Guide to Auctions

 

Buying

 

Ways of Bidding:

• IN PERSON - To bid at a sale, prospective buyers must register at reception. Please bring means of identification and you will be given a bidding number.
• BY TELEPHONE (Fine Art Sales only) - A limited number of telephone lines are available to clients who are unable to attend the auctions, please make arrangements for this service at least 24 hours before the sale. It may not be possible to accept telephone bids on the sale morning.
• BY COMMISSION - Bids will be accepted by telephone. The bids must be left at least 1 hour before the start of the sale. Alternatively they can be faxed prior to the start of the sale on 01829 261829.

All purchases are subject to a 17.5% buyers premium plus VAT.

Method of Payment

New buyers should make appropriate arrangements with the Accounts Department prior to sales.

Payment

We accept cheques supported by a valid guarantee card, bank draft, bank transfer, debit cards, credit cards, and cash.
There is a surcharge of 2% plus VAT for the use of credit cards, and 40p for debit cards.

Collection of Goods

Goods can only be released when full settlement (inclusive of all charges) of the invoice is received in cleared funds.

Selling

Items can be brought into the Saleroom on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays on non-sale weeks, usually from 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm.

House Visits

Visits can be arranged without charge to client's houses.

House Clearance

Sales are frequent to provide a quick and efficient service and collection can be arranged.

Payment

We pay clients 14 days after a General Sale. Catalogue sale accounts are settled after 14 days.

 

Charges

Commission

20% commission on items realizing up to £500, plus VAT
15% commission on items realizing over £500, plus VAT

Insurance

All items left for sale are covered by insurance. For this a charge of 1.8% is made.

Withdrawal

Where a seller cancels instructions for sale, a fee will be charged or 20% of our then latest estimate or middle estimate of the auction price of the property withdrawn, plus VAT and "expenses" incurred in relation to the property.

Electrical Goods

Legally all electrical items have to be tested to comply with current Trading Standards Legislations. The fee is £3 per item.

Haulage

The charge is approximately £35 per hour plus VAT.

Photography and Illustrations

Where illustrations are given in Fine Auction Sale catalogues, the seller will be charged at the current rate.

Advertising

Weekly advertisements are placed in regional and local newspapers and catalogue sales in the Antiques Trade Gazette.

All the above charges are subject VAT.