Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Is this consignment?

    2. No. Unlike consignment, the non-profit does not pay "up front" for the sculpture, nor does the non-profit keep only the revenue after the initial cost or value. MPI has devised the program with the intention that we share equally in the proceeds from the sale of a sculpture, from dollar one. There is no "out of pocket", "hidden fee" or "surcharge".


  2. What is a "Benefit Reserve"?

    3. After careful deliberation, The Benefit Reserve has been established as the least amount for which the sculpture may sell. The intention is to ensure a winning bid, while still maximizing the non-profit revenue. The sculpture can and often does sell for considerably more than The Benefit Reserve


  3. Live auction or silent auction?

    4. Each MPI Masterpiece, unlike many auction items, has a profound physical presence and compelling personality. Historically, an MPI sculpture will always yield a superior return when presented in a live auction.


  4. Offering the sculpture to more than one bidder?

    5. Absolutely! A single sculpture has sold up to seven times within a single auction event. Once the Benefit Reserve is achieved, MPI will gladly ship directly to multiple buyers. Ask your Charity Director!


  5. How many sculptures may we request?

    6. When it comes to offering expert advice and consultation within the sculpture selection process, the MPI Charity Directors are both qualified and committed. Not only can your Charity Director help you choose the right sculpture for your event, she can also advise the optimal number of masterpieces to include in your auction, whether it is one or more. MPI bears the expense of crating, shipping and accompanying promotional materials, whether the agreed number of sculptures is one or five.


  6. How does the winning bidder acquire a Certificate of Authenticity?

    7. Each Certificate of Authenticity is specific to the sculpture, the edition number and the individual collector. The Collectors Registry Card, with accompanying RSVP Card, is included in the shipment with each sculpture. Once the sculpture sells, the non-profit has the privilege of presenting this special envelope to the winning bidder, who will then fill out the registry RSVP card and post it in the pre-stamped, return envelope. The customized Certificate of Authenticity will be created and mailed directly to the collector.


  7. Do we incur return shipping costs?

    8. No. In the unlikely event the sculpture is not purchased, MPI will make arrangements to have the sculpture picked up and returned, at our expense. Once the sculpture is purchased, it is the private property and responsibility of the collector. MPI maintains responsibility for the sculpture (i.e. insurance) throughout shipping, delivery, the auction event and the improbable return shipping.