FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Welcome to our FAQs page; much of this information is also on other pages but we wanted a one-stop page for all your questions so you don't have to spend too long looking for answers.

Here you’ll find answers to some of the most common questions we receive. Whether you’re looking for information about our services, processes, or how to get started, this is a great place to begin. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team — we’re always happy to help.

Buying at Bellmans

What is the buyer's premium?

• A buyer’s premium of 25% plus VAT at 20% is payable on all lots.
• For Wine and Spirits Timed Auctions, the buyer’s premium is 22% plus VAT at 20%.

What is a Timed Auction and how does it work?

• A Timed Online Auction is the name given to an auction that runs over a defined period of time, days or weeks, with no auctioneer.
• Everything you need to know about Time Auctions is here.

Are there additional fees for online bidding?

• Lots purchased via the-saleroom.com are subject to an additional 5% surcharge on the buyer’s premium, making it 30% plus VAT at 20%.
• However, bidding through BellmansLive does not incur any additional surcharge; the buyer’s premium remains at 25% plus VAT at 20%.

How can I bid in an auction?

• You can bid in person at our Sussex saleroom, online via BellmansLive or the-saleroom.com, by telephone, or by leaving an absentee bid.

How do I register to bid?

• To register, please create an account on our website and complete the registration process. For telephone or absentee bidding, please contact us directly.

When and how do I pay for my purchases?

• Payment is due immediately following the auction. You can pay via bank transfer or in person at our saleroom. 

How do I collect my purchases?

• We kindly request that payment and collection of all lots be made within one week of the auction; storage charges apply thereafter. Please inform Bellmans if you are arranging collection via a third party.

Selling at Bellmans

How does the selling process work?

Valuation and estimate
Each item is assessed by a specialist and given an estimate range, which reflects where we expect it to sell at auction. A reserve price is normally set at or below the lower end of the estimate, depending on your preference. Reserves are confidential and are not visible to bidders.

Cataloguing and photography
Items are left with us so they can be professionally photographed and catalogued. We are able to accept items up until the consignment deadline for each sale — typically around one month before Interiors auctions, and slightly earlier for specialist sales.

Viewings
Prior to the auction, we hold public viewing days where potential buyers can inspect lots in person.

Auction and payment
If your item sells, payment is made by bank transfer within four weeks of the auction. Settlement is based on the hammer price, less our agreed fees (15% + VAT commission and a £10 + VAT lotting fee).

If an item does not sell
If your item remains unsold, there is no charge. You may choose to re-enter it into a future sale, often with a revised estimate, or arrange collection.

How do I get my items valued?

• We offer free valuations at our Wisborough Green, West Sussex saleroom on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9:30 am and 4:30 pm.
• Appointments can also be made at our London office in South Kensington. This office is also every Wednesday for drop-in valuations.
• If these times do not suit, arrangements can be made to visit you or for a specific time and date at Wisborough Green.

I’ve had my items valued from images/online, what’s the next step?

• Assuming you wish to proceed and sell the pieces with Bellmans, either bring the items, or arrange to have them delivered to Wisborough Green.

I have too many items/my items are too large to easily bring in…

• You can use our online valuation form for an initial appraisal, after which if you are happy, we can arrange a house visit to appraise in detail.

Is anything that I leave with Bellmans insured?

• Yes

What are the vendor fees?

• Our standard vendors commision is 15% + vat and each lot is subject to a lotting fee of £10 + vat. Please contact us directly for detailed information tailored to your items.

When will my items be auctioned?

• We’ll inform you of the scheduled auction date once your items are consigned.

When will I receive payment for sold items?

• Payments are typically processed within 28 days after the auction, provided we have received full payment from the buyer.

General Information

Where are Bellmans’ offices located?

• Sussex Saleroom: Newpound, Wisborough Green, West Sussex, RH14 0AZ
• London Office: 4 Cromwell Place, London, SW7 2JE

What types of items do you auction?

• We hold auctions across various categories, including Asian Ceramics & Works of Art, Pictures, Jewellery, Wrist Watches, Silver, Furniture & Works of Art, Clocks, Books, European Ceramics and Retro Video Games & Collectables.

How can I stay updated on upcoming auctions?

• Sign up for our mailing list on our website to receive updates on the latest news and auctions using the Stay Updated form at the bottom of all pages on our website.

For any further questions or assistance, please contact us:

Sussex Office: +44 (0)1403 700858 | [email protected]

London Office: +44 (0)20 4548 4738 | [email protected]

We look forward to assisting you with your auction needs.