GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF AUCTION SALES
FOR COLLECTOR VEHICLES
Directed by the Ministry of Maître Marco Breitenmoser, Judicial Officer
The relationship between ARTEAL auctions Sàrl and the buyer is subject to these general purchasing terms, which may be amended by written or verbal notices before the auction and recorded in the auction report.
THE ITEMS FOR SALE
Art.1/ Potential buyers are invited to inspect the items that interest them before the auction, particularly during the exhibitions. ARTEAL auctions Sàrl is available to provide reports on the condition of the lots.
Art.2/ The descriptions in the catalog, reports, labels, or verbal announcements represent ARTEAL auctions Sàrl’s opinion but do not constitute factual proof.
Art.3/ Indications regarding restorations, accidents, or incidents affecting a lot are provided to facilitate inspection but remain subject to the buyer’s personal assessment or that of their expert. The absence of such indications does not imply the item is free from defects, and the mention of a defect does not exclude the presence of others.
Art.4/ Estimates are provided for informational purposes only and do not guarantee that an item will be sold within the estimated range. Estimates may be given in multiple currencies, and conversions may differ from official exchange rates.
Art.5/ Only the authenticity of vehicles is guaranteed, subject to any reservations stated in the description. Used vehicles do not benefit from a legal warranty.
Art.6/ Vehicles are sold as is. Information in the catalog is indicative only. Since a vehicle’s condition may change between catalog description and auction presentation, no claims will be accepted once the hammer falls.
Art.7/ For administrative reasons, vehicle descriptions generally reflect the details on their registration documents.
Art.8/ Buyers are deemed to have reviewed all relevant documents for each vehicle, including technical inspections. Some vehicles may be sold without a technical inspection due to age, non-running condition, or racing history. Foreign vehicles are presented without a Swiss technical inspection. Buyers should check this information during the exhibition and auction.
Art.9/ The buyer is solely responsible for registering the vehicle(s) within legal time limits and at their own expense.
THE AUCTION PROCESS
Art.10/ To facilitate organization, potential buyers are invited to register with ARTEAL auctions Sàrl before the auction. The company reserves the right to request proof of identity, banking references, and a deposit. It may deny entry to the auction room for valid reasons.
Art.11/ Any bidder agrees to personally and immediately pay the hammer price plus buyer’s fees and any applicable taxes. Bidders are assumed to be acting for themselves unless they notify ARTEAL auctions Sàrl in advance and receive approval to act as an agent.
Art.12/ Bidders should be physically present, but ARTEAL auctions Sàrl may accept telephone bids at no extra charge for pre-registered buyers. The company is not liable for connection failures, delays, or errors in processing phone bids. Calls may be recorded for verification.
The auction is also live-streamed online via:
- Drouot (1.5% extra commission)
- Interenchères (3% extra commission)
Art.13/ ARTEAL auctions Sàrl may execute written absentee bids submitted before the auction. A deposit may be required. If multiple absentee bids match, the oldest bid takes priority. The company is not responsible for errors or omissions in executing these bids.
Art.14/ If a reserve price has been set, ARTEAL auctions Sàrl may bid on behalf of the seller until the reserve is met. However, the seller cannot bid directly or through an agent.
Art.15/ ARTEAL auctions Sàrl conducts the sale at its discretion, ensuring fair bidding while respecting standard practices. It may refuse bids, rearrange lots, withdraw items, or combine/split lots as needed. In case of a dispute, the company may designate the winning bidder, continue or cancel the auction, or re-auction the lot.
Art.16/ The highest bidder (meeting or exceeding the reserve price) will be the winning buyer. The hammer drop finalizes the sale, and the word "sold" (adjugé) confirms the contract. The lot will only be delivered after full payment.
PAYMENT & EXECUTION OF THE SALE
Art.17/ The buyer must pay a 12% buyer’s premium (including VAT).
Foreign buyers must comply with Swiss and destination country import/export regulations.
Art.18/ VAT on fees and import costs may be refunded upon presentation of valid export documentation.
Art.19/ Vehicles must be collected within the specified timeframe after full payment. After this period, the buyer assumes all costs, risks, and liabilities.
Art.20/ Storage fees apply for late vehicle pickups. Vehicles will not be released until storage fees are paid.
Art.21/ Buyers must verify they have received all keys and documents upon collection. Non-local buyers should arrange storage/delivery in advance.
Art.22/ Export licenses for foreign-registered vehicles are subject to the laws of their country of origin.
Art.23/ Full payment is required immediately, including fees and taxes, regardless of export license needs. Payment methods:
- Debit (PostCard, Maestro) or Credit (Visa, Mastercard) cards (a 2% fee applies for credit cards)
- Cash (limited to CHF 100,000)
- Bank transfer (Details: IBAN: CH88 00767 000H 5382 0697 / BIC: BCVLCH2LXXX)
- No checks accepted. ARTEAL auctions Sàrl may refuse credit card payments.
Art.24/ ARTEAL auctions Sàrl will record the buyer’s personal details, and false information will incur liability. Buyers have the right to access and correct their data.
Art.25/ The buyer must insure the lot immediately after purchase. If stolen or damaged post-auction, compensation from ARTEAL auctions Sàrl’s insurer may be limited.
Art.26/ The lot will only be released after full payment. If the buyer defaults, the lot may be resold at their expense or the sale may be canceled. Penalties include:
- 5% interest plus five additional points
- Reimbursement of additional costs due to default
- Payment of any difference if the resale price is lower
ARTEAL auctions Sàrl may exclude defaulting buyers from future auctions.
Art.27/ A certificate of sale can be issued upon request for CHF 60 (including VAT).
AUCTION DISPUTES & INCIDENTS
Art.28/ If two bidders place identical bids simultaneously, the lot will be immediately re-auctioned.
Art.29/ Video displays may be used during the auction. If an error occurs, ARTEAL auctions Sàrl has sole discretion to restart the bidding.
LOT COLLECTION
Art.30/ Buyers must arrange insurance for their purchases. ARTEAL auctions Sàrl is not liable for damages after the sale. All formalities and transportation are at the buyer’s expense.
SEVERABILITY
Art.31/ Each clause of these terms is independent. If one is deemed invalid, the others remain enforceable.
ITEM PROVENANCE
Art.32/ ARTEAL auctions Sàrl makes efforts to verify item provenance but does not guarantee it.
GOVERNING LAW & JURISDICTION
Art.33/ Swiss law applies, and the exclusive jurisdiction is Lausanne. The competent courts are those of Vaud and Switzerland.
