Our Bidding Polices

How to Bid in Person

To bid in person, you will need to register for and collect a numbered card before the auction begins.  Please remember to bring some form of proof of identity, such as a driving license, utility bill or passport with you.  If you are a first-time bidder, you will also be asked for your address, telephone number, email address and signature in order to create your account.  In addition, you will be asked to pay a £100 bond on the day of the auction itself.  If you are bidding on behalf of a third party, you will need to provide a letter from that person authorizing you to bid on his/her behalf.

To place your bid, simply raise your paddle until the auctioneer acknowledges you.  You will know when your bid has been acknowledged - the auctioneer will not mistake a random gesture for a bid.  The bidding increments are decided by the auctioneer, and will usually not exceed ten percent of the previous bid.  The auctioneer will take increasing bids on each lot, until only one bidder remains.  The final bidder purchases the lot.

Commissions

Please note that Simon Charles' commission and any taxes will be payable on successful bids.  Thus the "hammer price" - the actual winning bid - is smaller than the amount the purchaser will pay.

Payment

You may pay with cash (subject to certain restrictions and legal limits).  We also accept VISA and MasterCard (subject to certain restrictions).  You should pay for your purchase immediately after the auction by going to cashiers office.  Payments must come from the invoiced party only.  Simon Charles' is unable to accept third-party payments.

Conditions of Business

All prospective buyers are reminded that they are bound by Simon Charles' conditions of business, details of which may be found at the back of all our catalogues.