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our OFFER for auction logistics
Specialized shipping of fine art and antiques.
At Prime Lane, we specialize in the bespoke collection, expert packing, comprehensive cover against loss and damage, and worldwide delivery of antiques, fine art, and collectibles—all at very competitive prices. Our streamlined auction shipping process is simpler, faster, and more economical for you.
We collaborate closely with all the major auctioneers in London and the broader South England region. Through our website, you can easily request collections from upcoming sales where we offer tailored delivery solutions. We've also simplified the process for you to request quotes for collecting, wrapping, packing, and delivering your valuable items.
Experts in Fragile Items Packing
We Protect What's Valuable to You
Our expert team uses sustainable materials to professionally pack your items, ensuring their integrity is preserved. We understand that each item has unique needs, and that's why we offer:
- Double-wall box with internal cushioning
- Reinforced tri-wall box with internal cushioning
- ISPM15-compliant wooden crate with internal cushioning
- Pallet wraps and palletised crates.
Every option is meticulously tailored to the dimensions and requirements of your valuable artwork. Whether it's a delicate painting, a sculpture, or a mixed media piece, our custom packaging solutions are designed to provide maximum protection throughout the shipping process.
Simplified shipping quote requests
AS EASY AS
"1 CLICK"
Experience seamless shipping with our integrated quote solution. Easily embed it into your website, allowing customers to instantly receive shipping estimates with a single click. This enhances user experience and streamlines the checkout process.
UNFRAMING AND SHIPPING
Prime Lane's Comprehensive Unframing Service: Cost-Effective Shipping for Large Paintings
At Prime Lane, we offer a specialized unframing service designed to help you reduce shipping costs for large paintings.
Auction lots often come with large, old frames that, while valuable and integral to the artwork, can be cumbersome. These frames add considerable volume, weight, and fragility to the shipment, often doubling the cost without adding significant value to the artwork itself. If you plan to reframe your purchased artwork, consider sending it without the existing frame.
Our expert team will carefully examine the condition of the frame and discuss various options with you to ensure you get the best value for your money. We offer tailored solutions to keep your shipping costs down while ensuring your artwork is protected and arrives safely.
Import and Export Documentation
Reliable, Efficient Exports and Imports
Navigating the complexities of international shipping demands meticulous attention to import and export documentation. Our experienced team ensures that all customs and regulatory requirements are met, minimizing the risk of delays and complications. Whether you are shipping a sold artwork or organizing the return of a painting from an international destination, our team will prepare the correct documentation to ensure you are not charged undue duties and taxes.
OPTIONAL COVER AGAINST LOSS & DAMAGE
Our optional Safeguard covers any shipments that are packed and dispatched by us and protects the value of your consignment in the event of loss or damage, subject to certain conditions. Once you are covered by our Safeguard, if your item is lost whilst in our care, we will pay you the agreed market value of the goods as detailed on the consignment documentation.
FAQs
What items do you ship?
We ship a wide variety of items, including furniture, electronics, antiques, art, collectables, and more. We can handle large and bulky items as well as fragile and valuable pieces. We ship a wide variety of items, including furniture, electronics, antiques, art, collectables, and more. Our services cover both large and bulky shipments as well as fragile and valuable pieces. We specialise in the handling, packing, and shipping of fragile items—this is where our expertise truly shines. Thanks to our experience, we can offer multiple packing methods tailored to the nature and fragility of each item, ensuring maximum protection throughout transit. Whether your shipment is everyday equipment or a one-of-a-kind piece, we’ll provide the right solution to keep it safe from collection to delivery.
How do you handle Customs clearance for international shipments?
Our streamlined process is designed to minimize delays and complications. Our experienced team ensures that all customs and regulatory requirements are met efficiently, allowing your shipments to reach their destination swiftly. We understand that international shipping can sometimes be complex and time-consuming. That’s why we proactively monitor each shipment on a daily basis, addressing any minor issues as they arise. Only when additional information is required directly from the sender or receiver will we request your involvement. This approach keeps the process smooth, transparent, and hassle-free, so you can focus on your business while we take care of the details.
How can I reduce the cost of my shipment?
If your shipment is not urgent, we can help lower costs by consolidating your collection with those of other clients who purchased from the same auction house. This shared collection approach significantly reduces expenses, as transport costs are distributed across multiple buyers. Because we regularly collect from most auction houses in London and the South of England, it’s easy for us to coordinate grouped pick-ups, ensuring efficiency and savings without compromising on care and reliability. For smaller shipments, we also offer an Economy and a Super Saver option, to further reduce the final cost
What is your service area for item pickup?
We conveniently collect items from all auction houses across London and surrounding areas within a 45-mile radius.
What kind of cover do you provide against loss and damage?
We offer comprehensive insurance options that provide coverage against loss and damage during transit. Our insurance policies are designed to offer peace of mind, ensuring that your valuable pieces are protected. Please contact us for more details on the specific coverage options available.
What is a Tracked and Managed Delivery?
Tracked & Damaged Delivery is a significant advancement beyond traditional tracking services. Rather than simply providing a tracking number, we actively monitor the status of your shipment on a daily basis. Our team ensures that every stage of the delivery process runs smoothly, and if any issue arises or attention is required, we intervene immediately. We take proactive measures to resolve potential problems before they escalate, and we liaise directly with the relevant parties to obtain or provide any additional information needed. This hands-on approach minimizes delays, enhances transparency, and ensures your shipment receives the care and attention it deserves from dispatch to final delivery
What are the next steps after I won a lot?
The process with Prime Lane is very simple. Once you’ve secured your lot, all you need to do is send an email to the auction house confirming that you authorise Prime Lane to collect on your behalf. From there, we’ll take care of everything—organising the pick-up directly with the auction house and securing the most suitable collection slot. This ensures a smooth, hassle-free experience, so you can focus on enjoying your purchase while we handle the logistics.
Will I have to pay duties and taxes for International Shipments?
In most international shipments, duties and taxes are typically charged to the receiver before delivery. However, we understand that every shipment has unique circumstances. In many countries, art, antiques, and collectables benefit from preferential VAT and tax treatment, meaning that on most occasions you will not be charged the full standard VAT rate but a reduced one. If you have any questions about reduced VAT, our team will be happy to assist you—or you can check our blog post on European VAT rates for more detailed guidance.