Conditions of Sale
INFORMATION FOR BUYERS
The following information notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection and normally accompany catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.
Agency
As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed. Accordingly if you buy, your primary contract is with the seller.
Estimates
Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot. The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it. Estimates do not include the Buyer's Premium or VAT (where chargeable). Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale. They are in no sense definitive.
Buyers Premium
The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer's premium at 21% + vat on the hammer price of each lot purchased (25.2% inclusive). For buyers bidding 'live' via invaluable.com an additional premium of 6% + vat (7.2% inclusive) will be levied (27% + vat total 32.4% inclusive) which will be collected by the auctioneer on behalf of invaluable.com
VAT
(*) indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate (presently 20%) on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer's premium. This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers Margin Scheme or because VAT is due at 20% on importation into the UK. The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the gross lot price (ie both the hammer price and the buyer's premium). Lots which appear without either of the above symbols indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price. This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers' Margin Scheme and it should be noted that the VAT included within the Premium is not recoverable as input tax.
We are, primarily, agents for the seller. We are dependent on information provided by the seller and whilst we may inspect lots and act reasonably in taking a general view about them we are normally unable to carry out a detailed or any examination of lots in order to ascertain their condition in the way in which it would be wise for a buyer to do. Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of goods and, therefore, accept responsibility for inspecting and investigating lots in which they may be interested. Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the Conditions of Sale. Neither the seller nor we, as the auctioneers, accept any responsibility for their condition. In particular, mechanical objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order. However, in so far as we have examined the goods and make a representation about their condition, we shall be liable for any defect which that examination ought to have revealed to the auctioneer but which would not have been revealed to the buyer had the buyer examined the goods. Additionally, in specified circumstances lots misdescribed because they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and repayment made. There is a 3 week time limit. (The expression 'deliberate forgery' is defined in our Conditions of Sale).
Electrical goods
These are sold as 'antiques' only and if bought for use must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician first.
Export of goods
Please be aware that certain items will be subject to export licence conditions. Prospective purchasers must ensure they adhere to any special requirements if taking items abroad. In particular, items containing ivory may be subject to certain export restrictions. The need for export licences varies from country to country and you should acquaint yourself with all relevant local requirements and provisions. Certain lots may also be subject to CITES regulations when exporting items outside the EU.
Bidding
Bidders will be required to register before the sale commences and lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Some form of identification may be required if you are unknown to us. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone bidding.
Commission bidding
Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer's premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received, and if identical, a bid left with the auctioneers will always take priority over an online commission bid. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone, email or FAX.
Methods of payment
Buyers who have bid through invaluable.com will be emailed a payment request and can pay using their registered card or any other card of their choice by following the instructions in this email. Payment can also be made in person by debit or credit card, in cash or by cheque. Cash is acceptable up to a maximum of the sterling equivalent of 10,000 Euros. Payments by cheque may delay the delivery of your purchase until funds have cleared. For your security, payments by debit and credit card are no longer accepted over the telephone. Alternatively payment can be made by debit or credit card via our website or by bank transfer and our bank details can be found on your invoice. You will responsible for ALL charges incurred including exchange rate differences and bank charges. Goods will only be released when we have received full clear payment after charges.
Collection and storage
Please note what the Conditions of Sale state about collection and storage. It is important that goods are paid for and collected promptly. Any delay may involve the buyer in paying storage charges.
Complaints
Andrew Smith & Son operate a Complaints Handling Procedure, and full details are available on request from our office, or can be accessed via our website www.andrewsmithandson.com
Shipping Terms
If you need to arrange packing and shipping we recommend using Mailboxes, please call 01962 622133.
