Advertising Standards Authority

An investigation by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has found that a Christie’s auction advert was ‘misleading’ in relation to the notification of fees such as buyer’s premium.

Auction Technology Group, parent company of Antiques Trade Gazette, has issued guidance to auctioneers on how to display fees and charges alongside estimates.

The Advertising Standards Authority has said auctioneers need to be clearer when presenting their commission rates.

The art and antiques trade has reacted with mixed views over the launch of an investigation into the way auction houses display their commission rates. A number of dealers have told ATG that an investigation into transparency of buyer’s premium is long overdue, while auctioneers have pointed out that the proposed changes would be unnecessary and impractical.

The Advertising Standards Authority have launched an investigation into the way auction houses display their commission rates.