How to Buy at Auction
New to bidding? Here’s how to buy at auction with us, explained simply and clearly, with our team on hand the whole way.
Free to register Free to browseHow to bid at auction, in four easy steps
Browse the catalogue online
Every catalogue goes online at least one week before auction day, and it is free to browse. Each lot (an item in the auction) has photos and a clear description. For future auction dates, see our Auctions page.
Create an account and register to bid
Create a new account on our website (or use your The-Saleroom.com log in) and register to bid on your chosen auction. Once you are approved, you are ready to place your bids! Bidding directly with us is the best way to bid, so be sure to register for the auction on our website first. If you register elsewhere then bid on our website, you will still be charged the original platform’s fees.
Bid live, or leave a commission bid
Bid in the room, or online from wherever you are. One of our clients even bid whilst on the golf course! Bidding is simple, but slightly different for each type of auction.
Pay, then collect or have it posted
Payment is required no later than a week after the auction. We currently accept bank transfer (preferred), debit card or cash on collection up to £5,000. If you registered online, we can send you a payment link. We cannot take payment over the phone.
Timed auctions and live auctions
In a timed auction, all bidding is placed online. There is no auctioneer. It is not possible to bid by telephone or leave a commission bid directly with our office. The only way to bid is via your online bidding account.
Once your registration is approved, you can place your bids online before the clock runs out. Within the last 24 hours of the auction, you will see a countdown until the auction ends. If a bid is placed within the last 10 minutes of the countdown, a ‘lot extension’ kicks in and keeps the lot open to counter bids for another 10 minutes. This is to stop sniping and allow for fair bidding. This continues until there are no further bids placed within the allowed 10 minutes. This applies to this lot only and does not impact the closing time on other lots, so be mindful to keep an eye on your other lots closing times!
Once the auction has ended, you can check your winning bids by clicking ‘Won Lots’ and ‘Lost Lots’ under your account. Shortly after, we will send you a notification to let you know you were successful!
In a live auction, bidding can be placed in person, online via your account, commission bid by email or telephone, or you can request a telephone bid on the day. Telephone bids are reserved for bids over £150, and these are offered on a first come, first served basis.
You are welcome to join us live at the auction! Please allow time to register and receive a bat number before your lot is offered. Please note: no viewing is available on auction day.
Bids left by email or over the phone are called commission bids or absentee bids. You tell us the maximum hammer price you would like to bid on your chosen lot, and we bid for you at the lowest price. To ensure your bids are registered and placed, we require your commission bids no later than 4pm the day prior to the auction. Once we have registered your bid, we will send you an acknowledgement email.
Once the gavel has fallen, we’re on to the next lot! If you have bid online, you can check your winning bids by clicking ‘Won Lots’ and ‘Lost Lots’ under your account.
Buyer’s premium, explained
The hammer price is the winning bid. On top of it, buyers pay a buyer’s premium, which is the auction house’s fee for running the auction.
Our buyer’s premium is 24.5% + VAT of the hammer price at our antique and collectable auctions, and 25% + VAT at specialist auctions. Please check the auction catalogue terms and conditions and important information for up to date details.
Note: There is also a 3% + VAT internet surcharge when bidding online via our platform. Other platforms may vary.
Example for commission bids
| Hammer price | £100.00 |
| Buyer’s premium @ 24.5% | £24.50 |
| VAT on premium (20% of £24.50) | £4.90 |
| Total buyer’s premium | £29.40 |
| Total price | £129.40 |
See it before you bid
Viewing is by appointment at our offices in Childswickham, near Broadway. Call 01386 335949 to book a time. Bring your questions, there is no such thing as a silly one.
Cannot visit? Ask us for a condition report (an honest note of any wear or damage) and extra photos. We are glad to send them.
Collect, or have it posted
You can book to collect your lot from our offices near Broadway using our online booking system. We are open for collections Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm. Please collect promptly to avoid storage charges.
Alternatively, use our in-house pack and post service for small items and we will send it to you. Just reply to your invoice email and we’ll take it from there. Minimum packing charge £14 + VAT. If it isn’t something we can pack in-house, we can suggest some couriers who often collect from us.
- ✓Bank transfer (preferred)
- ✓Debit card
- ✓Cash on collection up to £5,000
- ✓Payment link if you registered online
Book a time to collect your lot
Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm, at our offices near Broadway.
“Following a recent purchase, I write to thank and congratulate Sheena, Poppy and James for a 5 star service.”
William Lawrence Google review
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to register before I can bid?
Yes, and it is free to create an account. Register once on our bidding platform and you can bid in any of our auctions.
What is a commission bid?
It is your top price, left with us in advance. We bid for you, going only as high as needed and never past your limit.
What is a buyer's premium?
A fee paid on top of the hammer price, which is the winning bid. Ours is 24.5% + VAT at antique and collectable auctions, and 25% + VAT at specialist auctions, plus 3% + VAT for bidding online on our platform (others may vary).
Can I see an item before I bid?
Yes. Viewing is by appointment, or ask us for a condition report and extra photos. Call 01386 335949.
How do I get my item home?
Collect it from our offices near Broadway by appointment, or request a postage and packing quote for small items. If we cannot send your items in-house, we will send you a list of couriers that our clients use.
Ready to find something special?
Browse what is coming up, register for free and enjoy the day. We will look after you. Selling rather than buying? Book a Valuation or Send Us Your Photos.
Complimentary pre-sale valuations Prompt payment after the sale