Buying at Auction
Making buying at auction a more pleasurable experience
ILLUSTRATION
Photographs will be used for illustrating vendors’ goods in the catalogue and/or on the Internet, as well as in national or local advertising.
Next Sale – 8th May
View the Sales Catalogues and Bid Online at the following auction sites.
Antiques valuation days
Find out about our Antiques Valuation Days for Insurance & Probate.
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Get up to date with Sales Days and Register an interest in specific items.
Making buying and selling pleasurable & profitable
Buying at Auction
For over 200 years we, and our predecessors, have been hosting regular fine art and antique auctions from our saleroom in Oxfordshire, in addition to providing antiques valuations for buyers and sellers throughout the UK.
We operate a full sales calendar, with regular two day fine art and antiques auctions. Auction catalogues are available to view online and are updated regularly with detailed photo galleries, descriptions and guide prices. The saleroom is open weekdays, 9.00am to 4.00pm, to receive items for sale, and for valuations and auctions advice. Prior to sale day, viewings are at advertised times (see individual auction details) and on the morning of the sale itself.
Whether you are a first time buyer or seller, an experienced antiques dealer or an enthusiastic collector, our dedicated team of specialists will use their years of experience and expertise to help you to obtain the best results at auction and ensure that the process runs smoothly throughout.
A simple guide to how it works
Auction Process
Included below are a selection of the standard features of our auction service:
Full terms and conditions of sale for Purchaser and Vendors can be found at Conditions of Sale for Buyers and Conditions of sale for Sellers.
A selection of the most asked questions about buying from our auction sales
Frequently Asked Questions
Included below are a selection of the standard features of our auction service:
Placing a Bid
How do I make a bid for a lot which I am interested in?
There are a number of ways to bid for an item at one of our sales. You can attend at the actual sale and bid in person.
Alternatively, if you are unable to be there on the day, you can leave a Commission Bid before the sale, by calling at our premises and completing a form, or by phoning us on01491 612810.
If you wish to bid on the day, but can’t attend, then you may make a bid by phone, or bid online via the-saleroom.com website.
Can I bid online or do I have to attend your auction sales?
Once registered, you may follow and bid online on any items in our sale via the-saleroom.com website.
Am I able to make a bid over the phone?
You may leave a Commission Bid before the sale, by phoning us on01491 612810.
If you wish to bid on the day, but can’t attend, then you can arrange to bid over the phone. We do not accept bid this way on lots under £100 in value.
Can I change my bid before the sale commences?
You may make a change to any Commission Bid you have left with us prior to the beginning of the sale.
Paying for your item
My bid was successful, how do I pay?
We accept the following as methods of payment – BACS, Switch, MasterCard or VISA. Cash and Cheques are not acceptable.
Intending purchasers not well known to the Auctioneers should contact the Auctioneers at least seven working days prior to the sale in order that references may be taken up. Goods cannot be removed until full payment is completed.
Are there additional fees which I need to pay?
A buyer’s premium of 18% of the hammer price is payable by purchasers of all lots together with VAT on such premium.
In addition, a 5% charge is levied on all internet purchases, made through The Saleroom and subject to VAT at the prevailing rate.
Do you accept payment online?
Payment for purchases can be made online, via bidding using the-saleroom.com or easyliveAuction.com. A 5% charge is levied on all such internet purchases and subject to VAT at the prevailing rate. A BACS payment may also be made.
Am I able to pay for my item with cash or by cheque?
Unfortunately, cash and cheques are not accepted as payment for items.
Is the costs of postage & package included in the price?
No, any costs for postage and packing are not included in the hammer price.
Collection & delivery
Are you able to arrange postage & packaging for my item?
Yes, for smaller items we may be able to arrange postage and packing using Royal Mail services. You will have to arrange shipping for larger items.
What will be the fees for postage?
Royal Mail postage fees will be dependent upon the value and size of each item.
When can I collect my item?
Once paid for, all winning lots may be collected during the sale and the days following. All lots must be paid for and cleared away from the premises with all faults, imperfections and errors by the Thursday of the week following the sale.
Any damage caused by removal or otherwise must be made good by the person committing the same, principals being considered responsible for acts of their servants.
Any lots not collected by the given date will be removed to Wilkins of Henley store and a paid invoice/receipt from the auctioneers will be required for presentation to Wilkins prior to collection, Wilkins of Henley will charge for storage at their current advertised rates, this charge must be paid at the time of collection.
Is it possible to keep my item in storage for a short time?
We can sometimes hold items for a few extra days if prior arrangements are made. Any lots not collected by the Thursday of the week following the sale will be removed to Wilkins of Henley store and a paid invoice/receipt from the auctioneers will be required for presentation to Wilkins prior to collection, Wilkins of Henley will charge for storage at their current advertised rates, this charge must be paid at the time of collection.
Registered valuer
