How to Bid

Viewing in person
Our sales typically take place on a Tuesday, and we are open for viewing by appointment only beforehand. Please check the sale calendar for details and confirmation of opening hours for each individual sale, as these may vary.

Viewing Online
If you are not able to visit us in person, the catalogue for each and every sale is available to view online via our website and Invaluable. You can create an account on our website to save your favourite lots. Condition reports are available upon request and we will be very happy to assist you with any queries you may have.

Create an account here

Estimates
Each lot is presented with an estimate, which indicates our opinion of value and is to be used as a ‘guide’ for buyers. There is always the possibility that the final price achieved may be significantly higher than the top estimate, depending on bidding on the day.

Reserves
The majority of lots will be consigned with a reserve. This is the minimum bid we would accept to sell the item. Reserves are not disclosed to bidders and are never set above the low estimate provided.

Condition Reports
If you are unable to view in person, we highly recommend that you request a condition report before placing a bid. You can do this by clicking the button underneath the lot description on our website, or request one at info@kerrytaylorauctions.com. Please note that whilst we strive to give accurate and honest opinions, condition reports are not guaranteed and are meant as a guide only. Major flaws are described but not every tiny imperfection may be included.

Sale Notices
Any alterations to lot descriptions will be announced on the day of the sale. If you have left a bid on an item that is then amended, you will automatically receive an email when the ammendment is made.

Registration
In order to bid with us for the first time you must first be fully registered. To do this you will need to create an account which is quick and easy, and you may do so here. In addition to filling in this form (for the first time only) you will need to provide proof of ID such as a valid driving licence or passport. Additional information may be requested such as previous bidding history, other paid auction house invoices or references, proof of funds or a cash deposit. You can also register in person at the auction or on viewing days.

Once your details are verified you can simply register to bid in each sale and a paddle number will be automatically assigned to you.

Bidding
There are four easy ways to bid in our sales, and of course all bids are confidential. 

1. In Person: This can be done during the allocated viewing days. Please check our sale calendar for confirmation of opening times and dates. If you are travelling from abroad, it is advisable to contact us directly before making any arrangements. Private viewings may be possible to arrange and are by appointment only.  
2. Commission Bid: If you are unable to attend the auction or participate in real time, you may leave a written commission bid (also known as an ‘absentee bid’) with us. This is the maximum bid you wish to place on a lot, and is given to the auctioneer to enact on your behalf. We guarantee to purchase the lot(s) on your behalf as cheaply as possible, taking into account the reserve and other bids received. We will never bid above the amount instructed. Comission bids can be left directly with us online, via phone or e-mail. Please note that you must be registered to bid.
   
   Click here to set up an Account           Download our commission bid form
   
   
3. Telephone Bid/ If you would like to bid by telephone, our clerk will call you from the saleroom on the auction day, just before your lot(s) come up, and will then relay to you the events in the room, and bid on your behalf live at the auction when instructed to do so. There are a limited number of lines so we advise that you request telephone bids well in advance of the sale and not on the day, as it may not be possible for us to accommodate your request. 
4. Live Internet Bidding: Many clients prefer bidding live online at our auctions. This is now possible directly via our website on sale day. In order to bid online, please ensure you have created an account with us and that your account is enabled for live bidding - new clients will need to email us a form of photo ID, proof of address and paid invoices from other auction houses where appropriate. Once you have created an account and have been approved to bid, please click the purple 'Pre-register for live bidding' button which will appear on the online catalogue. You then need to accept the terms and conditions to proceed. On the day of the sale, a button marked 'Bid live' will appear on the website and clicking this will allow you to access the live bidding platform. Please note that there is an additional 1.5% charge plus VAT for any lots won via our online bidding platform. Please also note that online bidding is automatically capped at £6,000 in total - if you envisage that you will exceed this amount, please contact us directly so we can remove the bidding cap - we may ask for further information from you before doing this. Clients who prefer to bid via Invaluable still have this option and the link to the catalogue on Invaluable is available in the 'auction description' field on our website. You must be registered and approved to bid for each individual sale through Invaluable, even if you are already registered with us directly. Please note the charge for bidding online via the Invaluable platform is 3% plus VAT. We strongly advise that you register to bid in advance of the auction and not the day of, as we cannot guarantee approval once the auction has begun.

Payment is due immediately after the auction and in pounds sterling. We do not accept other currencies. We endeavor to make this process as convenient as possible for you, and payment Payment can be made via:

• Debit or credit card: Either in person of over the phone. Please note that the maximum amount which can be paid on a credit card is £2000. We do not accept payment by American Express.
• Cash: Money in pound’s sterling is accepted up to £3000. It is preferable that you notify us in advance if you will be paying in cash
• Bank Wire: Our bank details are clearly stated on your invoice. Please note that goods cannot be collected or shipped until payment has been received in full.

If you are a successful bidder, you will be e-mailed an invoice the day after the sale. This will include a shipping estimate if applicable.

On receipt of cleared funds, lots can be collected from our saleroom during office hours- Monday-Friday 9:30am-5pm. We provide competitive world-wide shipping quotes via our appointed shipper, who is experienced in handling the items we sell. If you have requested shipping, you will be provided with tracking information once the goods have been released. If you wish to use your own designated shipper, then just a packing service is available via our appointed shipper at a charge.

Please note that for purchases outside of the UK, export invoices excluding VAT will only be issued to clients using our appointed shipper. If another shipper is used then VAT will be charged and then reimbursed only upon documentary proof of export.

Buyers are reminded that it is their responsibility to comply with UK export regulations and with local import requirements. Please be aware that export restrictions may apply on items containing materials from endangered species. We are happy to assist you with any CITES applications or further shipping queries.

Contact us

You must factor in the buyer’s premium when placing a bid. This is a charge auction houses add to the hammer price of each lot, which will be added to your invoice if you are the successful bidder. Our buyer’s premium is 25% for items selling up to £50,000. For lots selling above £50,000, the buyer’s premium is 20%. VAT is applicable on the buyer’s premium only. 

For further information about buying with Kerry Taylor Auctions, please see our Conditions of Sale for Buyers

View conditions for Buyers