Frequently Asked Questions
What are your gallery hours?
We are open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:15 p.m. Central Standard Time. We are closed on Sunday. You can shop any time on our website.
What payment methods does M.S. Rau accept?
You may pay for your online acquisitions in several ways.
Credit Card: M.S. Rau accepts all major credit cards including VISA, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club and others. See Secure Online Ordering for information on credit card protection for Web transactions.
Cryptocurrency: M.S. Rau currently accepts the following cryptocurrencies through BitPay: BitCoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, Ethereum, Ripple and Polygon. You can learn more about paying with cryptocurrency by clicking here.
Bank Wire Transfer: Your M.S. Rau sales consultant can help you with arrangements to pay for your order with a bank transfer.
Credit Card Hold: We can hold your purchase with a credit card deposit until the balance is paid by check or credit card. You must make arrangements with your sales consultant.
Check/Money Order: All orders paid for by check will be held until the check clears your bank. Please make checks and money orders payable to M.S. Rau. Be sure to write your order number on your check. Send checks to:
M.S. Rau
622 Royal Street
New Orleans, LA 70130
USA
Does M.S. Rau accept cryptocurrency as a form of payment?
Yes! M.S. Rau currently accepts the following cryptocurrencies through BitPay:
- BitCoin (BTC— on chain and Lightning)
- BitCoin Case (BCH)
- Litecoin (LTC)
- Dogecoin (DOGE)
- Ethereum (ETH) and Ethereum tokens (including stablecoins)
- Ripple (XRP)
- POLYGON (POL—formerly MATIC) and and Polygon tokens (including stablecoins)
For additional information and assistance with completing an acquisition using a cryptocurrency, please contact us at 800-544-9440 or learn more by clicking here.
What happens after I place an order using a secure online transaction?
Once you have placed your order online or by fax M.S. Rau confirms your order and you will receive an e-mail confirmation by the next business day. If the item can be sent to you by UPS, it will be processed and shipped out within 3 business days (usually the next business day) of payment confirmation. You will receive a printed invoice by mail (or by fax if you prefer). If the item is too large to ship via UPS and requires shipment by private carrier, or if you need to make special shipping arrangements, your sales consultant will contact you. You can also choose to place your order over the telephone.
How can I find out what the shipping cost will be on an item?
We have made every effort to include the shipping cost for each item listed in our online catalog. The shipping cost for many pieces, however, varies depending on its final destination. Those items are marked "pending" under shipping cost and can be determined once we know where you would like the item delivered. Your sales consultant will contact you within one business day to confirm the shipping quote and then charge your credit card for the purchase. Your credit card will not be charged until we receive approval on the shipping cost from you. All shipping costs are based on delivery within the continental United States. Foreign shipping costs must be determined on an individual basis.
When will my order arrive?
Items that can be shipped via standard, insured UPS will be sent within three working days (usually the next business day) of payment confirmation. These deliveries usually take 3-7 business days to arrive. If you would like to have your item shipped using an express service, please contact M.S. Rau to make special arrangements.
Will I receive a written receipt?
After you have placed your order, you will see a final receipt with all of the information concerning your purchase. You should print this page for your files. You will also receive an e-mail confirmation of your order within one business day. If you place your order via fax or over the phone, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and a final receipt with all of your purchase information. You may print this out for your records. A copy of your invoice will arrive with your item by mail (or by fax if you prefer).
What if I place an order for an item that has already been sold?
While we have made every effort to prevent this from happening, the rare occasion may arise when you place an order for an item that has been sold. In this unlikely event, we will contact you by e-mail within one business day and your credit card will not be charged.
How can I find out about items before they become available on the web site?
One of the best ways to add the finest items to your collection is to have access to them before anyone else does. By creating and account with M.S. Rau and completing your Collectors Profile, we can give you that advantage...and the service is FREE and confidential. Once you have joined, we will send you updates about newly acquired pieces, and particularly pieces that interest you.
What if my order arrives damaged?
M.S. Rau has been shipping items around the world for more than 80 years safely and expeditiously. While almost all of our items arrive without a problem to their final destination, we have prepared for the unlikely event that a piece is damaged in shipment. Every piece that is shipped is fully insured. If your item arrives damaged from UPS, please DO NOT throw away the box and packing materials. Contact your local UPS office and M.S. Rau as soon as possible. A UPS claims agent will come out to inspect the damage. They will contact us and together we will decide the best way to proceed. If your piece arrives by private carrier, it is ESSENTIAL that you carefully inspect the piece upon arrival. The driver will ask you to sign that you have approved and accepted the item. Once you have signed for the shipment, the insurance coverage is legally terminated. That's why it is very important that you inspect your items. If something is damaged, please contact M.S. Rau as soon as possible and we will work with the shipper. If your item is damaged you will have the option of receiving a full refund, having the piece repaired at no cost to you or exchanging the item for something else in our store. The choice is yours. Regarding the few reproduction pieces offered by M.S. Rau, including outdoor ironwork, chandeliers or lanterns, if your item arrives damaged, we will replace it at no extra charge to you.
Would M.S. Rau be interested in purchasing my items?
M.S. Rau strives to offer museum-quality works of fine art and antiques. Our antiques and works of art demonstrate exceptional quality and condition, and often have a noted maker or possess an important provenance. If you have a rare or important item that you would like to offer to our gallery, please click here and review our process before contacting us.
Please note, regardless of the type of item that you would like to offer us, we only consider items offered with an asking price.
Can M.S. Rau tell me what my item is worth?
Unfortunately, M.S. Rau is not able to offer opinions of value. If you would like to have your items appraised, we encourage you to find an accredited appraiser in your area through the American Society of Appraisers at www.appraisers.org. Or, contact your local Chamber of Commerce for a referral.
Can M.S. Rau give me more information on my item?
Given our broad inventory, M.S. Rau is only able to research the items within our collection. To learn more about your item, we recommend hiring an appraiser to research it. An appraiser will inform you about your item and its value.
How can I check on the status of my order?
You can check on your order by calling your sales consultant directly.
