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Problem solving
What do I do if something goes wrong with my purchase?
If in the process of asking questions of your dealer, auction house or on-line seller prior to making a purchase you feel there is something wrong with, or missing from, the object's history you may wish to ask further questions as described in Checklist Buying with confidence. You will also wish to:
- Pay particular attention when buying from online sources (Checklist Online sources)
- Discuss the matter with a relevant Professional Trade Association (Factsheet Professional trade associations)
- Seek independent advice from a conservator through the Conservation Register
- Check your object against databases of stolen or lost art (Factsheet Databases of stolen art).
If you continue to have doubts you will probably not wish to purchase it. If you believe a criminal offence has taken place you should report it to the police. Customs Confidential is a 24 hour helpline through which you can also report any possible illicit traffic in cultural property by visiting the website or calling 0800 59 5000.
What do I do if I realise there is a problem having purchased an object?
In this case it would be sensible to go back to your original dealer, particularly if they are a member of a Professional Trade Association. If they are unable to help you may wish to make use of the arbitration service offered by some of the Associations (Factsheet Professional trade associations). Other questions regarding whether an object has been legally sold to you must be answered using independent legal advice. Again the Professional Trade Association may be able to help you with this. Further information is available in Factsheet Legislation.
