Information for Buyers
1. Introduction:
The following notes are intended to assist buyers. All sales are conducted in accordance with our ‘Conditions of sale’.
2. Agency:
As auctioneers, we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Accordingly, when buying, the buyer’s primary contract is with the seller.
3. Estimates:
Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it. Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. They are in no sense definitive.
4. Buyer's premium:
The ‘Conditions of sale’ oblige buyers to pay a buyer's premium at 24% on the hammer price of each lot purchased. If you are buying at a specialist auction, the fee is 30%. The online bidding fee will apply for any purchases made online. There is an additional charge of £8.00 for international bank payments.
5. VAT:
The buyer shall pay the hammer price and a premium based on this hammer price. VAT is not applicable.
6. Agents:
We are, primarily, agents for the seller. We are dependent on information provided by the seller and whilst we may inspect lots and act reasonably in taking a general view about them we are normally unable to carry out a detailed or any examination of lots in order to ascertain their condition in the way in which it would be wise for a buyer to do.
7. Electrical goods:
These are not accepted for sale unless they have been rendered incapable of use or have been rewired by a qualified electrician and the appropriate certification supplied.
8. Export of goods:
Buyers intending to export goods are responsible for ascertaining (a) whether an export licence is required and (b) whether there is any specific prohibition on importing goods of that character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited materials such as ivory.
9. Bidding:
When attending the saleroom, bidders will be required to register before the sale commences. Identification may be required. Lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Bids will be accepted by paddle number (bid number) only.
10. Commission, telephone and online bidding:
(a) Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyers' premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received. Commission bids must be received prior to the start of the sale and will not be accepted once the sale has started. This service is free of charge and provided at the buyer’s risk. We recommend using www.amw.auction for absentee bids.
(b) Telephone bids can be booked enabling a buyer to bid live over the telephone with a member of staff liaising with the auctioneer. This service is free of charge and available for lots with a minimum guide price of £50. This is subject to sufficient lines being available. As the number of telephone lines are limited, telephone bids must be booked at least 24 hours in advance of sale day. This service is provided at the buyer’s risk. Telephone bidders will be required to register on the amw.auction website, or to provide 2 forms of identification prior to bid acceptance to verify identity.
11. Online Bidders:
Andover Marlborough Winchester Auctions LTD offers an online bidding service via easyliveauction.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale.
Please note that any lots purchased via easyliveauction.com service will be subject to an additional % commission charge at the rate imposed on the hammer price.
12. Methods of payment:
Payment can be made by cash, debit card, credit card and bank transfer. Cheques can be accepted only if agreed with us. Any cheques tendered will need to be cleared before removal of the goods is permitted. Telephone bidders must pay either by bank transfer prior to collection of lots or by credit/debit card, or cash in person prior to collection of goods.
13. Collection and storage:
Please note what the ‘Conditions of sale’ state about collection and storage. It is important that goods are paid for and collected promptly. Any delay may involve the buyer in paying storage charges.
14.Title/Returns:
If it becomes apparent that an item has been sold without good title or without authorisation, then the buyer will return the item promptly subject to the purchase costs and any other reasonable costs incurred in returning the item being paid by the seller and/or auctioneers.
15. Artist Resale Rights
According to the European Union’s Artist’s Resale Rights Directive, which has been adopted by the United Kingdom, living artists and artists who died within 70 years prior to the date of the sale are entitled to receive a resale royalty each time their art work is sold by an art market professional in the European Union or United Kingdom, subject to certain conditions. Andover Marlborough Winchester Auctions LTD will collect the resale royalty due to the artists or their estates from buyers of lots with a hammer price (excluding buyer’s premium and excluding VAT) in excess of €1000. Any purchaser of a lot to which Artist’s Resale Right applies will be charged the amount of the resale royalty, which will be added to the invoice. VAT is not payable on any royalty. The rate payable for items 0 to 50,000 is 4%. Contact the Auction Rooms for further rates.

AMW Auction Rooms can offer UK and Worldwide delivery of auction items by Royal Mail, Parcelforce. We use Special Tracked on all items, larger parcels are tracked with Parcelforce. Royal Mail UK Special Delivery Guaranteed delivery provides compensation cover up to £500, £1000 and £2500. Any valuable items and jewellery will be sent by Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed as recommended by the Royal Mail. Parcelforce 48 delivery provides compensation cover up to £100. Additional compensation can be purchased.

International delivery

Please contact [email protected] for assistance, or alternatively, arrange your own collection from our warehouse.

Additional information
We aim to send your items within 3-5 working days of receiving your payment.
Please note: Although all items are packed with care, fragile items such as china and glass are not insured, and we are not responsible for any breakages.
If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.
A licence from the Department of Trade will be required before certain items such as weapons or firearms and items related to endangered species such as ivory can be shipped. It is the responsibility of the buyer to arrange these licenses. Please contact us for more details if you are unsure at [email protected]