A private sale is when an auction house matches a buyer and seller and takes a percentage. The system of private sales works in two ways; with vendors choosing not to take the salesroom route and asking the auction house to find a private buyer. Reasons for opting for a private sale include discretion, the avoidance of possible family recriminations and the fear of the artwork failing to find a buyer at auction. On the other hand, buyers may ask the auction house to look out for a distinguished work.