Sales Policy

Clear Standards for the Sale and Acquisition of Fine Chinese Antiques

Prince Castle Consignment is committed to conducting all sales—whether through auction or direct listing—with transparency, professionalism, and respect for the cultural value of every item entrusted to us. Below is a comprehensive guide to our policies regarding purchases, payments, buyer’s premiums, consignor settlements, and unsold property.

How Our Sales Work

Our auctions and fixed-price sales are conducted under the supervision of experienced specialists. Whether you're purchasing a Qing dynasty porcelain vase or consigning a set of scholar's tools, the policies below help ensure fair outcomes for all parties.

Terms for Buyers

Item Descriptions & Condition

All items are sold as-is. We make every effort to provide accurate descriptions and detailed photographs of each object, including any visible flaws or restorations. Age, origin, and attribution are offered in good faith based on expert review and available information, but unless otherwise stated, these attributions are not guaranteed.

We encourage prospective buyers to request additional information before placing a bid or making a purchase.

Payments

Invoices must be paid within 5 business days of issuance. Accepted forms of payment include:

Wire transfer (preferred for international buyers)

Credit card (subject to a 3% processing fee)

We do not accept PayPal.
Failure to pay on time may result in cancellation and restriction from future bidding.

Buyer’s Premium

All auction purchases are subject to a buyer’s premium, which is an additional fee added to the hammer price. This premium generally ranges from 18% to 25%, depending on the format and platform.

The buyer’s premium does not reduce the consignor’s proceeds and is retained by Prince Castle to cover auction and platform costs.

Shipping

We offer professional in-house packing and global shipping assistance for most items. Shipping costs are calculated individually and depend on the destination, size, weight, and value of the piece.

Buyers are responsible for any customs duties or import taxes required by their country.

Returns

All sales are considered final. Returns are accepted only if an item has been materially misrepresented. In such cases, claims must be made in writing within 5 calendar days of receipt, and return shipping must be completed with full insurance and tracking.

Terms for Consignors

Commission & Contract

Consignors receive between 60% and 70% of the final hammer price. The exact commission is determined based on item category, market demand, and any special marketing services required.

These terms are outlined in a formal consignment contract prior to listing.

Buyer’s Premium

The buyer’s premium is paid by the buyer in addition to the hammer price and does not reduce the consignor’s percentage. This structure allows us to fund professional photography, cataloging, marketing, and platform distribution.

Payments

Once an item sells and funds are confirmed, the consignor will receive a settlement report and payment within 30 days, via wire transfer or credit card reimbursement if applicable.

All transactions are documented for your records.

Unsold Property

If an item is not sold during its listing period, the consignor has the following options:

Request Return: You may arrange for your item to be returned at your expense.

Relist: We may suggest relisting the item in a future sale.

Donate: With your approval, we may offer the item to a cultural institution or nonprofit for tax-deductible donation.

Unsold items must be claimed or scheduled for action within 30 days after the end of the auction or listing period.

Legal Notes

All transactions are governed by the laws of the State of [Insert State or Country]. By submitting a consignment or placing a bid, all participants agree to the terms outlined above.

Prince Castle Consignment reserves the right to refuse service or bidding access to any individual or entity at its discretion.

Contact

For clarification on any of our sales terms, please contact us:

Email: contact@princecastleconsignment.com
Phone: [Insert phone number]
Business Hours: Monday – Friday, 10am–6pm (local time)

At Prince Castle, we believe that historic beauty should be passed forward with honor and care. These policies exist not only to protect your investment — but to preserve the trust that surrounds every item we handle.