Auction Terms and Conditions
AOAP Projects – Conditions of Business (Buyers & Bidders)
Introduction
AOAP Projects is a curatorial and fundraising platform working with artists to raise funds for charitable causes. The artworks offered in our auctions are generously donated or contributed, and every successful sale directly supports both the charity and the integrity of the project.
a) These Conditions of Business govern the relationship between you (“You”, “Your”) and AOAP Projects (“AOAP”, “We”, “Us”) in relation to your use of our website, auction platform and services (“Platform” or “Services”).
b) By registering for or participating in any AOAP Projects auction or sale, you agree to be bound by these Conditions.
c) AOAP Projects facilitates the sale of artworks but does not take ownership of them. Ownership transfers directly to the Buyer upon completion of the sale.
d) We may update these Conditions from time to time by posting revised versions on our website.
e) These Conditions are subject to any additional terms specific to a particular auction or event.
1. Items and Listings
a) All Items are described and illustrated using information provided by the artist or contributor.
b) Items are offered as part of curated auctions and exhibitions (“Events”).
c) While we take care in presenting information, AOAP Projects does not undertake exhaustive due diligence on each Item. Buyers are responsible for satisfying themselves as to condition, description and suitability before bidding.
d) Dimensions are approximate and, unless stated, exclude frames or mounts.
e) Images are for guidance only and may not fully reflect colour, scale or condition.
f) Where possible, in-person viewing is encouraged.
g) By placing a bid, you confirm that you are satisfied with the Item and have not relied solely on the information provided by AOAP Projects.
2. Bidding and Registration
a) All bidders must register in advance and provide accurate information.
b) AOAP Projects reserves the right to refuse or revoke registration at its discretion.
c) Bidding may take place online, via absentee bid, or in person depending on the Event.
d) It is your responsibility to ensure that your internet or phone connection is reliable. AOAP Projects is not responsible for missed or failed bids due to technical or human error.
e) All bids are legally binding. By placing a bid, you are committing to purchase the Item if successful.
f) You agree that all bids are made in good faith and in compliance with applicable law.
Bids are binding — non-payment directly impacts the charity and disrespects the artists who have donated their work.
3. Auctions
a) Some Items may be subject to a confidential reserve price.
b) AOAP Projects reserves the right to withdraw, re-offer or refuse any bid where there is reasonable cause, including error or dispute.
c) Bid increments and the conduct of the sale are at the discretion of the auctioneer or platform.
d) The highest accepted bid at the close of an auction constitutes a binding contract of sale.
4. Buyer Payments
a) The final bid amount is the total price payable (“Sale Price”). Unless otherwise stated, there is no buyer’s premium.
b) Payment must be made in full within 72 hours of the auction closing.
c) Payments must be made by the registered buyer. Third-party payments are not accepted.
d) Buyers are responsible for any currency conversion fees or bank charges.
e) In some cases, identity verification or compliance checks may be required before completion of the sale.
Important: Non-Payment
Failure to complete payment has serious consequences.
When a winning bidder does not pay:
- Funds expected by the charity are lost
- The artist’s donated work is effectively taken out of circulation without the benefit
- Significant time and resources invested in curation, marketing and administration are undermined
AOAP Projects operates with a small team, and every sale is part of a carefully structured fundraising model. Non-payment directly affects our ability to deliver for the charities we support and damages relationships with the artists who contribute their work in good faith.
Accordingly:
f) Failure to pay within 72 hours may result in:
- Cancellation of the sale
- The item being offered to underbidders or re-listed
- Suspension or permanent exclusion from future AOAP Projects events
g) AOAP Projects reserves the right to pursue payment where appropriate.
5. Collection and Shipping
a) Items will not be released until full payment has been received.
b) Unless otherwise stated, shipping and associated costs are the responsibility of the Buyer.
c) Risk transfers to the Buyer upon collection or dispatch.
d) AOAP Projects is not liable for loss or damage during shipping.
6. Non-Collection and Cancellation
a) If an Item is not collected or shipping arranged within 7 days, storage charges may apply.
b) If an Item is not collected within 30 days, the sale may be cancelled and a refund issued, less any costs incurred.
c) AOAP Projects reserves the right to cancel a sale where payment is not received within the required timeframe.
7. Data Protection
a) Personal data is collected to administer auctions, process payments and comply with legal obligations.
b) Data may be shared with relevant partners (such as payment providers and shippers) where necessary to fulfil the transaction.
c) We will not use your data for marketing without your consent.
d) Full details are set out in our Privacy Policy.
8. Limitation of Liability
a) To the fullest extent permitted by law, AOAP Projects shall not be liable for:
- errors or omissions in Item descriptions
- technical issues affecting bidding
- loss or damage arising from participation in our auctions or use of the Platform
b) Our total liability shall not exceed the Sale Price of the Item purchased.
c) Nothing in these Conditions excludes liability for fraud, or for death or personal injury caused by negligence.
9. Copyright
a) All images and written material relating to Items remain the property of AOAP Projects or the artist.
b) These materials may not be reproduced without prior written permission.
10. General
a) These Conditions are governed by English law.
b) Any disputes are subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.
c) If any provision is found to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall continue in full force.
