Buying at Auction

Buying at auction really is a simple, fun, and friendly way of purchasing a myriad of different things. If you have a query or question regarding bidding, a specific lot, or payment, we will be happy to offer help and guidance.

Auction dates and Viewing

Our Beverley and Online auction dates are advertised in advance on our own website and on two other bidding platforms (www.easyliveauction.com and www.the-saleroom.com). If you register on our website, you will automatically receive auction date alerts by email.

Online catalogues are published about a week before the auction date and are available to view on all three bidding platforms.

All lots are available for viewing and inspection on the day prior to the sale and on the morning of the sale. If you are not able to examine a lot in person, we can provide condition reports. Our staff will be happy to help and provide further information, additional images, or videos of lots, upon request. Please note that condition reports are opinions to be used as a guide and are not guarantees. The absence of a condition report does not mean a lot is in good condition or damage-free.

Ways to Bid

In Person – If you wish to attend the auction and bid in person, you should first register to bid at our office or saleroom prior to the sale. You will need to provide an email address, your home address, telephone number and photographic ID (passport or driving licence). Once registered you will be issued with a paddle number which can be used to bid in person.

Commission Bidding – If you are unable to attend the auction, we can bid on your behalf. Once registered, you can make a commission/absentee bid through your Hawleys account by leaving an 'absentee bid' on your chosen lot. Alternatively, you can fill out a bidding form at reception or telephone us to submit absentee bids. Tell us your maximum hammer price and we will act for you and try to procure the item as cheaply as the competition will allow. We cannot guarantee you being the highest bidder and will not take open ended bids. If identical bids are submitted for a lot, the first bid left will take precedence. Confirmation of absentee bids will always be sent by email. Please contact the office if you do not receive confirmation.

Telephone Bidding - You can participate in the sale by booking a telephone bid. Telephone bidding is available for lots of £200 and over. This does not incur any extra cost. Please contact the office for further information.

Online Bidding – All three of our online bidding platforms offer you the opportunity of live bidding for which there is an additional charge on which VAT is payable.

You will have to register and sign into your account on the appropriate bidding platform to access this.

Hawleys Live (www.hawleys.info) – An additional charge of 3% + VAT on the hammer price.

The Saleroom (www.the-saleroom.com) – An additional charge of 4.95% + VAT on the hammer price.

EasyLive Auction (www.easyliveauction.com) – An additional charge of 3% + VAT on the hammer price, or a £3 flat fee per auction.

Buyer’s Premium

A buyer’s premium of 22% + VAT is charged on the hammer price.

Terms of Payment

Accounts may be paid by bank transfer or debit card (maximum £500) by following the link on your invoice. All goods must be paid for within five days of the auction ending and lots collected within five days of the end of the sale. Non-payment, failure to meet our terms and condition or failure to communicate following a purchase may result in a ban across all our platforms which may impact on your account with other auction houses.

Collection of Goods

Purchased lots should be collected from Beverley Racecourse on the day(s) of the Auction or on the morning of the day following the Auction. Thereafter goods will be removed to our office premises in North Cave and should be collected from there within five days of the end of the sale. Please ‘phone in advance so that we can make arrangements for a speedy collection of your items.

Please see our terms and conditions for full information on the buying process.