How does phone bidding work?

A phone bid refers to a bid placed by a client via a telephone call with a Christie’s staff member during an auction. The representative relays bids live to the auctioneer while bidding is taking place on a particular lot.

Why would someone choose to bid by phone?

Telephone bidding enables you to participate in a live auction even if you can't be physically present in the saleroom.

Bidding this way can also offer additional privacy, as you bid through a representative rather than yourself.

How do I bid by phone?

To register for a telephone bid, please contact Client Services for assistance. We recommend registering at least 24 hours in advance of the auction start time.

During the sale, a member of the Christie’s team will call you a few lots before your requested lot comes up and will then relay your bids to the auctioneer on your behalf once the lot begins.

If we cannot reach you while the sale is happening, to avoid disappointment, we recommend that you consider leaving an emergency absentee bid too.

For more auction terms, visit our full auction glossary.