Sustainable shipping hero
Buying guide

Collections and shipping

Christie’s New York is proud to offer sustainable shipping options

Hanging art at Christie's

Collections

If you wish to collect in person or authorise a third-party shipper or an agent to collect on your behalf, please advise your Post-Sale Lead at your earliest convenience and they will be happy to help organise the release. Please note that some items are moved to an off-site storage warehouse after the auction, so please make arrangements at least 48 hours beforehand. Kindly also be advised that local taxes may apply on your purchase.

Framing at Christie's

Shipping

Acknowledging the urgent scientific evidence for climate action, Christie’s is the first major auction house to have set ambitious goals to become a more sustainable business and is proud to offer sustainable shipping options.

Among these options are quotes utilising EARTHCRATE as the primary packing mode wherever possible and a consolidated sea freight shipping option from New York to Hong Kong. Contact your Post-Sale Lead to learn more.

You can ship your item through Christie’s approved shippers or your own carrier. Christie’s has partnered with several fine art shippers in each auction location. In some cases, a shipping quote will automatically be available to view during online checkout. However, the sheer variety in size, shape and material of the items we sell means that often a bespoke shipping quote is needed. If so, your Post-Sale Lead can provide this.

If you proceed with the Christie’s shipping quote available at online checkout, items are usually delivered within 7–14 business days of payment clearance.

When purchasing in New York, if you arrange for your own shipper to collect your purchase, New York City sales tax will be due prior to release of the item regardless of the delivery location. An invoice inclusive of applicable tax can be provided when you select this option during online checkout or by your Post-Sale Lead.

If you intend to export your purchases, you may also require an export and/or CITES permit (this will be noted on your invoice).

If you have any questions about shipping, please contact Post-Sale Services prior to checkout.

Terms and conditions for shipping

New York: Download


Hong Kong: Download


UK: Download


Paris: Download


Dubai: Download

Transportation FAQs

How long does it take for my item to arrive?
If shipped via COURIER (FedEx), Please allow 2-3 business days for packing. Once your property has been collected and dispatched, you will receive a tracking number directly from FedEx to the email address indicated on the shipping acceptance form. If shipped via Fine Art Shuttle, the shuttle company will contact you directly using the contact information on the shipping acceptance form to confirm the anticipated schedule and finalise delivery arrangements. If shipped via Airfreight/Seafreight, please allow 1-4 weeks for crating and flight or sailing arrnagements. Once the shipment reaches customs, the local agent will contact you directly using the contact information on the shipping acceptance form to finalize clearance and onward delivery.
Can I arrange my own shipping?
Yes - Kindly be advised that all in-person and third-party shipper collections are subject to the local NYC sales tax rate of 8.875%, irrespective of final destination, as this is where the property leaves our care. Once payment for property and sales tax is settled, we will send you a link via email to where you can schedule a collection appointment. You can also indicate if an agent is collecting on your behalf.
Why is there sales tax on my invoice?
Christie’s will collect sales tax where legally required. The applicable sales tax rate will be determined based upon the state, county, or locale to which the lot will be shipped. If shipped internationally, sales not will not be applicable. However, kindly be advised that all shipments are initiated with duties and taxes unpaid. Any additional costs will be determined by the local government and the shipper will contact you directly regarding payment. The final delivery to your shipping address will be made once payment is complete.
How soon after an auction can I arrange shipping?
In many cases, you can arrange shipping in online checkout as soon as you have been invoiced. If there is no shipping quote available to you in online checkout, please call us at +1 212 636 2650 or email us at postsaleus@christies.com to request a bespoke quote. Kindly be advised that bespoke quotes may take 3-5 business days to source. If you have already checked out online and paid for the invoice only, you will not be able to check out again just for shipping. Please contact us for assistance.