Open your house, step by step
We guide you, one question at a time, from your arrival to your first piece online. No knowledge of the Internet is needed.
Your journey
- Welcome (chapter in progress)
- Your house (chapter to do)
- Your first piece (chapter to do)
Welcome
A note from the team explains the road ahead and roughly how long it takes. You begin when you wish, and you can stop at any time.
Your house
Your application takes three short screens. First who you are, then your house with its name, specialities and logo, and finally your addresses. Every question is explained.
Your first piece
You take a few photos with your phone, view by view, then describe the piece in a few lines. You see it as a buyer will. The team reviews it, then puts your page online.
Eight photos to show a piece well
A phone is enough. Take these views in whatever order suits you, and take your time.
- An overall view, from the frontStand squarely in front of the piece and show all of it, with nothing cut off. This is the photo buyers will see first, so take it with care.
- The side and the backWalk around the piece. Photograph one side and the back, even if they are less handsome. A buyer likes to see everything before deciding.
- The underside and the marksIf the piece is easy to move, look at it from underneath. Also photograph the inside of a drawer, any numbers, labels and workshop marks. Do not lift anything heavy.
- A detail of the craftsmanshipMove closer to a detail that shows quality: a carving, a joint, some marquetry, a brushstroke. Keep the image sharp.
- The signature or the hallmarkIf the piece is signed or hallmarked, photograph the mark very close up and sharp. If you see none, skip this view. It is not a problem.
- A view with something to show the sizePlace something everyone knows next to the piece, such as a ruler, a pen or a chair. The buyer then understands its real size.
- Flaws and wear, shown honestlyPhotograph a chip, a crack, a repair, a stain. Showing a flaw honestly builds trust and avoids unpleasant surprises.
- From three quarters, or in placeShoot the piece from three quarters, or set up in a tidy corner of your home, in daylight. It helps the buyer picture it in their own home.
- Stand near a window, in daylight. Do not use the flash: it creates harsh reflections on wood, glass and metal.
- Choose a plain, clear background, such as a light, uniform wall. Move away anything that is not the piece.
- Hold the phone straight, level with the piece. First wipe the lens with a soft cloth: a single fingerprint is enough to blur the image.
What we do for you
A contact whose name is shown on every screen, and whom you can write to at any time.
A concrete example for every question, taken from the daily work of antiques dealers, gallery owners and design dealers.
Your application is saved on your device as you go, until you send it. After that, it is kept with us.
You can stop at any time. If you switch to another device, write to us: we will help you carry on.
What we do not ask of you
No technical knowledge: every screen simply says what it expects of you.
No password to remember: you sign in with a code sent to your e-mail address.
No obligation to do everything yourself: you can write to us at every step, and we help you.
Your questions
I do not know how to use a computer. Is this for me?
This journey is designed for you. Each screen asks one question, explains it and gives an example. If you hesitate, you can write to us at any time: a person answers.
What if I make a mistake?
A mistake is never serious. You can go back and correct it before you send. The team reviews your application and your piece before anything goes online, and asks for more information if needed.
Who will answer me?
A person from the Collector’s Reserve team, in writing. Their name and a button to write to them are shown on every screen. You receive the reply in the conversation, and also by e-mail.
Can I do this from my phone?
You can start from your phone, and photos are easy to take with it. Choose one device for your application: until you send it, it stays saved on the one you use. If you switch, write to us.
How long does it take?
Your part of the work fits into a few short sessions, spread as you like. The review time depends on each application: we prefer not to promise a length of time we could not keep.