It’s hard to believe that it has been over a year since our first Virtual Luxury auction in March 2020. Always ahead of the game, the auction was planned well before we had any inkling of the Covid restrictions and lockdowns that would plague us. The concept was a Godsend however and set us in good stead for what was to come.
The concept of a virtual auction is not dissimilar to a normal auction. The main difference is that the stock is not on-site and can be in multiple locations anywhere in the world. This point even took me a while to get my head around, however the benefits are great. For the first time, we can offer the most amazing variety of luxury goods that are not readily available in Australia. The items for auction come from multiple sources, too. Leonard Joel brings these amazing things to our buyers on the one convenient platform, available for purchase in Australian dollars.
Viewing for these auctions is online only. Because of this, we supply multiple images of all lots, along with condition reports on each item. Additional questions can also be asked and answered before the auction via email just as you would do in a live sale. Most of our buyers are not fazed by the fact that they cannot view in person, because they come from far and wide too and are also used to other online retail platforms where online viewing is the only option. (Welcome to the 21st Century!)
The auction happens in real time with live auctioneers. You can bid live online via Invaluable, phone link with a friendly Leonard Joel team member, or leave a fixed absentee bid. As always, the lot goes to the highest bidder, and you are invoiced the following day. There is a week’s grace whilst we collate the purchased items and organise shipment to Leonard Joel, however it’s worth the wait. One of the greatest benefits to our clients is that all purchased items are landed in Australia without additional taxes or duties. They can be collected from Leonard Joel, or the buyer can elect to organize their own carrier for personal delivery.
Virtual auctions are here to stay, and we look forward to curating a variety of auctions in all categories. Since our inaugural Virtual Luxury auction in March 2020, the demand for quality luxury goods has kept on growing. Technology and traditional values walk hand in hand for unlimited events at Leonard Joel in the future… watch this space!
JOHN D’AGATA / Head of Luxury
November 2021
Banner image: A Crocodile Kelly Handbag by Hermès, Sold for $45,000