How to bid in our sales
Bidding at auction has never been easier. Whether you are able to attend the sale in person or are unable to make it, there are equally straight forward ways to be involved. Below is a guide on how to bid according to your needs.
Bidding in the Saleroom
If you are able to come to the sale, fill out a Registration Form at Reception and you will be given a paddle number with which to bid. During the sale simply raise your hand to alert the auctioneer that you wish to bid and if you are successful he will ask to see your paddle number which he will write down on the auctioneer’s book in order to register that you are the highest bidder.
Commission Bidding
A commission bid is a figure left with the auctioneers by the interested party on the premise that we will bid on their behalf in their absence. We will only bid up to wherever the bidding stops in the room for any given item. You can register your bid either with us at the saleroom or via the catalogue online. All online bids will be acknowledged by email.
Telephone Bidding
Please be advised that all telephone bids are recorded.
Telephone bidding is ideal for those who wish to follow the bidding in the saleroom without being there themselves. One of our bidding clerks will ring you and take you through what is happening in the saleroom and then invite you to bid at the appropriate time. You are welcome to register for a telephone bid whether at home or abroad, the only stipulation being that you are willing to pay at least the top estimate price.
Online Bidding
We offer the opportunity to bid online during some* of our sales via a live bidding platform. All the bidder needs to do is register before the sale in order to bid.
A bidding clerk will be on a computer in the saleroom feeding in information about how the bidding on each lot is progressing; each time there is a bid he will register it on the computer so that those following online can see what items are making. If you wish to bid remotely simply click on the bid button and the clerk in the saleroom will bid on your behalf. Our saleroom has an audio visual system which means that you can watch and listen to the sale live online, making it even easier to join in as and when you wish.
*Book sales, Fine Art Sales and Sporting Sales only
