First decide whether Catawiki suits the object
Catawiki does not work like an open noticeboard where every listing goes straight on sale.
Catawiki presents itself as a marketplace for special objects and puts submissions through review and selection. That changes the preparation: an attractive title is not enough. You must identify precisely what the object is, why it fits a category, its author or maker where relevant, period, material, dimensions, condition, provenance and any document that changes confidence or value.
A submission may be turned down because of minimum value, poor fit with category guidelines, insufficient documentation, restrictions or an excess of similar objects. A rejection does not prove that the object is fake or that it has no value; it means it did not pass that specific process at that moment.
Correct model, edition, maker, artist, period or reference.
Visible defects and restorations, without hiding relevant wear.
Documents and chain of ownership where material.
Specific guidelines before photographing and describing.
Build a submission that a third party can verify
The quality of the evidence reduces questions and avoids contradictions between photos, text and documents.
Work from the objective to the interpretative. Start with dimensions, materials, marks, numbering, accessories and damage. Then add history or context only when you can back it up. If an attribution comes from a certificate, report, catalogue raisonné or invoice, identify that evidence; if it is the owner’s belief, do not turn it into a confirmed fact.
Photos must show the real object and its condition. Use neutral light, overall views and close-ups of signatures, stamps, labels, corners, clasps, repairs or flaws. Editing may correct framing or exposure, but it must not change the true colour, remove defects, reconstruct parts or make something used look new.
Understand the expert’s role before interpreting their decision
The expert reviews and selects; the seller’s material responsibility does not disappear.
In-house experts review submissions, check that there is enough information, may ask for improvements and select the appropriate auction. The general review is virtual: Catawiki explains that its experts do not carry out a general physical inspection of the objects offered.
That is why “selected by an expert” should not be rewritten as “physically authenticated by Catawiki”. For certain categories there may be strict requirements for certificates, laboratories, serial numbers or provenance, but those obligations are specific and do not turn every lot into an object certified by the platform.
Remote review, fit, information and auction curation.
Seller’s responsibility, supported by the specific evidence available.
Set expected value, reserve and Buy now with distinct roles
An estimate, a reserve and the final price answer different questions.
During submission you can state what you think the object is worth for review. For objects with a sufficient expected value, the reserve option may appear and, where eligible, Buy now (Comprar ya). The reserve is a hidden minimum: if it is not reached, the sale is not completed automatically. Buy now offers a fixed price while the auction remains open.
Do not use the expert’s estimate as a guarantee that this will be the result. Nor should you set the reserve to “force” an imagined value. Compare genuinely equivalent objects by identity, edition, condition, provenance, dimensions, rarity and date; then decide how much risk of not selling you accept.
Calculate the net amount before sending the object to auction
The fee is only one part of the real financial result.
For objects submitted from 17 August 2026, Catawiki documents a seller success fee of 12,5% of the sold price plus a fixed amount per band, excluding IVA (VAT). That scheme is dynamic and must be checked again before publishing a calculator or a permanent figure.
The seller’s net amount can also be affected by IVA on the fee where applicable, Smart Shipping insurance, packaging, logistics, acquisition costs, legitimate restoration or your own taxes. Do not deduct the Buyer Protection fee from the seller: it is a cost to the buyer and belongs to the other side of the transaction.
During the auction, keep evidence and do not manipulate the process
The sale is decided by Catawiki’s mechanism, not by parallel negotiations by Barguvo.
Bids are binding and the maximum bid automates increments within the platform itself. If there is activity in the final stretch, the auction may be extended under the current rules. Barguvo can help you understand the budget or compare scenarios, but it does not bid, does not snipe and does not execute Buy now.
If the lot ends up sold, wait for payment confirmation before shipping. If the buyer does not pay, Catawiki has its own processes for reminders, possible subsequent offers or relisting. Avoid agreements outside the flow that remove tracking, protected payment or evidence of the order.
The platform receives binding offers.
The reserve is reached or not.
Catawiki confirms the buyer’s payment.
The seller hands over to the carrier.
Released according to delivery, problems and frequency.
Ship with correct tracking and sufficient evidence
Packaging and the tracking code affect both the physical risk and getting paid.
Catawiki offers Smart Shipping where available and also Manual Shipping. In both cases the seller remains responsible for preparing, packing and shipping correctly. With Smart Shipping the label and tracking are integrated; with Manual Shipping you must book the shipping and enter a valid code.
Incorrect tracking can prevent Catawiki from detecting delivery and therefore delay the payout. Before sealing the parcel, photograph the object and the packaging, protect fragile areas, keep a record of weights and dimensions and use a carrier compatible with the order conditions. If you need more time for a valid reason, use the date extension provided by the platform.
Distinguish delivery, payment ready and bank transfer
These are three states, not a single moment.
Current help explains that, if all goes well, the payment becomes ready three days after the system confirms delivery. From then on it is processed according to the configured frequency: every working day, weekly, fortnightly or monthly. A buyer complaint, incorrect tracking, pending identity verification or other checks can delay the process.
Before shipping, have your bank details ready, along with any verification the payment provider Stripe or Payoneer may request. That verification confirms the identity of the person receiving the money; it does not authenticate the object sold.
Practical decisions that improve a sale without misrepresenting the object
Use evidence to reduce uncertainty, not to cover up weaknesses.
A restoration can be compatible with a sale, but it must be described precisely and photographed. Separate the original piece, the intervention and the current condition. The mistake to avoid here is hiding it to get a higher estimate.
An old invoice or a collection label provides context, but it may not cover the whole chain. State exactly which period each piece of proof documents. The mistake to avoid here is turning a known stretch into complete provenance.
It can help identify a piece or check consistency with specific records. Share only what is necessary and minimise PII. The mistake to avoid here is publishing personal data or assuming authenticity from the serial number alone.
An attractive range does not guarantee the final result. Plan the net amount and risk using several scenarios. The mistake to avoid here is treating the estimate as a promised price.
A good lot can become a bad transaction because of inadequate packaging. Document the protection, the box and the handover to the carrier. The mistake to avoid here is relying on insurance to make up for poor packaging.
KYC helps with payment and account identity. Keep it separate from the analysis of the object. The mistake to avoid here is presenting it as a certificate of authenticity.
Final checklist before pressing submit
A defensible submission must stand up to questions about identity, price, condition and logistics.
If any of these points is still unknown, label it as unknown. Do not fill the gap with an assumption. A more cautious submission is usually more defensible than a spectacular description that later contradicts the photos or the documentation.
Catawiki’s help and the specific transaction take precedence over any editorial snapshot.
FAQ
Does submitting an object cost money?
Submission is free; the seller fee applies if the object sells. Other costs, such as shipping, insurance or IVA on the fee, may apply depending on the case.
Does being selected by an expert mean Catawiki authenticates it?
No. Selection and the general review are remote. The seller remains responsible for authenticity, legality, condition and description.
When do I have to ship?
In the normal flow, after the buyer pays, the object must be handed to the carrier, normally within 3 working days, unless there is a valid extension.
Do I get paid as soon as the tracking shows delivered?
Not necessarily. If all goes well, the payment usually becomes ready 3 days after delivery and is then processed according to the configured payout frequency.
Can I always set a reserve price?
No. Eligibility depends on the expected value and the category; a general threshold of 200 € in expected revenue is currently documented, subject to specific guidelines.
Does Barguvo publish or sell for me?
No. Barguvo organises the preparation and the analysis; submission, sale, shipping and payout take place on Catawiki.
Operational information revalidated on 25/08/2026. Sources and licences are kept in the internal record of this checkpoint so as not to clutter the public interface.