Center, Monday-Friday, 8:00 am - 6:00 pm local times, at +1 212 468 7110 (New York) or +44 (0)20 7840 1400 (all other sales); or email us at info@christies.com.

What is a parcel lot? A parcel is a sequence of lots carrying the same estimates and consisting of the same type of wine, quantity and bottle size.

In a sale, the buyer of the first lot of a parcel will have, at the discretion of the auctioneer, the option to take any or all further lots in the parcel for the same hammer price. If the option is not exercised on all lots in the same parcel, the auctioneer will open bidding on the next unsold lot and offer the buyer of that lot the option to take any or all of the remaining lots in the parcel sequence.

Absentee bids submitted on any lot in a parcel will, if unsuccessful, be placed on successive lots in the parcel until such bid is successful or the parcel has ended. Bidding shall continue in the same manner until all lots in the parcel have been offered and declared sold or unsold by the auctioneer.

What does it mean when wines are duty paid? Duty is a tax imposed on imported merchandise by the relevant governmental authority in the importing country. Wines offered duty paid are subject to VAT. VAT is only chargeable on wines sold in the UK and to EC customers who are not VAT and Excise registered. Duty paid wines sold for export can be purchased net of VAT.

What does lying in bond mean? Duty and VAT have not been paid yet on wines lying in bond. They must be stored in a bonded warehouse approved by HM Customs & Excise. Wines offered lying in bond, on removal to duty paid status, are subject to VAT and UK excise duty.

What is Hospices de Beaune? The Hospices de Beaune wine auction is the most famous charity wine auction in the world and has taken place every year in November in Beaune, Burgundy since 1859. It has been organized by Christie's since 2005. Open to private individuals as well as to trade, bidders have the opportunity to purchase new wine by the barrel. After the auction, the new wine is allowed to mature for 12 to 24 months before being bottled and distributed. (For more information, please view the catalogue of the sale, which typically goes online at the end of October.)

What is a cuvée? The wines at the Hospices de Beaune auction are presented by Cuvée. The Cuvées described in the catalogue represent a particular type of wine. There are 41 Cuvées in total and each one bears the name of the wine or the name of the village ("Appellation" in French), and the name of the historic donor of the vineyard, e.g. Mazis-Chambertin Grand Cru [name of wine] Cuvée Madeleine Collignon [name of donor] or Beaune 1er Cru [name of wine] Cuvée Nicolas Rolin [name of benefactor].

What is a pièce? The Hospices de Beaune wines are sold in barrels called « pièces ».The pièces from the same parcel lot (see the Parcel lot section) are identical (same size and same description). It is possible for a buyer to purchase just one single pièce during the sale.

What is the Pièce du Président? The sale proceeds of this barrel will be offered by the Hospices de Beaune to another Charity selected by the Institution. It will be offered for sale around 3:30pm and 4:30pm.