Types of Auction Bids

There are a number of ways you can bid at auction:

In Person

If you are able to attend the sale, you can bid in person. Register before the sale if necessary, and arrive at the auction in plenty of time to receive your bidding paddle. You may decide that you don't want to sit through all the other lots whilst you wait for your item, especially if you have a high lot number. If you are trying to work out what time to arrive, bear in mind that items are usually sold at a rate of approximately 100 lots an hour.

When you wish to bid on an lot, show the auctioneer your paddle by rasing it. If you are successful in your bidding the auctioneer will make a note of your paddle number and you can go to the cashiers office to buy for your items. If you want to bid on further lots in the sale you can pay for all your items at the end.

Absentee Bids

If you cannot attend the auction, you can leave an absentee bid, also called an 'order bid', 'written bid' or 'commission bid'. You simply complete an Absentee Bid Form, giving your highest price limit for any specific lot. This should be the maximum hammer price that you are prepared to pay, remembering to take into account the additional buyer's premium and VAT. The auctioneer will bid on your behalf and will try to secure the item for you at the lowest price possible.

Telephone Bids

An alternative bidding method for higher value lots is to make a telephone bid. A member of the auction staff will telephone you a few minutes before the item you are interested is up for sale, and will bid for you whilst you listen. This means that you can respond to other bids as the sale proceeds. You will be talked through the bidding and asked at each stage if you wish to continue - either until you are successful or until you choose to cease bidding.