These Auction Rules explain how auctions on Trovaval operate. They form an integral part ofTerms of Service.
Trovaval is an online marketplace that enables artists, collectors, galleries and other sellers to offer artworks through private online auctions.
The purchase contract is concluded directly between seller and buyer. Trovaval merely provides the platform on which auctions are conducted and is not a party to the purchase contract.
Artworks offered on Trovaval are often exhibited simultaneously in galleries, museums, fairs or other physical exhibitions, but may also be available only online on Trovaval.
Auctions on Trovaval are private.
Bid amounts are never visible to other bidders.
The seller is informed only of the current highest bid. The seller cannot see individual bids, previous bids or the identity of the highest bidder while the auction is running.
This ensures fair competition while allowing the seller to follow the overall progress of the auction.
Only registered users who have paid the required participation fee may submit bids.
Each bid represents a binding offer to purchase the artwork.
A bidder may change their own bid at any time.
Placing a new positive bid requires paying a new participation fee. Changing the bid to €0 is free of charge.
Submitting a bid does not automatically result in the purchase of the artwork.
Trovaval never discloses bid amounts during an auction.
Bidders will be informed on their dashboard if the auction closes early because the item was sold outside of Trovaval or for any other reason.
Because artworks offered on Trovaval are often displayed simultaneously in galleries, museums, fairs or other exhibitions, a visitor may decide to purchase an artwork directly from the seller while the online auction is still running.
To protect bidders participating on Trovaval, the seller may conclude such a direct sale only if the agreed selling price is at least 1% higher than the current highest bid on Trovaval.
Before completing the sale, the seller must use the direct-sale function provided by Trovaval and enter the agreed selling price.
If the entered price satisfies the above requirement, Trovaval immediately closes the auction and notifies all participants. The seller may then complete the sale with the buyer.
The seller may also end the auction early by accepting the current highest bid. The accepted bid becomes the closing price and the auction closes immediately.
Direct sales cannot be registered retrospectively, as additional bids may have been placed in the meantime.
If no qualifying direct sale has taken place, depending on the auction mode, the auction ends automatically either at the published closing time or when the maximum number of bids has been reached.
The highest valid bid at the end of the auction wins.
After the auction has ended, the seller and the successful bidder receive each other’s contact details in order to complete the transaction directly.
The purchase contract is concluded exclusively between seller and buyer.
A participation fee is required before placing a bid.
If a bidder wins an auction, the participation fee is consumed.
If a bidder does not win, they may choose between the following options:
Trovaval provides only the technical platform for conducting auctions.
The seller is solely responsible for the description, authenticity, condition, ownership and legal right to sell the artwork.
The buyer is solely responsible for inspecting the artwork, arranging payment and, where appropriate, transport, insurance, import or export formalities and taxes.
Trovaval accepts no responsibility for disputes arising from the purchase contract between seller and buyer.
Trovaval may update these Auction Rules from time to time in order to improve the platform, comply with legal requirements or introduce new functionality.
The version published on the website at the time a user participates in an auction shall apply.
If you have any questions regarding these Auction Rules, please contact us at
auction_rules.section9_p4contact@trovaval.com.