How can we help you?

Buyers Guide

We hold two different types of auctions - Live Auctions and Timed Auctions. You can bid online in either from anywhere in the world, although we can also accomodate a limited number of bidders in person at The Pantiles Arcade for Live Auctions only.

Our Buyer's Premium is amongst the lowest in the business, and can be as low as 10% + VAT. See below for more information.

How do I find out what is being sold?

You can click here to see all our Upcoming Auctions, and our next auction is shown at the bottom of this page. You can also use our 'Search' function at the top of the page to look for specific items. All our auctions are also listed on The Saleroom and Easy Live Auction.

Catalogues are generally listed online 2-3 weeks before each auction. We do not produce printed catalogues. Please get in touch to arrange an appointment to view any lot(s) that you may be interested in purchasing.

Bear Low_Before leaving a bid...

You can bid on our website. In order to bid with us, either in person or on our website, you will need to set up an account with us beforehand via the Register link at the top left of the page, or by visiting or telephoning us. We will need:

  • Your name
  • Your address
  • Photographic Identification (such as a current driving licence or passport)
  • Valid debit or credit card details

Once you have an account with us, you will be able to bid and 'favourite' or 'save' lots that you are interested in.

We also list our auctions on The Saleroom and Easy Live Auction and you can bid there. Please note that these online platforms also require registration prior to bidding and they also charge additional fees which will be added to your invoice if you are successful in making a purchase through them.

What about condition reports & more information?

All our lots have full descriptions, numerous high quality photographs, and a full condition report in order to help you decide what to bid. If you would like more information or if you have a specific question, simply get in touch with us by clicking here or by telephoniong us and we do our best to help you.

How do I leave a bid on Easy Live Auction?

For information about how to bid on Easy Live Auction or on our site - please visit their Bidding & Buying Guide by clicking here.

How do I leave a bid on The Saleroom?

For information about how to bid on The Saleroom, please visit their How To Buy At Auction Guide by clicking here.

What is your Buyer's Premium?

Our Buyer's Premiums are amongst the lowest in the business. This means more of your money is spent on the item(s), rather than on paying us, meaning you can increase your bid compared to bidding at other auction houses if you wish.

Buyer's Premium on Hammer Price  
Amounts up to £500 15% + VAT
Amounts in excess of £500 up to and including £2,500 12.5% + VAT
The excess over £2,500 10% + VAT

ChineseVaseFlippedLow_What is a Timed Auction?

Timed Auctions have no live auctioneer and are conducted online only. In terms of functionality, they are most similar to auctions held on eBay and similar auction platforms. You cannot leave telephone or commission bids, or bid in person, for Timed Auctions - you must bid online. Lots are listed in a catalogue and bidders are given a set time period in which to bid online. If you are outbid, you may bid again. If you are outbid very close to the timed end of the auction for a lot, the bidding period for that lot may be extended for a short period of time to allow further, final bids. This facility, and the length of any time extension that they may offer, depends on the auction technology provider used to host the Timed Auction. Please check their Terms & Conditions to find out more.

How do I leave a telephone bid?

Please contact us at least 24 hours before the start of the auction if you need to arrange a telephone bid. We will require two telephone numbers in order to accept a request and we will call you between five and ten lots before your lot comes up. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to fulfill all requests for a telephone bid, and will usually only accept a telephone bids if you are prepared to bid £3,000 or more.

What happens after the auction?

If you have been successful in purchasing an item from us, you will receive an invoice by email following the end of the auction.

If you purchased the lot(s) on a third party bidding platform: Payments can be made on the platform you purchased the lot(s) on. This invoice will need to be paid within four days following the auction, or an automatic payment will be taken from the card listed on your account on that platform on the next Tuesday following the auction.

If you purchased the lot(s) via a commission or phone bid: Payment will need to be made within four days of receiving your invoice by email. We accept payments by debit card over the phone or in person.

In either event, once the payment is fully cleared, you must collect or arrange the shipping of your items from our location within five working days.

Do you offer shipping?

Mark PackingYes! We offer an in-house packing and shipping service and approximate quotes are given in advance on the lot description page to help you work out what you may pay in total for your lot(s).

If you require your purchased lot(s) to be packed and shipped by us, please let us know by email after you receive your invoice so that our shipping department can calculate an exact cost - particularly if you have purchased more than one lot.

We will then be in contact with you with an accurate total cost for packing and shipping.

Please note that there are some items that we will not be able to pack and ship. This may be because due to the fragility of an item, its size, its weight, its value, or due to other restrictions. Where possible, this will be noted on the item description page.

We can also recommend other, third party shippers and 'White Glove' delivery services should you require them. Please contact us for further details.

What if I want to collect my lot(s) or get someone else to...?

Then just let us know! Booking an appointment is not necessary, but is strongly recommended so that we can have the lot(s) ready for you to make the collection quick and easy. Please click here to book an appointment, and please bring photographic identification with you. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10.30am until 5pm. We are closed on Sunday and Monday.

You may, of course, appoint your own shipper, or another individual or party, to collect the lot(s). If you do this, you will need to inform us in writing of the identity of the company or individual and indicate that you are giving permission for them to collect on your behalf. They must also bring proof of identification and an email, letter, or other written proof identifably from you as the buyer that they have your permission to collect on your behalf.

 

 

 

Upcoming Sales
There are currently no catalogues available.