SETDART | Casa de subastas — Attraction in Barcelona

This is likely the best and most professional auction house I ever dealt with (and I do buy at auctions frequently): Communication with representatives was always easy and quick, both pre and post sale. In particular, their representative for international business (Sofia) spoke impeccable English, was very quick in getting back to me and forthcoming and helpful in providing the information I wanted/needed and in organizing the transport after sale After sale process of my item (an antique) was perfect: they gave me a quote for transport and the entire process around it which was low by any auction transport standards - yet the transport part was with a very reputable international transport company. They handled the entire export permit process (as part of above mentioned quote) effectively despite difficulties and rather excessive provenance information requests from the side of the authorities. When the authorities took a while in deciding upon the export permit, the auction house continuously followed up & informed me about the status. When the permit process took longer than expected (due to delays on the side of the authorities, not the auction house), the auction house pro-actively offered full reimbursement of the sale price and all other fees. In the end, the permit request was successful and shipping done quickly.

The item arrived very well and was exactly as described and catalogued (i.e. also the photos in the catalogue had NOT been edited as some other auction houses do). By far the best experience with an auction house in a...

I had a very bad experience with setdart

I made a live auction with them. First, in the general auction conditions, the commission rate was written 18% as you can see below in the picture. And then the final commission rate on the invoice pass to 24%! Nobody apologized about this mistake.

Second of all, the delivery fee was about 150 euros which is very expensive considering they finally used UPS. It shouldn't have cost more than 50 euros even with an insurance. They didn't even used the first company they were talking about in the estimate shown below. They never answered me when I asked for a detailed invoice....

Finally, it very hard to reach them and have simple answer to legitimate question considering that it's expensives purchases.

I really don't recommend them especially if you...

Initially I enjoyed purchasing on this site. They were responsive and helpful. However, once there is an error on their end. That is when all communication stops. The first time when there was a delay and lost item in their warehouse I shrugged it as a one off. Afterall, they responded and finally addressed the issue. The second time it happened. I received a damaged painting. As many times, I have emailed them they have refused to acknowledge or respond to the numerous emails I have sent. Now I am sending the piece to an art restorer and I cringe about whether to spend $2000 to restore it. Very sad considering I have spend a few thousand dollars there prior. I now leaning towards some of the other Spanish auction house who respond when I have questions or shipping issues. Deeply...