Experience is crucial. You want to work with someone well connected to galleries and artists. You also want a consultant who has already created the type of look you want. “Ask for a portfolio,” advises Claudia Vick, whose Vick Art Advisors has acquired art for American Express and Time Warner.

2. What’s your forte?

Even if a consultant claims to be well versed in a range of styles, find out what type of art is his or her specialty. You want an expert whose strengths match your tastes.

3. What do you think my space should say?

Use the answer to determine whether you click with a consultant. Does he make the art world accessible or overwhelm you with jargon? “Your consultant should get you excited about selecting art,” says New York-based consultant Chris Grunden.

4. How much will you do for me?

Clarify exactly what a consultant will and won’t do. Some consultants go beyond finding art and framing or installing it, offering programs to educate employees on the provenance, significance and meaning of their firms’ new acquisitions. Others get the art and leave framing up to you.

5. Can you do what I want within my budget?

“Corporations often begin the process of acquiring art without knowing how much they can expect to pay for what they want,” says Susan Greenberg, president of Art Advice Corporate Art Consultants. The art world can make even hard-hitting executives feel crass talking money. Don’t.

6. Have you worked with clients who had a comparable budget?

Make sure that your consultant has worked on projects that cost about what you want to spend. Ask to see pictures of those projects. Detail what you like and don’t like and where you are and are not willing to cut corners.

7. Here’s how I’d like to decide which pieces to purchase. What do you think?

Whether you want an art committee to make selections or give your assistant first say, make sure your consultant agrees to your plan. Take into account your consultant’s advice on buying methodology, but don’t let him sell you on a process you’re uncomfortable with.

8. Do you believe in framing to space or framing to art?

Consultants who frame to art will select frames, placement and lighting that do the most to highlight each particular piece. Those who frame to space focus on the overall effect, selecting matching frames and displaying the art to create a coherent look and feel.

9. Can I take a piece on consignment?

Even if you’re smitten with a piece, see if you can try it out before buying. This will allow you to see how employees and clients react to it and avoid buyer’s remorse if what looked good at first glance drives you nuts after a few weeks.

10. How should my art be insured?

Mishaps happen, particularly in offices with heavy visitor traffic. Make sure you know the extent to which each of your pieces must be insured. “You should have your consultant give you the names of two or three art insurance brokers who specialize in corporate art collections,” says DeWitt Stern managing director A. LeConte Moore.

For more information, contact: Claudia Vick, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 212.414.1976, vickartadvi sors.com; Susan Greenberg, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 212.683.5611, artadviceny. com; Chris Grunden, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 917.698.3750; A. LeConte Moore, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 212.867.3550, dewittsterngroup.com.