A rug’s journey through auction begins well before the first bid. Follow the process from a seller’s initial inquiry to catalog preparation, bidding, payment, and delivery.
Whether you are considering a consignment or preparing to buy, knowing what happens at each stage makes it easier to ask the right questions.
At Nazmiyal, the process begins with a complimentary preliminary evaluation. Owners can submit photographs or arrange an appointment. The team discusses whether auction is appropriate and considers a possible sale date.
Prepare a full photograph, close views of the front and reverse, dimensions, and any ownership records you hold. Mention repairs or damage you know about. Clear information helps make the first conversation more useful.
A consignment agreement records the sale arrangements, including the estimate, any reserve, and applicable charges. Review the seller’s commission and other deductions before signing.
Estimate: an assessment of the anticipated auction range, rather than a guaranteed result.
Reserve: a confidential minimum below which a lot will not be sold.
Hammer price: the accepted final bid, before the buyer’s premium and applicable taxes.
Ask what happens if the rug remains unsold and which arrangements require your approval. Keep a copy of the signed agreement so you can refer to the terms after the sale.
Following the agreement, the rug is photographed and prepared for the catalog. Buyers use the lot number to identify it throughout the sale.
For sellers, this is a useful time to supply supporting records and clarify any known history. For buyers, the catalog is the starting point for research: read the description in full, confirm the dimensions, and note any questions raised by the photographs.
Keep your notes organized by lot number. A short list of questions is easier to resolve than trying to remember details across several similar rugs.
Ask for detailed photographs or arrange a gallery viewing before bidding. Consider condition, scale, and intended use together. For a practical inspection checklist, see our Collector’s Guide to Antique Persian Rugs.
Build your limit around the complete purchase cost. Allow for the buyer’s premium, applicable taxes, payment charges, and delivery. Request a shipping quote before you bid if it will influence your budget.
The current auction terms explain charges and conditions of sale. Review them for the auction you plan to enter.
Nazmiyal offers online and absentee bidding. Set up your bidder account and complete registration ahead of the auction. Check the published deadlines rather than waiting until your preferred lot is about to open.
An absentee bid gives a maximum amount for a specific lot. The system bids on your behalf up to that limit; the buyer’s premium is additional. Live online bidding lets you participate as the sale proceeds.
Follow the bidder registration and absentee instructions →
Before the sale, confirm the date, start time, and time zone. Keep your lot numbers and maximum bids nearby. If something is unclear, resolve it with the auction team before placing a bid.
Successful bidders receive payment instructions. The invoice includes the hammer price, buyer’s premium, and applicable taxes or charges. Follow the payment deadline and confirm collection or delivery arrangements with the team.
Nazmiyal provides packing without charge; shipping and insurance are the buyer’s responsibility. International buyers should also consider import taxes and duties.
Check your invoice against your lot numbers and retain the catalog description, condition correspondence, and payment record with your purchase documentation.
Seller proceeds reflect the sale price less commission and applicable fees. Nazmiyal states that settlement is processed within 35 days after the auction, provided the buyer has paid in full and no claim has been filed. Consult your agreement for the terms applying to your consignment.
Review the settlement statement and ask the team to explain any unfamiliar entry. If a rug has not sold, discuss the available next steps.
Browse the auction catalog to see how rugs are presented, or contact the team to discuss a rug you are considering selling.
Further information: Buying · Selling · Terms and Conditions. This overview does not replace the applicable auction terms or your consignment agreement.