FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Welcome to our FAQs page; much of this information is also on other pages but we wanted a one-stop page for all your questions so you don't have to spend too long looking for answers.

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you’re looking for information about our services, processes, or how to get started, this is a great place to begin. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team — we’re always happy to help.

Buying at Bellmans

What is the buyer's premium?

• A buyer’s premium of 25% plus VAT at 20% is payable on all lots.
• For Wine and Spirits Timed Auctions, the buyer’s premium is 22% plus VAT at 20%.

What is a Timed Auction and how does it work?

• A Timed Online Auction is the name given to an auction that runs over a defined period of time, days or weeks, with no auctioneer.
• Everything you need to know about Time Auctions is here.

Are there additional fees for online bidding?

• It depends which online platform you intent to bid with.
• Lots purchased via the-saleroom.com are subject to an additional 5% surcharge on the buyer’s premium, making it 30% plus VAT at 20%.
• However, bidding through BellmansLive does not incur any additional surcharge; the buyer’s premium remains at 25% plus VAT at 20%.

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How can I bid in an auction?

• You can bid in person at our Sussex saleroom, online via BellmansLive or the-saleroom.com, by telephone, or by leaving an absentee bid.

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How do I register to bid?

• To register, please create an account on our website and complete the registration process for the specific auction you’re interested in. For telephone or absentee bidding, please contact us directly.

When and how do I pay for my purchases?

• Payment is due immediately following the auction. You can pay via bank transfer or in person at our saleroom. Payment details are available in your Bellmans Client Zone and printed on your invoice.

How do I collect my purchases?

• We kindly request that payment and collection of all lots be made within one week of the auction; storage charges apply thereafter. Please inform Bellmans if you are arranging collection via a third party.

Selling at Bellmans

How does the selling process work?

• Items are valued with an estimate bracket within which we see the item selling. We place reserves at the lower end of the estimate or below, depending on your preference.
• Once the value is established, if you are happy with the estimates we enter the items into an appropriate sale. Bidding starts at the reserve. Buyers cannot see your reserve.
• You leave the items with us so we can catalogue and photograph them. We can take items in for any sale up until the deadline - usually around a month before for Interiors sales, and a bit longer for specialist auctions.
• We have viewings before the sale where customers may view lots, try pieces on in the case of jewellery, and inspect them.
• On auction day, if your item sells then you would receive payment within 4 weeks (via bank transfer) of the hammer price minus our fees (15%+VAT commission, £10+VAT lotting fee).
• If the items do not sell, you will not be charged. We can re-enter the items with a lower estimate, or you may wish to pick them up or arrange to have them collected.

How do I get my items valued?

• We offer free valuations at our Wisborough Green, West Sussex saleroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.
• Appointments can also be made at our London office in South Kensington. This office is also open on the second Wednesday of the month for drop-in valuations.
• If these times do not suit, arrangements can be made to visit you or for a specific time and date at Wisborough Green. Click here.
• However, be reassured, we will never turn anyone away that arrives at Wisborough Green on any day.
• Valuation Day Calendar.

I’ve had my items valued from images/online, what’s the next step?

• Assuming you wish to proceed and sell the pieces with Bellmans, either bring the items, or arrange to have them delivered to Wisborough Green.

I have too many items/my items are too large to easily bring in…

• You can use our online valuation form for an initial appraisal, after which if you are happy, we can arrange a house visit to appraise in detail.

Is anything that I leave with Bellmans insured?

• Yes

Why was my item amended, for example from £250 low estimate to £240 or £260?

• Valuations must be within the bidding increments that online bidding allows.

What are the vendor fees?

• Vendor fees, including commission rates and any additional charges, are discussed and agreed upon during the consignment process. Please contact us directly for detailed information tailored to your items.

How do I consign items for auction?

• After valuation, if you decide to proceed, we’ll guide you through the consignment process, including cataloguing, photography, and setting auction estimates.

When will my items be auctioned?

• Auction dates are scheduled based on the type of items and auction calendar. We’ll inform you of the scheduled auction date once your items are consigned.

When will I receive payment for sold items?

• Payments are typically processed within 28 days after the auction, provided we have received full payment from the buyer.

General Information

Where are Bellmans’ offices located?

• Sussex Saleroom: Newpound, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0AZ
• London Office: 4 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE

What types of items do you auction?

• We hold auctions across various categories, including Asian Ceramics & Works of Art, Pictures, Jewellery, Wrist Watches, Silver, Furniture & Works of Art, Clocks, Books, European Ceramics and Retro Video Games & Collectables.

How can I stay updated on upcoming auctions?

• Sign up for our mailing list on our website to receive updates on the latest news and auctions using the Stay Updated form at the bottom of all pages on our website.

For any further questions or assistance, please contact us:

Sussex Office: +44 (0)1403 700858 | sussex@bellmans.co.uk

London Office: +44 (0)20 4548 4738 | london@bellmans.co.uk

We look forward to assisting you with your auction needs.