Buying at Auction

"What type of Auctions do you hold?"

We hold two types of sale:-

�         Quarterly Specialist Sales of Antiques, Fine Art & Collectors Items

�         Weekly sales every Monday of Household Plenishing, White Goods , LCD & plasma TVs, laptops, fine jewellery, ceramics, books, toys etc.

For the dates of our Auctions and the Viewing times please see our  AUCTION CALENDAR

 

"What sort of things can I buy?"

Basically anything that would be cleared from a house. 

On Mondays we also have a selection of ex display, surplus stock items from various suppliers.  We also sell good quality modern furniture and household effects in our Antique & Quality Furnishings, Collectables & Jewellery

 

"When and how can I view the sale?"

We hold viewing sessions prior to the sale when both the trade & public can examine the lots in person and speak to a member of staff if they would like more information about a particular lot.   For the dates and times please see the AUCTION CALENDAR.

For the Quarterly Specialist Sale we produce a quality printed colour catalogue detailing all lots a week before the sale.  Images of ALL lots in the Specialist Sales, their catalogue description and pre-sale estimates appear on our website, approximately ten days before the sale and normally receives in excess of 10,000 hits during the week prior to the auction.

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 as well as being accessible to casual browsers.

The fortnightly sale is given the same web exposure but does not include images of every lot on our site and the hard copy catalogue is available on the viewing day. 

Images and condition reports can be sent to anyone who requests them and as with the Specialist Sale we can pack and dispatch lots to successful buyers from around the globe.

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 when you get home you find the leg has been broken off and repaired in the past and you wish you had never bid on it!  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 Victorian & Later 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 ONLY on items in the Quarterly Specialist Sale and entirely at the DISCRETION of the auctioneer.  This service is reserved for lots with an anticipated value in excess of �500.  All requests for Telephone Bids are subject to availability and must be agreed by 5pm of the day BEFORE the sale. IT WILL NOT BE POSSIBLE TO ARRANGE TELEPHONE BIDS ON DAY OF SALE!

By bidding at Hamilton Auction Market 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% buyer�s 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: 01698 282007.

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

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

Storage may be charged if items are left without prior arrangement.