Frequently Asked Questions

When is sale viewing?

For our regular collectibles auctions and Fine sales, we offer multiple viewing opportunities. On the Saturday morning before the auction, you can join us from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Additionally, on the Tuesday preceding the auction, we have extended viewing hours from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. Just before the auction begins, we also provide a brief viewing window from 9:00 am to 9:30 am.

For our Fine sales, there are additional viewings on the Sunday prior, from 2:30 pm to 4:30 pm.

What time do your sales start?

All our auctions start at 9.30 am.

Can I watch the auction online?

Yes, you can watch our auctions online through our online bidding platforms (without registering) via our website on sale day.

How do I bid?

All the information you need about bidding is on our Buying with us page

How do I cancel a bid?

Please contact us by phone at 01267 233456 or email [email protected] if you wish to cancel your bid. Once a lot is knocked down as sold it is not possible to change your mind and a legally binding contract is formed.

How often do you hold auctions?

Auctions are usually fortnightly on a Wednesday.

Please see our Auction Calendar for details of upcoming sales.

What are your fees?

Please find our selling fees on Selling with us, Buyers Premium is 21% + VAT in all sales.

Why are your commission rates higher than some of your local competitors?

As a professionally qualified and regulated company, we conduct all our business to a high standard. We take full advantage of live internet bidding. We maintain separate clients money accounts and adhere to a strict code of conduct protecting the interests of our clients. Operating to this standard is more costly, utilising higher levels of staff, many with professional qualifications. Our interest is the same as that of our vendors, to achieve the highest price possible for their lots.

Why are professional qualifications important?

Without professional qualifications, an auctioneer in the UK is not required to be registered as practising and may not have indemnity insurance or a separate account for clients funds or be required to operate in a manner that protects the interests of those giving the firm items to sell. See Professional Qualifications for more information.

What are the different types of auctions?

• Fine Sales - These auctions are for items of higher value and quality items likely to reach above £150 and are held three times a year.
• Antiques, Furnishings & Collectors – This auction is our regular sale that includes a wider variety of items.
• Timed online specialist sales - for special collections of items, dates will be announced on our Auction Calendar page.

For our auction calendar please go Here

I have an item I would like valued, how do I go about this?

You can do this online with photos using our Online Valuation Form or you can come to one of our valuation days (see below). Verbal and informal opinions are free of charge.

When are your valuation days? - currently appointment only

Free general Valuation Days are held every other Friday in our Carmarthen office between 10am-12pm and 2pm-4pm. This is by appointment only - please ring 01267233456 to book.  Jewellery, Art and Miliaria valuations will continue Friday Mornings ONLY by appointment.

Specialist valuation days and area events are conducted throughout the year. Please see the Free Valuation Days page for updates and information.

Is there a charge involved for probate, inheritance tax and insurance valuations?

Yes, fees are charged for written valuations. For more information see our Valuations page. Please call the office on 01267 233456 for a free no obligation quotation. The minimum charge for a probate valuation involving a home visit is £300 + VAT.

When are my items likely to go through an auction?

Waiting times vary but usually, items are lotted up and ready for the auction within 5 weeks of consignment depending on what the items are. If there are multiple items in a consignment they may go through different auctions. Fine sale items or those of a specialist nature may have to wait longer for an appropriate sale.

Some of my items are going through an auction but where are the other items?

Often consignments are split up due to the unavailability of space or particular categories having longer waiting times. All items are in a queuing system and will go into the earliest available auction (this typically takes 3-5 weeks). Antiques and Fine Art sale items or those of a specialist nature may have to wait longer for an appropriate sale.

Will I be notified when my items are put through an auction?

Clients are informed with a pre-sale advice letter. This is sent out by email or post the week before the auction. It details: lot number, description of the lot, any reserves already set and an estimate.

Can I place a reserve on my items?

We accept reserves on items with estimates in excess of £50.

If you would like to set or discuss a reserve, please notify the office at 01267 233456 or by emailing [email protected] once you have received your pre-sale advice letter or at the time of entry. Lots without reserve will be sold at best on the day. If a lot is sold by the auctioneer at less than an agreed reserve the client will be paid at the reserve. Please note that if an item is re-entered into an auction the reserve is not automatically brought forward.

Can you explain the different types of reserves?

There are two types of reserves.

• A fixed reserve is set at a figure below which the lot will not be sold.
• A discretionary reserve allows the auctioneer to sell the lot within no more than 15% of the set reserve figure.

What if I change my mind about selling?

Please contact us on 01267 233456. If you change your mind immediately we can arrange for you to collect the items. If the items have already been catalogued and need to be withdrawn from a sale then there is a withdrawal fee of £48 (inc. VAT) per lot, plus the standard unsold charges.

When will I receive payment?

Payments are made three weeks after the auction. We pay by bank transfer and cheque but are phasing out cheques. We will still pay by cheque if this is a necessity but from January 2022 onwards there will be a £5 cheque surcharge for this service.

What happens if my items do not sell?

We will automatically re-enter your items into the next sale unless you notify us that you would prefer to collect the items. Please note that unsold charges do apply in all sales and are per sale.