Sotheby's Free Art Appraisal Guide: How It Works & What to Expect

Yes, both Sotheby's and Christie's offer complimentary online valuation services. However, these are preliminary estimates rather than formal appraisals, and they're primarily designed to identify items suitable for their auctions. As stated on Sotheby's website: "You only need to provide some information and upload images from your phone or laptop. Our specialists will review your submission and issue preliminary estimates for items that can be included in our sales."
It’s important to understand that these free services are selective - specialists will only evaluate items they believe meet their auction thresholds and fit their sales calendar.

Response times from Sotheby's free valuation service vary widely. While some submissions receive responses within a few days, many users report waiting weeks or even months. According to discussions on Reddit, waiting more than two months is not uncommon. 
The response time typically depends on:

The apparent value and interest level of your item
The current workload of the relevant department
The auction calendar for your type of item
Whether your submission includes complete information

Items that appear to be high-value or rare tend to receive faster responses than items of moderate or uncertain value. There is also no guarantee that all submissions will receive a response.

No, free estimates from auction houses like Sotheby's are not legally valid appraisals. They don't meet the standards required for insurance coverage, estate valuation, tax purposes, or legal proceedings. 
A legally valid art appraisal typically requires:

A comprehensive written document
Detailed analysis of the artwork’s condition, provenance, and market value
Certification from a qualified appraiser (often with credentials from organizations like AAA, ASA, or ISA)
Specific valuation approach appropriate to the intended use (replacement value, fair market value, etc.)

Auction house estimates only provide a potential selling range at auction and lack the documentation required for legal or financial purposes.

If Sotheby's accepts your artwork for auction, they charge several fees:


Seller’s Commission: This is the primary fee, typically ranging from 10% to 25% of the hammer price, depending on the value of your item and your negotiating position. Higher-value items often qualify for lower commission rates.


Additional Fees: Sotheby’s may also charge for:

Photography and catalog inclusion
Insurance while your item is in their possession
Storage fees if your item remains unsold
Withdrawal fees if you decide to remove your item from auction



According to recent information, Sotheby’s fee structure will change in February 2025, consisting of 27% on everything up to $1 million, 22% for between $1 million and $8 million, and 15% on everything above that.
These fees are negotiable for very high-value items or important collections. The exact terms would be outlined in your consignment agreement.

Sotheby's focuses on higher-value items with established market appeal. Generally, they accept:

Fine art (paintings, drawings, sculptures) by recognized artists
Important photographs and prints by notable photographers
Valuable antiques with significant historical importance
Fine jewelry and watches from prestigious makers
Rare books and manuscripts
Collectibles with exceptional provenance or rarity

Items typically need to meet minimum value thresholds, which vary by department but often start around $3,000-$5,000 for less competitive categories and $10,000+ for fine art. The most competitive departments may only consider items valued at $25,000 or higher.
Sotheby’s is less likely to accept:

Works by unknown or regional artists without established markets
Mass-produced decorative items
Items in poor condition
Pieces without clear provenance or authenticity

The acceptance criteria change based on current market trends and auction schedules.

For the best chance of receiving a response from Sotheby's free valuation service, include 4-8 high-quality photographs showing:

Full front view of the entire artwork
Back/reverse side showing any labels, inscriptions, or stamps
Close-up of the artist’s signature or marks
Detail shots of any important features
Images of any damage or condition issues
Shot of any accompanying documentation (certificates, receipts)
The artwork unframed, if possible (for paintings)
Scale reference to indicate size

Ensure all photos are:

Well-lit with natural light when possible
In focus and high resolution
Accurately representing the colors
Showing the entire item without cropping

Poor quality images significantly reduce your chances of receiving an accurate appraisal or any response at all.

Several alternatives to Sotheby's free appraisal service include:
Other Auction Houses:

Christie’s online valuation service
Bonhams valuation department
Phillips valuation services
Regional auction houses (often more responsive for mid-range items)

Online Platforms:

Mearto ($15-$69 depending on detail level)
ValueMyStuff (approximately $30 per item)
WorthPoint (subscription-based price database)
LiveAuctioneers (free archive of past auction results)

Professional Appraisers:

Members of the Appraisers Association of America (AAA)
American Society of Appraisers (ASA) certified appraisers
International Society of Appraisers (ISA) members

Other Resources:

Art galleries specializing in similar works
University art departments (for educational insights)
Local museums with relevant collections
Art advisors and consultants

Professional appraisers typically charge $250-$1,000 depending on the artwork and required research, but provide legally valid documentation for insurance, estates, and taxes.

Sotheby's may decline to provide an estimate for your artwork for several reasons:


Value Threshold: The item appears to fall below their minimum value threshold for auction (often $3,000-$5,000 for most departments)


Market Demand: Limited current market interest in that type of work or artist


Authentication Concerns: Doubts about the work’s authenticity or attribution


Condition Issues: Significant damage or poor condition that would affect saleability


Insufficient Information: Inadequate photos or details to make a proper assessment


Oversaturated Market: Too many similar works currently available


Specialization: The item falls outside their area of expertise or current auction categories


Provenance Problems: Unclear ownership history or potential legal issues


Department Capacity: Current workload prevents taking on additional items


Geographic Limitations: The item is located in a region where they don’t currently operate


Rejection doesn’t necessarily mean your item lacks value - it might simply be better suited to a different auction house, gallery, or sales channel.