Auctions and the Law

Auctions can be a great place to pick up a bargain, but you must always be on your guard, as chances are that you won't be able to get your money back if you're not satisfied with your purchase.

Auctions are treated as 'trade sales', and as such do not have to stick to most of the normal consumer protection laws. There will usually be a clause printed in their Conditions of Sale (displayed at the auction or printed in the catalogue) stating "we are not responsible for the authenticity or condition of any item".

However, goods must not be deliberately described or misrepresented falsely. If you find that you were misled into buying something, you will need to prove to the court that you examined the item closely before buying it. You will also be expected to have spotted any obvious false description or misrepresentation.

Do be wary if an item is described as 'SAS' (sold as seen) or 'AF' (as found), as this may indicate that there is something wrong. If you are still interested, make sure you examine the item very closely before you start bidding.

Complaints

First try to resolve any problem you have with the auctioneer. If he is unable to help you and he is a member of the Incorporated Society of Valuers and Auctioneers (the letters FSVA or ASVA will be displayed after his name), you should contact the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) of 12 Great George Street, Parliament Square, London SW1P 3AD.

If the auctioneer is not a member of the Institute, you should contact your local Citizens Advice Bureau.