FAQ

Buying

 

How much is buyer’s premium?

Each lot is subject to a Buyer's Premium of 22% plus VAT.

​

When can I view?

All our Saturday auctions are on view the preceding Thursday and Friday, with late evening viewing until 9.00 pm on the Friday.  Viewing outside these times may be possible by prior arrangement.

​

How do I view a catalogue?

You can view our catalogue online either through our website, the-saleroom.com , ukauctioneers.com and easyliveauction.com. Catalogues are also available for sale in the saleroom. Please note that catalogues are available approximately two weeks prior to each sale.

​

How can I get more information on a lot/condition report?

We are pleased to provide condition reports on request for any lot, where practical.   Please either ring us on 01747 855122 or email us at enquiries@semleyauctioneers.com with your request, or you can request a condition report on the-saleroom.com by clicking “ask a question” on the lot you would like to enquire about.  Please note that all weights and measures are approximate and colours in images provided are not necessarily totally accurate.

 

​How do I register?

​-First time buyers need to register with us, and in so doing, will be provided with a permanent buyer's number which can be used in all future sales

-You can register in person, or by contacting the office on 01747 855122, or by e-mailing registrations@semleyauctioneers.com  

To register, you will need to provide two forms of identification - a passport or photographic driving licence and a utility bill or document showing your name and address

In registering with us, you agree to Semley Auctioneers' Terms & Conditions of Business as set out in our printed literature and on our website.

Please note that registering with the-saleroom.com or any other on-line bidding platform does not automatically register you with us.

​

Can I leave bids?

-We will be pleased to execute bids on behalf of prospective buyers, and no charge is made for this service. Bidding forms are available from the office and can be found at the back of the catalogue.  All bidding forms must be signed.  Completed bidding forms may also be sent by e-mailed to us.   However, these must include the name, address, daytime telephone number and signature of the prospective buyer.  

​

How do I set up a telephone bid?

-There are forms that can be filled out in the office, you can also email a request or telephone. Please note that there are a limited number of telephone lines and mobile phones available, and allocation is on a ‘first come, first serve’ basis and ideal be set up the day befor the sale.   It should be noted that the auctioneers may be unable to contact the prospective bidder at the desired time and therefore requests for bidding by telephone will be entirely at the risk of the intending bidder.  This service is only available for lots expected to realise more than £ 500. 

​

How do I bid online?

Live online bidding is now available for all of our auctions via the-saleroom.com and easyliveauction.com , enabling you to take part in the bidding from anywhere in the world, live as it happens. 

-the-saleroom.com

To bid online you will need to register at www.the-saleroom.com, subject to approval.   There is a charge of 4.95% of the hammer price plus VAT for this service.   Please note that we do not, at present, take payments through the-saleroom.com, if successful you will reserve an invoice with information on what to do next.

-easyliveauction.com

To bid online you will need to register at easyliveauction.com, subject to approval. Easy live auctions offer charges of ether 3% or £3 depending on your requirements (see their website for details)

Please note that we do not, at present, take payments through easyliveauction.com, if successful you will reserve an invoice with information on what to do next.

​

What is Artist's Resale Right/ARR?

-ARR is a royalty payable to a qualifying artist or the artist's heirs each time a work is resold during the artist's lifetime and up to a period of 70 years after the artist's death.

​Royalties are calculated on a sliding percentage scale based on the hammer price excluding the buyer's premium.  The royalty does not apply to lots selling below the sterling equivalent of Euros 1,000 and the maximum royalty payable on any single lot is the sterling equivalent of Euros 12,500 (please enquire for exchange rate on the day of the sale.)

​

What is an estimate?

-These are intended only as a guide to prospective buyers.   Any bid between the listed figures would, in our opinion, offer a fair chance of success.   However, the degree of competition for a lot may cause it to sell above.

​

If successful can you post me my item?

-Semley Auctioneers do not themselves offer a packing or despatch service but do have a list of recommend services. If you live the London area we can transport your item (if small) to the London office in South Kensington.

​​

 

​When will I get my invoice?

 

-Invoices are sent out typically after the sale has finished

​

Do I have to leave a deposit?

-Not for general sales but prospective buyers wishing to bid on the more expensive lots or multiple lots will be required to pay a security deposit of up to GDP 5,000, to be paid by bank transfer or debit card only, which will be returned, less an outstanding invoices & without interest, within 5 working days of the sale. The auctioneers reserve the right to refuse, at any stage, bids from a prospective buyer.

​

​

Any Other Question Please Feel Free To Email Or Ring Us

​