Taking part in an auction with us couldn’t be simpler, whether bidding online, in person in the saleroom or viewing the lots before a sale.
We make buying at auction simple and transparent.
Before the Auction Lots for each auction are usually available to view online around one week before the sale. Simply visit our Auction Calendar and select the auction you’d like to explore. From there, you can create a watch list, request a condition report, or place a commission bid. Items can also be viewed in person on the day before and the day of the sale, from 10.00am to 4.00pm. To stay up to date with upcoming auctions, you can sign up to our mailing list.
Condition Reports Condition reports can be requested either through the online catalogue or by getting in touch with us by phone or email. This service is provided free of charge, and we’re always happy to supply extra images or share our expert insight on an item’s condition, age, or authenticity. While every effort is made to ensure our assessments are as accurate and dependable as possible, they are based on professional judgement, particularly where no provenance is available. We therefore recommend viewing items in person wherever possible, so you can fully satisfy yourself regarding the condition and history of a lot before placing a bid.
Bidding in Person For live auctions (as opposed to timed sales), please arrive with plenty of time to spare and register at reception before the auction begins. You’ll be asked to provide your name, address and contact number, after which you’ll be given a unique bidder number. Once registered, take a seat in the saleroom and raise your number to signal to the auctioneer when you wish to place a bid.
Leaving a Commission or Absentee Bid For live auctions, you can place a commission (absentee) bid online, by phone, via email, or in person at the saleroom. Simply tell us the maximum amount you’re prepared to pay for a lot, excluding the buyer’s premium. We will then bid on your behalf, starting as low as possible in line with the reserve and any competing bids, and continue up to your stated limit. Your maximum bid is never used as an opening bid, and strict procedures are followed to ensure bids are not artificially increased. All commission bids must be submitted before the auction begins.
Internet Bidding Bids can be placed via the www.thesaleroom.com catalogue, where an additional fee of 5% plus VAT applies. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one and register for the auction before placing a bid.
Buyer’s Commission All UK auction houses charge a commission in addition to the hammer price. We have a buyer’s premium of 20% plus VAT (totalling 24%) on the hammer price. For example, a lot with a hammer price of £100 will incur a buyer’s premium of £20. VAT at 20% of the buyer’s premium will be £4. Therefore the total amount payable would be £124.
Payments If your bid is successful, payment can be made in person by debit or credit card, bank transfer, or cash (up to £8,000). Card payments can be completed via the invoice terminal, but we are unable to accept card payments over the phone. You are welcome to pay on the day of the auction and take your items with you. We allow up to seven days for payment and collection unless agreed otherwise in advance. After this period, storage charges will apply at £2 plus VAT per lot per day for smaller items, and £5 plus VAT per lot per day for furniture and larger pieces.
FOR UK BANK TRANSFERS:
Sort code: 04-00-03 Account number: 11214953
FOR INTERNATIONAL BANK TRANSFERS:
International Bank Account Number (IBAN): GB07MONZ04000311214953
Branch Identifier Code: MONZGB2L
Shipping & Packing
We do not offer a shipping or packing service for any lot. The majority of our customers use the following options:
(1) Mailboxes Shirley-Solihull: shirleysolihull@centres.mbe.uk / 0121 744 3300
(2) Pack & Send Hall Green Coventry: hallgreen@packsend.co.uk / 0121 227 9908
(3) Shiply allows you to compare local couriers.
(4) Proovia