Guide to Buying at Auctions

Buying at The Auction House North Shields

Participating in an auction at The Auction House North Shields has never been easier. Whether you prefer to leave a bid or bid in person in the saleroom, we strive to make buying at auction as transparent, accessible, and straightforward as possible - regardless of the lot’s price.

Buyer’s Fees Explained

The following buyer’s premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot:

Antiques & Household Items Sales:

• 15% (No VAT) if paid by Cash or Bank Transfer

Online Auctions

While we’re not yet an online auction house, we plan to join Easylive Auctions soon, which will allow you to register and place bids remotely.

In-Person Auctions

All our auctions are open for public viewing in our saleroom. Viewing dates and times will vary, so please check our Auction Calendar for specific details.

Catalogues

Our catalogues are available to download from our website before each auction to review all available lots. 

Condition Reports

We’re happy to provide Condition Reports for prospective buyers. Please request them at least 48 hours before the auction. We cannot guarantee a reply to any requests made within 48 hours of the auction.

Please note that the absence of a Condition Report doesn’t mean a lot is in perfect condition. Our reports are based on a visual inspection and reflect our honest opinion, not a statement of fact. We do not employ professional conservators, restorers, or engineers. All lots are available for public inspection before the auction, and we encourage buyers to examine items in person.

Note: We do not cover damage to gilded wood or plaster picture frames or frame glass while items are in our possession.

Bidding

Registering to Bid

To bid at The Auction House North Shields for the first time, you’ll need to create an account and receive a vendor reference. You can register online or by either printing a registration form from our website or registering in person at the saleroom. You’ll need to provide:

• Your name
• Your address
• Your email address
• Telephone number

Commission Bidding

Place an absentee bid, and the auctioneer will bid on your behalf up to your maximum price. To place an absentee bid, complete a bidding form at the saleroom or contact us by phone, provided you’re already registered with us. Ensure you factor in the buyer’s premium on top of the hammer price.

Telephone Bidding

For lots with an estimated value of £40 or more, you can bid over the phone. To book a telephone line, contact us by the close of business on the day before the sale. Telephone lines are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Payment

Once you’ve won your lot, payment can be made via Cash, Bank Transfer, or Credit/Debit Card. We accept cash up to £1,000. Card payments where the cardholder is not present will only be accepted for transactions up to £500.

Lloyds Bank PLC

Payment and Collection

Payment

All payments must be completed within 7 days of the sale. Funds from wire transfers and cheques must clear before items are eligible for collection. For full details, please refer to our terms and conditions.

To comply with current Anti-Money Laundering regulations, we conduct the necessary due diligence checks. Buyers whose total invoice exceeds £1,000 will need to provide two forms of ID and a source of funds before any purchased lots are released. We reserve the right to withhold lots until these checks are complete. All personal information will be securely stored for as long as required by law.

Acceptable forms of ID include:

• Passport and Driver’s License, or
• Photo ID and a recent utility bill.

You can submit these in person or by emailing them to info@theauctionhousenorthshields.co.uk.

Collection, Delivery, and Storage

Collection

Once payment is received, all lots must be collected within 7 days of the sale. We offer collection appointments on the following schedule:

• Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Saturday: 8:30 am to 11:30 am (7 days after the sale)
• Appointments between 7 to 14 days after the sale are subject to availability.

Storage

If items are not collected within 7 days, a handling fee of £5 per lot and a storage charge of £5 per lot per day may apply at our discretion.

Local Delivery

We offer a local delivery service within approximately 10 miles of North Shields. The delivery fee is £20 for the first mile, with additional costs per mile depending on your location. Please note that tolls and congestion charges may also apply.

National and International Shipping

For delivery outside our local area, we recommend Mailbox Newcastle, a trusted courier service that can arrange packing, shipping, and insurance at a direct cost to you.

Mailbox Newcastle

• Phone: 0191 222 0018
• Email: newcastle@centres.mbe.uk

Import Duties

Since the UK’s departure from the EU, all items sent to EU countries, including Ireland, are subject to Import Duty imposed by the destination country. It’s the responsibility of the buyer to be aware of any import duties. All shipping documents will detail the full value of the invoice and this value will not be amended.