You can set your cookie preferences using the toggles below. You can update your preferences, withdraw your consent at any time, and see a detailed description of the types of cookies we and our partners use in our Cookie Policy.
Edited by Thomas | 24 September 2025 Picture this: a buyer places the highest bid and pays happily. And then… you realise the object is missing, damaged, or sold elsewhere. You’re forced to cancel. For the buyer, it’s frustrating. For you, it means a broken promise, a negative mark on your record and lost trust. The buyer’s perspective when you can't supply Imagine bidding hard for an object, only to hear ‘Sorry, it’s not available.’ Disappointment like this pushes buyers away, sometimes for good. Why inventory discipline matters Good inventory management is a key part of seller success. It ensures that when your object sells, you can deliver exactly what you promised. • In 2024 alone, thousands of bidders saw objects they had bid on withdrawn before the auction ended. • Each case damages buyer confidence – not just for that seller, but in the marketplace as a whole. Remember: after your object is approved, the auction submission is final. Removing it – particularly once live – breaks trust with buyers and impacts the expert’s work. How top sellers manage inventory Here’s how top sellers avoid those mistakes: 1. Keep stock reserved once submitted When you submit an object to Catawiki, consider it ‘off the market’. Don’t list it elsewhere – online or offline. 2. Use clear tracking systems Whether you use an inventory tool, a spreadsheet or labelled boxes – know where each object is. This prevents last-minute surprises. 3. Perform regular audits Do regular checks to confirm that your listed inventory is still available, accurate and ready to ship. 4. Build a buffer If you’re sourcing regularly, only submit objects that you already have in hand. You have an obligation to supply the object after a successful auction. Only sell what you can actually ship.