The hardest part of selling a collectible is never the listing itself — it is being seen by the right people, in a credible way. Vera Buy accepts consignments across art, luxury and fine wine. If you are considering placing a piece with us for presentation or private sale, this guide explains what is worth preparing before you submit, and what happens afterwards.
1. The piece's basic documentation
The most useful starting point is a clear “identity file”: the name, brand or artist, date or period, materials, dimensions, and whatever you know of its provenance. Certificates, purchase receipts, original boxes and accessories should be listed as well. This is the same set of information a buyer would check when reading a lot listing — the more complete it is, the smoother every later conversation.
2. A set of photographs that shows the piece honestly
Professional equipment is not required, but honesty and clarity are: the full front, the back or another side, key details (signatures, hallmarks, serial numbers, hardware, settings), and close-ups of any wear or flaws. Showing wear or flaws honestly does not amount to a negative conclusion about a piece — on the contrary, complete presentation is where trust begins, and it prevents repeated friction caused by information gaps later.
3. Your expectations and boundaries
Think through in advance: whether you prefer public presentation or a targeted private placement; whether there is a timeframe in mind; and whether you have a price range at heart. These expectations are used only for our assessment and advice, and are not used in public presentation without mutual confirmation. Specific pricing and fee arrangements are set out item by item, in writing, only after both sides agree to proceed.
4. After you submit: assessment and reply
You can submit the piece's material through the enquiry form on our contact page, or by email. We will assess how the piece fits our current consignment directions and, where we can make an assessment, reply with whether it is suitable, how we would suggest presenting it, and what further material is needed. It is worth stating plainly that not every piece is accepted — when it does not fit the current direction, we will aim to say so honestly.
5. What happens after acceptance
Once a piece is accepted and the form of engagement is agreed, we will confirm with you how its material is organised and presented in Chinese and English. Photography, review and any public presentation are confirmed item by item under the agreed arrangement. If the process then moves into enquiry handling, viewing arrangements, terms and delivery, it follows the same personal confirmation approach used on the buyer's side, so the current stage can be understood through the ongoing communication.
Good consignment is not putting a piece “on the internet” — it is placing it inside a credible chain of trust.
How to begin
If you have a piece under consideration, you are welcome to send its basic material and photographs through the contact page or by email to celine@verabuy.cn. Vera Buy serves collectors in Shanghai, Hong Kong and worldwide, in Chinese and in English.