These terms and conditions of sale apply to everyone who buys or sells through London Auctions Limited (company number 16929970), Unit 6/7 Clyde Works, Clyde Road, Wallington, Surrey, SM6 8PZ. By registering to bid, bidding, or consigning items for sale, you agree to them.
1. Bidding
- All bidders must register before taking part in a sale, either online through our bidding platforms or with us directly.
- All bids are final and cannot be withdrawn once placed.
- The highest bidder accepted by the auctioneer is the buyer. A binding contract between buyer and seller is formed when the hammer falls or the timed lot closes.
- In timed sales, any bid placed in the last 5 minutes of a lot extends that lot by a further 5 minutes.
- The auctioneer may refuse any bid, divide or combine lots, withdraw lots and resolve any dispute at their discretion.
2. Buyer’s premium and charges
- A buyer’s premium of 18% + VAT is added to the hammer price of each lot, subject to a minimum of £1.50 + VAT per lot.
- Bidding online incurs an additional 3% + VAT platform fee, making a total of 25.2% including VAT. For example, a £100 hammer price bought online gives an invoice of £125.20 before shipping.
- Shipping, packing and storage charges are additional where they apply.
3. Descriptions and condition
We describe every lot as accurately as possible and photograph it from multiple angles, but lots are sold as seen. Descriptions, estimates and condition reports are statements of opinion and are given in good faith. We recommend viewing lots in person, on advertised viewing days or by appointment, and requesting a condition report before bidding.
4. Payment
- Invoices are emailed after the final lot of the sale has closed.
- Payment is due in full within 7 days of the auction ending.
- We accept bank transfer (preferred), credit or debit card online or in person, and cash. We no longer accept cheques.
- Ownership passes to the buyer once payment has cleared in full. Lots will not be released until then.
5. Collection and storage
- Collection days are the two days immediately following each auction, 9am to 5pm, unless otherwise stated. Collections outside these days must be arranged by appointment.
- Lots are at the buyer’s risk from the fall of the hammer.
- We reserve the right to charge storage on any lots not collected within 7 days without prior arrangement.
- You may send a courier or third party to collect on your behalf once your invoice has been paid.
6. Shipping
We can pack and ship most lots in the UK and overseas. See our shipping and delivery page for rates and timescales. Any loss or damage in transit must be claimed by the buyer with the carrier, and we will provide any information needed to support the claim. Overseas buyers are responsible for any customs duties and import taxes.
7. Selling at auction
- Sellers pay a commission of 18% + VAT on the hammer price, plus a lotting fee of £1.50 + VAT per lot for smalls or £5 + VAT for furniture.
- Sellers must own the items consigned, or have the authority to sell them, and must disclose anything that affects their description or value.
- We need your full name, address and contact details when you consign, and your bank details before we can pay you.
- We set starting bids and reserves in discussion with you.
- Sale proceeds are paid by bank transfer within 21 days of the sale ending, once buyers have settled their invoices.
- Collection of goods from your home is a chargeable service, from £45 + VAT depending on location and volume.
- We are unable to accept beds and mattresses, modern sofas, white goods (unless part of a larger consignment), low-end modern items, or electrical goods unless of good quality and PAT tested, or of collector’s value.
8. Liability
Nothing in these terms limits or excludes any liability that cannot lawfully be limited or excluded, or affects your statutory rights. Subject to that, our liability to a buyer in connection with any lot is limited to the amount paid for that lot.
9. Governing law
These terms are governed by the law of England and Wales, and the courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
10. Contact
If you have any questions about these terms, email [email protected] or call 020 3092 2737.