How to Buy at Auction

Buying at auction is an extremely simple, exciting and rewarding process and when you buy through Cuttlestones there’s always a friendly member of the team on hand to offer help and advice. Once you’ve viewed the items you’re interested in - whether on the premises or online - and decided what you’re willing to spend, there are a number of ways you can place bids:

In person. To bid in person at the auction, you’ll need to register with the office on the day of the sale – bring along a recognised form of ID (driver’s licence or utility bill) which will enable you to pay by personal cheque, if preferred. You will then be provided with a bidding number – find yourself a spot in the auction room and, when your item comes up, signal clearly to the auctioneer each time you wish to place a bid (and don’t worry about scratching your nose - only obvious bids will be taken!). If you’re lucky enough to be successful, all that’s left is for you to pay for your items at the office before collecting them.

If, for whatever reason, you are unable to attend the sale in person there are still a number of ways you can bid:

Commission Bidding. Lodge a commission bid with the office and we will bid on your behalf up to the maximum limit set by you.

Telephone Bidding. Contact the office ahead of the sale to let them know you’d like to bid via phone and confirm which lot(s) you are interested in. A member of auction staff will ring you approximately five lots before the lot you are interested in, allowing you to bid over the telephone. Please note this option is not always available on lower priced lots.

Live Internet Bidding. Available for Fine Art sales, this option enables you to bid in ‘real time’ wherever you are in the world – all you need is a computer with an internet connection. Simply register using www.the-saleroom.com and you can bid via your PC from the comfort of your own home. Please note additional charges are applicable.

Payment can be made in cash or by major Debit and Credit cards with proof of ID. Please note credit card payment is subject to a 2.5% fee.

Standard buyers' charges
A buyer’s premium of 16% plus VAT will be added onto your bill so please take this into consideration when bidding