Our Procedure
A quick guide to how our Auctions work... (Page Under Construction: Selling at Auction section to come)
We offer bi-monthly auctions containing Period & Modern Furniture & Effects; including antiques, collectables, silver and much more. Whether you are looking to buy or sell, the staff here at Robert Bell and Company are here to advise, every step of the way. Below is a brief guide as a buyer or a vendor.
(Please scroll down for our 'selling at auction' section)
BUYING AT AUCTION
Before the Auction
ONLINE
Our sales are fully catalogued with photographs and detailed descriptions for each and every lot. These can be viewed online via our host provider; easyliveauction.com, a printable version maybe downloaded from this website and limited, unillustrated paper copies can be made available, on request to the auctioneers. Our catalogues become available approximately 2 weeks prior to each upcoming sale.
IN PERSON
Open Viewing is held at The Old School Sale Room, Queen Street, Horncastle, LN9 6BG on the two days prior to the sale. Specific times listed for each sale.
During the Auction
IN PERSON BIDDING
Register to bid; either at one of our Open Viewings or at the Pay Office on sale day to receive a paddle number which you can use to bid in the room.
COMMISSION BIDDING (or ABSENTEE)
If you are unable to attend the sale, you may leave commission bids. This is where you give the auctioneer permission to execute bids, with no service charge, on your behalf, as cheaply as possible, up to a specified amount.
Commission bids must be submitted by, no later than 9:00 am on the morning of the sale. These are accepted on a ‘Bidding Slip’ or via email to auctions@robert-bell.org.
ONLINE BIDDING
For online bidding you must register with easyliveauction.com. Please refer to their terms and conditions prior to registering to bid.
It is important to remember that this is not an internet auction. It is a real auction that happens to be a live webcast for you to bid.
TELEPHONE BIDDING
This service is only offered for lots with an estimate of over £50. Any requests for telephone bids need to be received by 4:00 pm the day prior to the sale to ensure staffing is available. It is advised that all telephone bidders leave a ‘cover bid’, in the unlikely circumstance that we are unable to contact you on the sale day.
With caterers in attendance, and a warm welcoming atmosphere, please do join us at one of our sales and experience the excitement of a busy sale room.
After the Auction
PAYMENT
We accept payment by: cash, debit card, personal credit card and BACS transfer.=
AUCTION COLLECTION & DELIVERY SERVICES
Collection from our Queen Street Store Room (and any other sites) is by appointment only. This streamlines the process and helps with any congestion. There shall be no collection on Sale Day.
The auctioneers do not offer an in-house postage, packing or delivery service, however the following company provide national and international courier services:
w. www.packsend.co.uk/lincoln e. lincoln@packsend.co.uk t. 01522 300220
If you wish to use your own courier, please do so, however we do not accept any courier who is not prepared to pack your item/s.
Our Fees
Our buyer’s premium is 15% plus VAT. Additional fees apply when bidding online. Our full Terms and Conditions of Sale are available to view and should be consulted prior to placing a bid.
Terms & Conditions and Entry Form here
Tips and Further Information
ATTENDING A SALE IN PERSON
When attending our sales, it is helpful to have the following information with you;
A print out of the catalogue
Check our Terms & Conditions of Sale before you bid
Be clear about the Buyer’s Premium, check the terms and conditions for this amount.
Use your paddle or card to get the auctioneer's attention
Join the bidding early to confirm your interest
Bid quickly and clearly – bidding late makes you more likely to miss out!
JOINING US ONLINE
If you have bought at auction in the past, you will find this a useful, easy alternative method to use for bidding, but it is riskier than attending in person or simply leaving a Commission Bid. Be aware that the protocol and terminology is very different. This is not an internet auction but a real auction that happens to be a live webcast for you to bid.
Things to consider are;
Check your broadband for speed and continuity – any system can crash or freeze
Use the latest version web browser with the latest updates installed, etc.
Hold the mouse over the 'Bid' button to show you may be interested
Join the bidding as early as possible to confirm your interest
Bid quickly, there is a small-time delay do not add to it with indecision
Remember auctioneer cannot see the expression on your face
AND FINALLY
There is no guarantee – all items are sold ‘as seen’
Distance Selling Regulations do not apply - you have the opportunity to view pre-sale even if you choose not to
You cannot change your mind after the fall of the hammer
Click here to view our upcoming auctions events. Got a question about buying or selling with Robert Bell and Company? Our team would love to hear from you, call us on 01507 522222 Option 3 or email auctions@robert-bell.org
