Comparing art consultancy with a clear brief
Initial selection advice, collection organisation and specialist examination of one artwork are different assignments. Useful quotes identify the decision to be supported, the documents to be delivered and who handles additional specialist work. Advice does not guarantee appreciation or a sale.
Identify the decision to be supported
Is the aim a first purchase, an addition, an inventory, a new display or preparation for sale? The goal determines research and deliverables. State the main aim even when style, period or artists remain open.
| Consultancy aim | Useful deliverable |
|---|---|
| Selection and development | Reasoned suggestions and comparison criteria |
| Existing collection | Inventory, priorities or organisation plan |
| Placement | Display or space plan with responsibilities |
| Sale or valuation question | Approach and suitable separate specialist investigations |
Describe holdings and available records
For existing holdings, give the exact number of relevant works, media and approximate sizes. Inventories, purchase records, exhibition references or earlier reports can affect later work. An objective overview is sufficient initially; private value lists and complete ownership documents need not be shared publicly.
Missing records create a research need, not proof of an origin or attribution. Separate known facts from assumptions. A new collection can remain open-ended without inventing existing holdings.
Make selection and interests transparent
Discuss whether advice is independent of offered works or also includes brokerage and sales. Ask for clear fees, any commissions and relationships with sellers. Recommendations should relate to your interests; a high price or famous name is not a substitute.
A reasoned shortlist can compare medium, dimensions, effect, condition and documentation. Purchase remains a separate decision. Research or viewing support does not automatically authorise bidding or buying.
Distinguish consultancy and specialist reports
Market opinion, valuation, condition examination and authenticity research answer different questions. Explain the purpose, such as selection, sale planning or insurance records, and ask for suitable expertise and scope. Not every advisory brief includes laboratory work or definitive attribution.
Provenance and existing rights need attention when buying or moving works across borders. Cultural-property rules depend on the object and transaction; general advice does not replace a case-specific check. A database entry or photograph alone is not a comprehensive authenticity guarantee.
Define display and implementation
Placement advice considers usable surfaces, sightlines, light and how spaces are used. Include known dimensions and special conditions in the common brief. Sensitivity, hanging and heavy objects need appropriate specialists.
A hanging proposal does not automatically include framing, transport, installation, storage or insurance. Specify concept-only or coordination. Actual visits need location and access; travel and access services do not apply to video-only advice.
Compare fees and additional costs
Compare the same scope: discussions, research, object review, written deliverables and follow-up questions. For time-based fees, request an estimate, billing unit and approval of additional work. Minimum fees or free initial meetings are individual terms, not a Swiss-wide rule.
| Item | Clarify for comparable quotes |
|---|---|
| Advice | Aim, meetings, research and included follow-up |
| Object review | Exact count, documentation and viewing |
| Deliverable | Verbal recommendation, shortlist, inventory or report |
| Third parties | Reports, analysis, transport and installation specified separately |
| Remuneration | Time, fixed fees, commissions and expenses clearly stated |
From enquiry to a decision
Process: describe the aim and holdings, check expertise and remuneration, agree scope and deliverables, exchange records through a suitable channel, receive advice and decide the next step. Purchases, sales and additional specialist commissions need their own approvals.
Checklist for the first enquiry
Note the aim, exact number of existing works involved, media, available records and desired deliverable. Add meeting format, location and timing. For placement, space and artwork dimensions help; for sale, describe the intended transaction and unresolved questions.
Sensitive personal or financial details are unnecessary for an initial quote. A concise factual description helps select suitable advice. Detailed records can follow once responsibilities and handling are agreed.
Frequently asked questions
Can I request advice without planning a purchase?
Yes. Collection organisation, inventories or placement can be separate commissions. State the desired result without assuming a purchase.
Is a valuation also an authenticity examination?
Not automatically. Purpose, expertise and method differ. Agree the specific question and any necessary additional examination separately.
Must I immediately upload photos and value lists?
No. An overview of the aim, scope and available records is sufficient initially. Detailed material can follow through an agreed suitable channel.
Are transport and hanging included?
Only when agreed. A concept or coordination differs from actual transport, framing, installation and insurance. Specify these items in the quote.
How can I identify possible conflicts of interest?
Ask about seller relationships, commissions and how advice is paid for. Clear information helps assess recommendations and offers without replacing your own purchase decision.
Does advice guarantee a better sale price?
No. A reasoned selling strategy or market opinion does not guarantee proceeds or timing. Compare services and remuneration rather than unsupported appreciation promises.
