Virtual Buying
Want to shop in France from the comfort of your home, all while having access to dealer only markets and pricing?
🌟 FAQ: Virtual Buying Experience — Live From France
When? December 9 & 10, 2025
Deposit: $150 CAD
Session Fees:
Early Morning: $1,050 CAD
Late Morning: $1,000 CAD
Retainer: Minimum €500 (adjusted based on budget)
What exactly is the Virtual Buying Experience?
A private, two-hour WhatsApp video sourcing session inside France’s professional, dealer-only markets (déballages). You shop with us in real time as we evaluate pieces, discuss authenticity and pricing, and negotiate with vendors on your behalf.
Are these markets open to the public?
No. These events are strictly trade-only, accessible only to accredited professional antique dealers.
Your session grants you rare access to inventory the public never sees.
Why is the early session more expensive?
Early buyers get first access as dealers unload their best pieces.
Highly desirable items—mirrors, art, ceramics, decorative objects—sell within minutes.
What is the time difference?
Because these markets begin before sunrise:
EST clients: sessions will take place early in the morning
PST clients: sessions will take place late at night
These hours align with when the best items appear at the markets.
What’s included?
Private two-hour live sourcing session
Access to professional dealer-only inventory
Real-time evaluation of condition, age & authenticity
Negotiation in French
Priority holds on selected pieces
Professional packing included
Consolidated shipping coordination (shipping + insurance billed separately)
What’s not included?
Cost of items purchased
Retainer
Shipping fees
Shipping insurance
Duties/taxes
Time-zone adjustments
How does the retainer work?
To purchase items on your behalf, we require a retainer based on your anticipated spending budget.
Minimum: €500
Higher budgets require higher retainers (typically €1,000–€2,000)
The retainer must be paid before market day
We do not front cash during the markets
We cannot purchase beyond your retainer
You may top up your retainer during the session if you want to continue buying
Retainers are fully applied to your purchases
How does payment work?
1. Pay your $150 CAD non-refundable deposit on Shopify
2. Receive a second invoice within 48 hours for:
Remaining session fee
Your personalized retainer
3. After the market, receive a final invoice for:
Purchases (minus retainer)
Shipping fees
Shipping insurance
4. All balances must be paid in full before shipping
Can I cancel?
Deposits are non-refundable
If you cancel and we fill your spot, the remaining session fee (minus deposit) will be refunded
Retainers are refunded only if no items are purchased
🎁 Dedicated Sourcing Concierge (Small Items Only)
Dates: December 9 & 10
Fee: $250 CAD
Retainer: Minimum €200 (based on budget)
What is the Dedicated Sourcing Concierge?
A fully curated sourcing service for small, box-shippable French antiques.
You provide your wishlist, and we source pieces on your behalf at professional dealer-only markets.
What types of items can be sourced?
Small items that ship safely in a box, such as:
Ceramics & pottery
Brass & copper objects
Religious items
Linens & textiles
Small artwork & prints
Woodenware
Books
Baskets
Decorative objects
Large or furniture pieces are not included.
How does the retainer work?
Minimum €200
Higher budgets require higher retainers
No purchases beyond the retainer
You may top up if needed
Fully applied to your selected items
What’s included?
Personalized sourcing based on your wish list
Curated selection of small French antiques
Negotiation with professional dealers
Professional packing included
Consolidated shipping coordination (shipping + insurance billed separately)
What’s not included?
Item costs
Retainer
Shipping fees
Shipping insurance
Duties/taxes
Payment timeline
1. Pay $250 CAD at checkout
2. Receive retainer invoice within 48 hours
3. Final invoice issued after sourcing (purchases + shipping)
4. Nothing ships until all balances are paid
Can I cancel?
Due to the curated nature of this service, the $250 fee and retainer are non-refundable unless no items are sourced.
📦 Shipping & Logistics
How long does shipping take?
Typically 1–4 weeks after the sourcing trip, depending on your location.
Are packing costs included?
Yes. Professional, secure packing is included for all items.
Are shipping costs included?
No. Shipping is billed separately based on:
Weight
Box size
Destination
Insurance level
Insurance is optional but recommended for fragile or valuable pieces.
Do you combine purchases from multiple days?
Yes — we consolidate everything into one shipment to reduce costs
General Questions
Why are the spots so limited?
Each client requires individualized attention during rapid-fire, dealer-only markets.
Limiting spots ensures exceptional service and access.
Do I need experience with antiques?
Not at all — we guide you through every step.
Are these services suitable for interior designers?
Absolutely. Designers gain access to trade-only stock and excellent margins.
