Favoured collectors and agents get in early, eat and drink free in sponsored VIP lounges, and have dealers whisper, ‘For you, my friend, a special price’. VOPs wearing sneakers queue for the opening, drink £7 white wine from plastic glasses, and if they manage to corner a dealer, ask, ‘Please, if it is permissible to ask—and tell me if it isn't—how much is this painting?’
Source: wiktionary