Selling with Witham Auctions

The guide below takes you through the whole process, from getting your item/s valued, to how you receive payment after a successful sale.

Selling at Auction

Whether you are selling property, a single item, a private collection, or entire house contents, Witham Auctions aims to make the whole process as straightforward and as stress-free as possible.
Our regular sales calendar includes a wide range of categories within our antiques and collectables auctions.
Our auctions are broadcast online 'live' and in real-time via webcam with our professional auctioneer leading the process, reaching a global audience of avid collectors, dealers and enthusiasts.
Requesting an auction estimate is free and we are happy to provide a valuation for auction purposes and advise on the right sale to place your items in for the best results.
From booking an initial valuation to receiving payment for your items, our friendly and knowledgeable team will be on hand to guide you through the process of selling at Witham Auctions and answer any queries you may have.

Valuation
We are available to discuss current auction market values and if you would like to discuss a particular item or items that you would like to enter into auction, you can contact us in the first instance by email or by filling out our enquiry form, please include photographs and your full contact details.

Consigning your items
Upon entering items into the auction, you will receive a customer receipt. This receipt will include a brief list of the items consigned and any additional information discussed such as your chosen preferred payment method, reserves and any other relevant information.
You will be asked to review and sign the receipt. You will be given a copy of this for your records. It is important to keep this, as the receipt acts as a contract between the client and Witham Auctions. Some client information and our fees are printed on the copy of the receipt. For more information, view our full terms and conditions.

Reserves
A reserve price is a sum below which an item will not be sold by the auctioneer. We will only agree on reserves above items valued at £100 or more, which will safeguard the item/s, all other items are consigned to be sold. We recommend that the reserve price is discretionary, which would give the auctioneer a 10% margin on the hammer from the reserve price at which the item can be sold. Auction estimates are provided for buyer guidance only.

Transport
For bulkier items and larger consignments such as estate clearances, we can arrange transport and removal costs for you. The carriage rate is £60 per hour plus expenses, including travel time to and from the pickup address, packing, unpacking, loading and unloading. All charges will be discussed with the client prior to any action being taken. Payments are not required upfront, the carriage fee will be deducted from the client's total sale proceeds.

Commission Rates & Charges

Commission
Our standard sellers' commission rate is 16% of the hammer price. Each lot sold will be subject to an internet catalogue charge of £3, we do not charge for unsold items.
All lots are catalogued, photographed and illustrated on our website, and online bidding platform EasyLiveAuction.com. This allows for your lot to have maximum exposure to an online audience both Internationally and in the UK market.

Withdrawn Lots
A withdrawal fee will be charged at 16% based on the mid-estimate with a minimum charge of £10 per lot, should you change your mind about selling the items once consigned, plus any agreed costs that have been incurred.

PAT Test
For electrical items, a charge of £3 per item will be applied.

Additional Charges
There may be additional charges for advertising, restoration, shipping, packing, storage and customs duties appropriate. These will only be charged if you have agreed to them beforehand.

Before The Auction

Prior to the auction, you will receive a pre-sale statement by email. This will outline the lots, their descriptions and estimates, along with a reserve (if applicable). You will receive this a few days before each auction, this will give you the opportunity to contact us with any queries that you may have regarding your lot/s.

After The Auction

After the auction, you will receive a post-sale statement which will state the lots and the hammer prices. Please allow us time to process the auction and note our terms are 28 days from date of sale for vendor payments.

Unsold Lots
Your post-sales statement will also list any unsold lots. Please let us know immediately if you wish to collect the item. Otherwise, it will automatically be re-offered in the next available sale at a lower estimate and without reserve.

Payments and Invoice
Payment is made by bank transfer or cash no later than 28 working days from the date of the sale unless otherwise agreed. You will receive a vendor settlement invoice detailing a full sales breakdown of sold lots, charges to be deducted and the amount payable.