New to Auctions
New to Auctions — How to Buy
A simple guide if you are new to the saleroom. Follow the steps below to browse, bid and collect with confidence.
Jump to: Next sale · Viewing & reports · Commission bids · Live bidding · Collection · Enjoy · FAQs
Take a look at when the next sale is
Visit our Auction Calendar to see all upcoming sales. When a sale is within the next week you can browse the interactive online catalogue. Want a reminder? Join our newsletter at the bottom of this page to receive a printable catalogue the week before each auction.
View in person or request a condition report
In the week of the sale, visit our Carmarthen saleroom to view the lots you are considering. Viewing is free and open to all, with staff on hand to help. Dates for viewing are shown with each sale on the Online Catalogue.
Not local? Email [email protected] to request a condition report, extra images or measurements. All lots are sold as seen, so this is the best way to check condition before bidding.
Leave a commission bid (absentee bid)
Before the auction you can leave a maximum bid by email, phone or online. Our auctioneer will bid for you up to this amount as if you were in the room. Please remember there is a 21% + VAT Buyer’s Premium (25.2% inclusive) on the hammer price.
Bid live (in person or online)
Auctions start at 9:30am and run throughout the day. We begin at Lot 1 and average roughly 80–120 lots per hour. To bid in person, register at reception on the day (you can arrive just for the section you want, such as furniture in the afternoon).
To bid live online, please register in advance via one of our approved platforms. Note: registering with external sites such as Easy Live Auction or The-Saleroom may incur additional platform charges.
Pay and collect
During or after the sale you can settle your account and take your items with you. Please collect within 5 working days. If you cannot attend in person, we can recommend couriers. A postage service is available for small, non-fragile items.
Frequently Asked Questions
What payments do you accept?
We accept debit/credit card, bank transfer and cash (subject to limits). Cheques by prior arrangement only.
Do I need ID to register?
Yes, new bidders may be asked for photo ID and proof of address when registering for the first time.
What are reserves?
Most lots have a reserve price agreed with the vendor. Bidding will start below this, but the lot must reach the reserve to be sold.
How do bidding increments work?
The auctioneer increases bids in set steps depending on the current price (e.g. £50, £55, £60). The increments rise with higher values.
Is storage available after the sale?
Limited short-term storage may be available. Please contact us promptly if you are unable to collect within 5 working days.
