FAQ's

Find art and antiques at auction

If you're interested in fine art and antiques, you’ll find what you want at the-saleroom.com. We host a huge range of catalogues for forthcoming fine art and antiques auctions. If it’s for sale at auction, you’ll find it on the-saleroom.com.

Locating the lot you want couldn’t be easier. Simply enter the keyword that describes the item you require.

  1. Search results give you a description of each lot, price estimates, illustrations and details of when and where it’s being auctioned.
  2. Add your desired items to your 'wish list' for future reference.
  3. Bid on your desired items at the auction without attending.

Buy art and antiques at auction

the-saleroom.com let’s you bid at established auctioneers around the world from wherever suits you best. Lots appear on your screen as they are offered in the room. And you hear your bids being relayed directly to the auctioneer via our live audio feed. It’s like being at the auction without having to travel there!

Bid at auctions online now - it couldn't be easier.

1. How do I participate in auctions online?

You don't have to register to view online catalogues and view an auction, but you do need to register to bid.

  • If you are already a registered user of the-saleroom.com, log in to the website and click through to the Live Auctions page, where you will be asked to confirm your details and agree to the terms and conditions.
  • If you are not yet a registered user of the-saleroom.com complete our simple registration process by clicking here
  • Each time you want to bid live at an auction, sign in to the website at the 'Login' link on the right hand side of the top of the homepage.
2. Do I need to sign-up for each auction?

You do need to sign-up for each auction because the sales are run by a number of different auctioneers and the terms and conditions will vary from auction to auction. Also, some auction houses ask for credit card details to be provided as a condition for bidding in their auctions.

To sign-up for an auction simply click the Sign-up for this Auction button on the catalogue finder page. On auction day you can still sign-up by clicking the Bid Live button.

3. How do I bid?

When the auction is about to start, the Sign-up button for the auction will change to a Bid Live button. Clicking this button will open the Bidding Window. Enter your password in the login box and you will be ready to bid. If there is an audio link, click the Listen Live button to hear the auctioneer.*

When the auction is about to commence the first lot will be displayed. A button appears showing the amount currently being asked. To bid for the lot simply click the button. If you are the successful bidder when the lot is sold the auction house will contact you to arrange payment and shipping.

* To get the best out of audio link you need a broadband connection.

4. Bidding tips

Before the live auction

  • View an auction first to see how it works.
  • Double check that the email address with which you register to bid is correct.
  • Contact the auctioneer directly via the-saleroom.com if you would like a condition report for particular lots.

Live bidding

  • Bid early and bid often.
  • Do not wait until the last second to bid, as the auctioneer's hammer may go down before your bid is received.
  • Do not wait to hear what the auctioneer is saying, bid according to the information on the screen.
5. View an auction online without bidding

On auction day a View Live button will appear alongside the Bid Live Button. You will be able to listen in live to the auction and watch the bidding on each item. Of course you won't be able to bid on any lots until you register to the-saleroom.com and sign up for a specific Live Auction.

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