Buying
Buying at Auction in Maidstone, Kent
We aim to make buying at auction as enjoyable and straight forward as possible and are more than happy to talk you through the auction process. In this section, we aim to cover some of the basics but please do get in touch if you need any more information or advice.
Sale lots
The lots for each auction will be available to view online approximately one week before the sale. Each lot will have an image, description and guide price. We will be pleased to give condition reports and extra images on any lot wherever possible. These are free of charge and are an expert opinion on the age, condition and authenticity of an item.
Price estimate
This is the approximate hammer price that a lot is expected to achieve.
Sale results
Sale results will be posted on our easy live auction page live throughout the auction. If your bid has been successful an invoice will be sent via email shortly after the sale. You can also telephone us to check if your bid has been successful.
Payments
Payment is due immediately after the auction in pounds sterling. If it is the first time you have purchased anything with us then we will require your name and address. Funds will need to be cleared before purchases can be released.
Payments can be made via bank transfer, cheque or debit and credit cards.
Please note that card payments where there the card-holder is not present will only be accepted up to £500.
Collection
Collection of all goods must be made by the end of the Monday following an auction (unless prior arrangements have been agreed with us). We accept no responsibility for loss, damage or breakages to any lots left here after that time.
All goods remaining at the auction rooms after this time (unless postage and packing have been requested) will be subject to a storage charge of £2 per lot per day (unless a prior agreement has been made with us). If after three weeks items have not been collected, J. Stuart Watson reserve the right to sell the items either at auction or privately.
Internet bidding
All our sales are published and broadcast live online. You can join and watch the auction free of charge. Absentee and live bids can be made online using this facility by clicking here, please note that when registering to bid you will be offered the option to pay £3 per auction flat fee, or a 3% surcharge on top of your bid price, this fee is payable to our online auction hosting provider.
Hammer price
This is the price achieved at auction. In addition, there will be a buyer’s premium charge at 15% + VAT will be added to the buyer’s premium.
Buyer’s premium charge
There is a buyer’s premium of 20% INC VAT on the hammer price. For example:
Hammer price - £100
Premium (INC vat) @ 20% = 20
Total price – £120
Packing and shipping
We are pleased to be able to offer buyers our in-house postage and packaging service. Once payment has been made for items, please contact our office by telephone to request a p&p quote. We require payment for the purchased items prior to packing. Whilst we are able to insure against loss in post, we are unable to insure against damage in the post. Our postage & packaging service is offered at the lowest possible cost to our customers which we are aware saves buyers a large sum of money compared to what professional packing companies charges.
​
For an insured, professional postage and packing service we recommend you contact JenTEL Packaging who can organise to collect your lots from us, pack them and send them to your door. They can provide free quotations:
You can contact Jentel Packing on 01268 776777 or email sales@jentelpacking.co.uk