PROXY BIDDING

Why use an auction agent? There are numerous reasons but it's usually a mix of three categories:

CONVENIENCE

Auction dates can invariably clash with other commitments. Dates can sometimes clash with one another. You may need to place complex bids across several lots but still remain within budget. You may only wish to bid if you know you are not bidding against another specific bidder in the room. You may not trust the auctioneer...you may not trust yourself! Whatever the reason, Lancaster can make your bidding exp-
erience both easy and pleasurable.

DISCRETION

When you use us, your identity remains confidential. Only the auction house will learn of your identity and your anonymity is protected. This protects you from your competitors in the room, those 'on the book' and even other clients.

Your bids and identity remain completely confidential at all times. No one will know how much or little you spend or who will own the successfully bid lots.

VALUE

Using an auction agent regularly results in cheaper purchases. Yes, there is a commission cost to using an agent but this is invariably offset by the cost savings on bidding. Many people are not comfortable in an auction environment and it is all too easy to get carried away in the heat of the moment and overbid. As an impartial third party, we only have your interests at heart and can ensure we achieve the best possible result.

how does it work?

When you've decided which lots at which auctions you wish to bid for, please make contact. You can email or telephone and leave a message at any time. We will always respond to urgent requests and respect that many of our customers are in different time zones.

After the auction we will notify you as quickly as possible of your results. Invoices and lots will be dispatched direct from the auction house. Our commission fees are billed with your results by email and we leave it to your discretion as to when you want to pay. Invoices can be supplied upon request.

how much will it cost?

Our commission rates are as follows:

London Auctions            2.5%
Regional Auctions            3%
Non-UK Auctions            4-5%

The rate at London sales decreases by 0.5% when you spend more than £5000 per day and a further reduction of 0.5% when spending over £10,000. Commission rates on significantly larger sums can be negotiated prior to sale.

There is no VAT on agency fees.

We accept all major credit cards including American Express with transactions payable in £ sterling. We absorb all card company charges.