Buying at Auction

 

Bentley’s Fine Art Auctioneers hold regular monthly sales throughout the year selling antique furniture, fine art, porcelain, pottery, rugs, carpets, silver and jewellery as well as interesting design and interiors pieces. (See auction calendar for our sale dates).

 

We welcome new buyers every month locally, nationally and internationally and we aim to make your bidding and buying experience as easy as possible.  The following is Bentley’s quick guide to Buying at Auction and our full terms and conditions for buying at auction can be found at the link at the bottom of this page.

 

Catalogues and Viewing

 

Our illustrated sale catalogue is available one week before a Sale through Saleroom.com and Easylive via the link at the top of our home page.  Printed catalogues are available to buy on viewing and auction days. Viewing days are usually Wednesday and Thursday before a sale and on the morning of a sale.   

 

Commission Rates

 

Bentley’s charge a buyer’s commission rate of 20% (plus VAT at the current rate), at the moment this is a total buyer’s premium of 24%. Buyer’s registering to bid and buy through the online platforms at www.the-saleroom.com or www.easyliveauction.com pay an additional premium payable at their current rate.  Buyers should also note that Artist Resale Rights apply to certain artworks on which an additional premium is charged.  

 

Methods of Bidding

 

Interested buyers can either register directly with us and will be given a bidding number.  This can be used in person on sale day. If you cannot attend the sale we accept commission bids, telephone bids for lots with a lower end estimate of £50 and over, or if you prefer, you can register and bid live through www.the-saleroom.com or www.easyliveauction.com where their additional costs and/or buyers premium, and terms and conditions will apply.  

 

Condition Reports

 

You are advised to attend the viewing days in person to examine any lots you may be interested in.  If you are unable to attend, we will provide a condition report by email.. We will examine the item and comment on damage, restoration, age, period and provenance, and provide extra photos if required. This service is free and without obligation for you to bid on the lot. Condition reports are prepared to the best of our ability and care. If an item has something we miss on the condition report, such as professional restoration, or for example, but not exclusively, minor damage to antique furniture, or something outside our field of knowledge, we do not accept responsibility for those errors. The best way to check condition is to look at the item yourself or send a representative to look at the item for you.

 

Payment and Clearance

 

Successful buyers must pay for their items within 3 to 5 days following the auction subject to the method of payment.  Goods must be cleared a maximum of 2 weeks after the auction. Conditions apply and please see our full terms. Bentley’s will not be held responsible for any loss or damage to items due to circumstances beyond their control.

 

Packing, Shipping and Storage

 

Bentley’s offer a local delivery service for furniture, large or heavy items and quotes for delivery can be requested on Auction day.  Bentley’s do not offer in-house packing, despatch and shipping.  If you need help, for smaller items we suggest our local Mailbox company in Tunbridge Wells, Kent.  Email: info@mbetunbridgewells.co.uk, telephone 01892 510155 or Jentel Packing, email: enquiries@jentelpacking.co.uk, tel: 01268 776777. For larger or heavier items we suggest Alban Shipping at www.albanshipping.co.uk, tel: 01582 493099.

 

And Finally

 

Bidders should click on the following link to read our full and binding Terms for Buyers and Conditions of Sale.