TELEPHONE & ABSENTEE BIDDING

Art Leven [formerly Cooee Art] offers several ways to participate in one of our auctions. Bidding forms are also available in our showroom in Redfern during the auction preview. Bidding forms can be submitted in person, online or emailed. If you have not previously bid with us, upon receiving your bid form we will request photo identification, such as a drivers licence or passport.
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To learn more about the process read Buying From Our Auctions.
If you have any questions about the bidding process please contact us.
Telephone Bidding / Priority Bidding
Telephone bidding lets you take part in the auction live and in real time from anywhere in the world. A member of the Art Leven team will call you shortly before your chosen lot is offered and will relay your bids directly to the auctioneer. You’ll hear the action as it happens and can make decisions on the spot.
If you’d like to take advantage of our Priority Bidding option, simply submit your Telephone Bidding form with binding cover bids - the maximum you’re willing to pay - at least 48 hours before the auction. By doing so, you’ll qualify for a reduced Buyer’s Premium of 15% (plus GST) instead of the standard 25%. Your Priority Bids are binding, but you can still bid higher during the live auction by phone and retain your reduced premium.
This ensures you’re covered if your call drops out or the line disconnects, your cover bid guarantees participation at the lowest possible price up to your nominated limit.
We recommend providing clear instructions in advance, as auctions move quickly and bidding can be competitive. Our team will manage your calls discreetly and with full transparency to ensure a smooth experience.
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Absentee Bidding / Priority Bidding
Launching in October 2025, Priority Bidding rewards collectors who place their bids early. If you submit a binding absentee at least 48 hours before the auction, you’ll qualify for a reduced Buyer’s Premium of 15% (plus GST) - normally 25%.
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An absentee bid allows you to participate in the auction without the stress of participating in read time. It is the set and forget method. You decide the maximum price you’re willing to pay for a lot, and our auctioneer will bid on your behalf, starting low and only increasing if other bidders continue. The aim is always to secure the work for you at the lowest price possible, up to and including your stated limit.
You don’t need to monitor the auction in real time; once your bid is submitted, our team manages it for you with complete transparency.
