| Buying at Auction |
Registration
All buyers must register to bid and obtain a paddle number at the office.
Catalogues
Catalogues are available for all sales, giving description and estimated selling prices.
The catalogue is available on-line the Thursday before the auction, with selected images or you can purchase a catalogue for £2 from our office during the viewing and sale day.
Estimates
Estimates are intended as a guide for prospective buyers. Any bid between the high and low estimate would, in our opinion, offer a chance of success. However all lots can realise prices above or below the estimate.
The estimates printed in the auction catalogue do not include buyers premium or VAT.
Condition of Lots
Prospective buyers are encouraged to inspect the items during our view and must satisfy themselves to the accuracy of any description applied to a lot. Viewing takes place on the Friday before an auction from 10am-6pm and on the morning of the sale from 9am-10am.
The Antique and Collectibles auction commences at 10am.
The Fine Art auction commences at 10.30am.
Lots are sold ‘as seen’ and their condition cannot be guaranteed. At our discretion we will refer to any damage on a lot as def (defective) in the catalogue.
If you require a condition report before the auction please call or e-mail us before 4pm the Friday before the auction.
Bidding at Auction
Bids may be executed in person by ‘paddle’ during the auction or in writing prior to the sale on a bidding form.
Bidding in Person
If you intend to bid, you will need to register in advance and use your numbered ‘paddle’ to bid. Should you be the successful buyer of a lot, please ensure that your paddle can be seen by the auctioneer and that it is your number that is called out. Should there be any doubts as to price or buyer, please draw the auctioneer’s attention to it immediately.
Absentee and Telephone Bids
If you cannot attend the auction, you can nominate a third party to execute bids on your behalf, or alternately we will be happy to execute written bids on your behalf. A commission bid form allows this. This service is free and confidential. Lots will always be bought as cheaply as is consistent with other bids and the reserves. In the event of identical bids, the earliest received will take precedence.
A telephone bid can be arranged but we recommend that a covering bid is left in the event that we are unable to make the call.
Buyers Premium and VAT
A premium is payable on every lot sold at a rate of 16% of the hammer price. VAT is payable on the buyers premium.
The Auction
The auction is governed by the Conditions of Business. These apply to all aspects of the relationship between Great Western Auctions Ltd and actual and prospective bidders and buyers. These conditions can be found within the saleroom and on this website.
Payment
Payment can be made by cash, debit card and credit card (3% surcharge is payable on credit card transactions.), bankers draft, cheque (covered by a valid cheque guarantee card) or bank transfer.
Payment can be made throughout the sale and before 5pm the Monday following the sale. Lots purchased should also be removed by this time.
Collection of Goods
Lots purchased can be collected throughout the sale if they have been paid for by cash, credit and debit card. This does not apply where lots have been bought by cheque, as cheques need to clear before we release your purchases.
Once you have paid for your lots please give your receipt to a porter who will sign the goods out for you. All goods must be signed out by a porter.
Please bring boxes and packaging with you.
Packaging and Shipping
We are not able to offer a packing and shipping service, however Mail Boxes Etc specialize in packing and shipping smaller items (under 30kg). They will collect, professionally pack and despatch your purchases by the most suitable and cost efficient method to any UK or international address.
Telephone Number: 0141 649 6777
Address: Claymore House 145-149 Kilmarnock Road, Shawlands, Glasgow G41 3JA
E-mail: admin@mbeshawlands.co.uk
or
Telephone Number: 0141 222 2527
Address: 111 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 1QX
E-mail: info@mbe.co.uk/glasgow-city
For the transportation of pictures we would recommend Aardvark Art Services Ltd
Telephone Number: 01253-794673.
Address: Birks Farm, Ballam Road, Lytham, Lancs FY8 4NL
E-mail: aardvarkart@talk21.com
Furniture delivery
We are able to arrange delivery. Please enquire at the office for details.
Removal of Goods
Goods must be removed within two working days after the sale unless by prior arrangement or a storage charge of £1 per day for smaller items £5 for larger items will be made.
Please note we do not offer a postage or packaging service.
