Buying at Keys
Buying at auction can be an intimidating experience to those who are not familiar with the process. However, there is nothing to worry about. We have put together a few helpful hints for auction novices.
1) For most sales held at Aylsham Salerooms a `Bidding Card` system operates. You will need to attend the office, complete a buyers registration form and be given a bidding number. For regular buyers a permanent number can be issued which can be used in most Keys sales.
2) View the items on offer. All of our auctions have a specified viewing period in advance of the sale, where you can inspect the items and even handle them. Make sure you check the items in which you are interested, to ensure that they suit your requirements, and decide what you are prepared to pay for them. Auction regulars will tell you that it is essential to decide your "limit" before buying, to avoid getting carried away once you are bidding!
3) Decide whether you wish to bid yourself, or whether you would like us to bid for you. Remember, you do not even need to attend the auction to buy - you can fill in one of our commission bid forms with the limit you are prepared to pay, and we will bid for the item for you up to that limit (we will buy it as cheaply as we can, subject to reserves and other bidders).
4) If you have decided to bid for yourself, do not be concerned that the auctioneer will mistake a sneeze or a wave as a bid, He will `know` if you are making a bid!. When your item is offered it will be "shown" by one of our porters. The auctioneer will begin the bidding at a low price, raising the price by increments as he receives bids. When you bid, raise your hand to bid. Repeat until you reach your self-imposed "limit".The successful buyer is the one whose bid stands when the auctioneer taps his gavel on the rostrum. The best way to learn the art of successful bidding is to attend a sale and observe other people.
We normally illustrate all principal lots on our website for all fine art sales. If lots are not illustrated we can supply up to 5 images per sale on request. Please apply for these in good time - at least 24hrs before auction start time.
5) If you are successful, tell the auctioneer your name/bidder number. He will make a note of the price, and the buyers name/bidding number, which is then sent to the auction office for processing. On giving your name/bidding number at the office, your bill will be prepared, and after payment you may present your receipt to one of our porters who will fetch the item for you.
6) Please remember a buyers premium of 15% +VAT is payable on all lots (this may be variable on some sales). Our website will show rate chargeable for each sale.
7) If you are unable to attend the sale in person, there are various ways you can leave us bids which we will enact on your behalf.
i) Leave written bids at the salerooms.
ii) Telephone bids to us on 01263 733195.
iii) Fax bids to us n 01263 731222.
iv) Bid Online (see '
'how to bid online')
If you have any queries about buying at auction please do not hesitate to speak to any of our staff, either at the salerooms or by telephone. Our porters may be identified by their distinctive blue overcoats.
