01228 510 552If you’re preparing to bid at auction for the first time, it’s only natural that you may feel a little nervous. Bidding is very simple and our auctioneer is experienced at engaging with bidders so you can be confident that you won’t make an accidental purchase with a nod or a cough. Our auctions run at a steady pace so any newcomers will easily be able to follow the process.
There are 4 ways you can bid at auction; by internet, proxy, or telephone bid for our Live Streamed auctions and also in person for our Public Room auctions.
In all cases, proof of ID and address is required. This includes photographic ID such as driving licence or passport, as well as proof of address such as a utility bill. For non-attending bids, you will need to provide your debit card details or a cheque to cover 10% of your maximum bid (subject to a minimum of £5,000) and the administration fees, along with your completed form a minimum of two days before the auction.
In Person
If you can attend the auction room on the day, you are able to bid in person.
- When you arrive, collect a copy of the addendum sheet to check for any last minute updates on the lots up for auction and check with a member of the Auction House team as to whether you need to pre-register to bid.
- Collect a catalogue so you can follow the auction.
- Once the auction begins, listen for the lot that you wish to bid on and raise your hand clearly to attract the auctioneer’s attention and get your bid accepted. Once they have seen you and taken your first bid, they will know to keep looking to see if you wish to bid again. If you feel you may be too nervous to bid yourself, you can bring someone along to bid on your behalf, or a member of the auction team will be happy to assist if needed.
- If you have any questions or need guidance, our team is happy to help.
Proxy Bid
If you cannot attend the auction or available to bid, you can choose to bid by proxy.
- To organise a proxy bid, you need to Register to Bid which authorises Auction House to act for you and bid on your behalf up to your maximum amount. You can use the link above.
- Bidding is still made incrementally as the auction progresses, and the auctioneer will not automatically offer your maximum amount to try and get the property at the best price for you.
- If you authorise a maximum bid of £100,000, and in the auction room you have the final bid at £90,000, as long as this is above the reserve price, you will have won the property below your maximum amount.
Telephone Bid
If you are unable to attend in person, but are available during the time of the auction, you can choose to bid by telephone.
- To organise a telephone bid, you will need to Register to bid, use the link above, and ensure you are contactable during the duration of the auction.
- A member of the team will call you before the lot you are interested in comes up, they will repeat the auctioneer’s words to you and you will tell the team member how much you wish to bid.
Internet Bid
If you are unable to attend in person, but are available during the time of the auction, you can choose to bid on the internet
- To organise an internet bid, you will need to Register to Bid using the link above
- You will then get registered to bid and receive login details
- The auction will be streamed live, you will login and be able to bid on the lots you have registered for.
You may also find our Guide to Buying helpful and you can search all of our current auction property lots.