Auctions
Advice provided by Fellows & Sons Auctioneers & Valuers
Augusta House, 19 Augusta Street, Hockley. B18 6JA.
0121 212 2131
1. Check the condition of the item you are thinking of bidding on – if you are unable to attend the auction ask the auctioneers for a written or email report. You are deemed to have had every opportunity to inspect the item.
2. Be aware of the conditions, which may affect the sale – for example, most auctioneers charge a Buyers’ Premium which is added to your bid price. It varies from auction room to auction room and can be as little at 11.75% or as high as 30%.
3. Be aware of any other Terms and Conditions – collection for example – if you bid on a wardrobe check the cost of getting the item delivered to your house. It might also be wise to check that it will fit in your home before you bid on it!
4. If you are unable to attend the auction most auction rooms offer a system where they can bid on your behalf, or offer the facility of a live telephone bid. Larger auction rooms offer live bidding via the internet on selective auctions.
5. Set yourself a limit and don’t go above it – most auctioneers will be able to provide you with advice on estimates of what items are likely to achieve if they haven’t already printed this information in the catalogue.
6. Don’t be afraid to ask for advice – the saleroom staff are genuinely keen to make sure that you buy not only something you want but something that hopefully represents good value. They will advise you on estimates – if you choose to go extravagantly outside the estimates on your own head be it!
7. Finally – HAVE FUN! Buying at auction should be fun.
