Buying at Auction

 ‘What type of Auctions do you hold?’

We hold two types of sale:

• A Quarterly Specialist Sale of Antiques, Fine Art & Collector’s Items

• Fortnightly Sale of Antique & Quality Furnishings, Collectables & Jewellery.

For the dates of our Auctions and the viewing times please see our

AUCTION CALENDAR

‘When and how can I view the sale?’

We hold viewing sessions prior to the sale where anyone can examine the lots in person.  If you would like more information about a particular lot feel free to ask a member of staff 

For the Quarterly Specialist Sale we produce a high quality printed catalogue that can be purchased a week before the sale.  Images of every lot in the Specialist Sales, their catalogue description and pre-sale estimates appear on our website approximately ten days before the sale and our site receives in excess of 10,000 hits during the week prior to a Specialist Sale.   

These images and the catalogue can also be viewed at the ANTIQUES TRADE GAZETTE web site and also the INVALUABLE web site.  Both these specialist sites match our catalogue descriptions with their large databases of global collectors in addition to casual web browsers.  

The fortnightly sale is given the same web exposure but does not include images of every lot on our site.  A simple printed catalogue is available on the viewing day or can be downloaded directly from our website.   

Images and condition reports are available on request.  For the majority of lots in the Quarterly Sale these are prepared in advance and can be seen below the individual catalogue entry on this site.  

Many people who have never been to an auction before are often afraid of asking us questions or worry that ‘the question they are asking is silly’.  Our staff are there to help you.  The last thing we want is for you to buy something that subsequently proves to be a disappointment.  If you do not ask us we cannot advise you!  

It is important to note that no faults or imperfections are mentioned in the catalogue description.  Lots sold are likely to have been subject to wear and tear caused by the user or the effects of age and therefore may have faults and imperfections. 

Condition reports are available upon request- PLEASE ASK FOR ONE! 

‘How do I bid for an item I may wish to buy?’ 

All prospective purchasers for the Quarterly Specialist Sale are required to register their full name, address and phone number and will be given a bidding number to show the auctioneer if you are successful.  For the Fortnightly Sales you do not need to register but will be required to call out your surname if you are the successful bidder.  There are several ways of bidding.  You can attend the sale and bid in person.  If you are not able to attend the auction or prefer not to bid yourself we can execute a commission bid on your behalf.  Simply fill in a bid form with your details and fill in the lot number and brief description of the lot(s) you wish to bid on and the maximum amount you are prepared to bid.  This form can be completed by us over the phone, handed to the office in person or sent by email or faxed to the office.  We will then bid on your behalf attempting to secure the lot for the least amount subject to other bids and any reserve price. 

Live telephone bids can be arranged on items in the Quarterly Specialist Sale and entirely at the discretion of the auctioneer.  This service is reserved for the more valuable lots in the sale and note that telephone bids cannot be arranged on the day of the sale.  

By bidding at Clevedon Salerooms you agree to be bound by our BUYERS TERMS & CONDITIONS.  These Conditions of Sale are to protect both the buyers of an item, the sellers of items and the Auctioneers and all buyers are advised to read them, especially people unfamiliar with auctions and the auction process. Auctions are governed by a different level of consumer protection than one normally encounters at the typical High Street retail outlet, so for example while many High Street shops will often refund an item that you change your mind on within a set time limit, no such option exists at auction and refunds are only made in accordance with our Conditions of Sale 

 If are unsure please ask us.

‘How can I pay for an item?’ 

Entry to the Saleroom is free and you can come and go as you please during the auction and view days. All lots incur a 19% buyers premium (plus VAT) payable on top of the hammer price.  Occasionally some lots will also incur VAT on the hammer price e.g. when they are being sold on behalf of a business, but this will be clearly marked. .

Payment of all lots must be made by noon on the Saturday after the auction and we can accept cash, cheque with card to cover the amount, Debit Card, Credit Card (Credit Cards incur a 2% handling charge on the hammer price) or bank transfer.   

If you would like more information please contact our accounts department: 01934 830111. 

‘When do I have to clear my purchases from the Salerooms?’ 

Collection of purchased lots must be made by noon on the Saturday immediately following the Sale on Thursday.  In special circumstances and by prior arrangement with the Auctioneers exceptions may be granted.