We want to make buying at auction as enjoyable and straightforward as possible and are more than happy to guide you through the auction process. This section aims to cover some of the basics, but please get in touch if you need any more information or advice.
The lots for each auction will be available online approximately two weeks before the sale. Each lot will have an image, description and guide price. More detailed condition reports can be requested.
Sales’ contents can be viewed at our Ripon saleroom or another specified location the day before the auction. Full details will be published in the Sale Calendar section of this website.
We are pleased to give condition reports and supplementary images wherever possible. These are free of charge and are an expert opinion on an item's age, condition, and authenticity.
Please register at our reception before the auction starts so you can obtain a unique number to bid. You will need a photo ID such as a passport or driver’s licence. Take your seat in the saleroom and raise your number to catch the auctioneer’s attention when bidding.
Commission bids must be submitted before the start of the sale. This can be done via the website, telephone, email, or in person. State the highest price you would like to pay for the lot, and we will purchase it for you at the lowest price possible while considering the reserve price and any other bids.
If you let us know in advance of the sale which lots you are interested in, we can call you to bid through one of our saleroom representatives. Telephone lines must be booked by close of business on the day before the sale and are offered on a first-come-first-served basis.
Absentee and live bids can be submitted at: https://www.elstob.co.uk/ at no additional charge.
Our sales are also available on the following platforms:
www.thesaleroom.com – please note that this facility carries an additional 4.95% (plus VAT) surcharge;
www.invaluable.com – please note that this facility has an extra 5% (plus VAT) surcharge;
www.liveauctioneers.com – please note this facility carries an additional 5% (plus VAT) surcharge;
www.easyliveauction.com – please note this facility has an extra 3% (plus VAT) surcharge or the option of a flat fee of £3.
This is the approximate hammer price that a lot is expected to achieve.
This is the price achieved at auction. In addition, there will be a buyer’s premium charge of 25%. VAT will be added to the buyer’s premium.
Sale results will be posted on our website shortly after the auction. An invoice will be sent via email or post if your bid has been successful. You can also telephone us to check if your bid has been successful.
A buyer’s premium of 25% plus VAT (totalling 30%) on the hammer price. For example:
Hammer price - £100
Premium at 25% = £25
VAT at 20% of £5
Total price – £130.00
Payment is due immediately after the auction in pounds sterling. If it is your first purchase with us, we require your name and address. Funds will need to be cleared before purchases can be released.
Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque, debit, and credit card. Alternatively, if you’re bidding online, you will receive an invoice by email after the sale and a link to pay online.
Please note that card payments where the cardholder is absent will only be accepted for up to £500.
Wire transfers should be sent to:
HSBC UK Bank plc, 1 Prospect Place, Darlington, DL3 7LQ
Account name: Elstob & Elstob Limited Clients Account
Sort code 40-19-03
Account number: 63664872
IBAN: GB04HBUK40190363664872
BIC/SWIFT: HBUKGB4104A
We do not offer a shipping service, but we give you below the details of our recommended shipper, who would be happy to quote you for the despatch of your items. Please note that lots will be released once they are paid for in full, and the shipping cost is payable directly to the company concerned. We will also need your prior authorisation before we release goods to any packer/shipper.
Bradleys Antique Packing Services
T: +44 1325 281332
Collections from our Ripon saleroom are available Tuesday to Friday (9am-5pm). Collections are not possible at weekends. You can collect in person, instruct your shipper, or choose our recommended shipper listed below. Please note that we do not offer a shipping service ourselves.
Due to a busy sales schedule, we cannot store sold items of furniture and other large pieces at the saleroom. All items not collected within four working days of the auction (by 4pm) will be automatically removed to commercial storage and subject to a storage charge of £20 (plus VAT) per lot and to a further storage charge of £2 (plus VAT) per lot per part or the whole day after that. Where a buyer has bought a mixture of large and small pieces, the entire consignment will be sent to storage. Please note that for large consignments, there may be additional charges. These charges will be the sole liability of the purchaser and will be billed directly to them by Bradleys Furniture Carriers Ltd.
Purchasers who instruct Bradleys Furniture Carriers Ltd as their carriers/shippers will benefit from reduced or waivered storage charges.
On payment of all sales and storage costs, items will be available for collection by appointment from Bradleys Furniture Carriers (Darlington, DL1 1AT). T: +44 1325 281332, E: enquiries@removals.org.uk.
Staff at the saleroom will be unable to answer questions relating to items removed from the saleroom. Bradleys Furniture Carriers Ltd sets the charges. We recommend contacting them directly regarding these charges and other storage-related queries.
Please click here to view our full terms and conditions.