browse and buy art and antiques at auctions

Frequently Asked Questions

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    Getting started
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    Editing my details
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    Trouble shooting
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    Searching
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    Bidding
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    Buying

AGetting started

How do I register for the-saleroom?
Simply select ‘create an account’ on the home page and complete the online registration form.
Do I have to register for a live auction before I watch it?
There’s no need to register to view a live auction online, just click ‘watch live’ next to any of the live auctions listed on the-saleroom.com. Please note you do need to register if you wish to bid in the auction.
What is live bidding?
Live bidding allows you to bid at auctions, across the world, from your own computer. Live audio and video feeds enable you to experience the atmosphere of the auction room as if you were there in person.
What are the advantages of live bidding?
You can participate in auctions around the world, from your computer and save time, travel and money.
I’m new to live bidding, is there anywhere I can find out more about it?
Information and tips can be found in the buying guide.
Are there any live bidding tips for beginners?

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

During the auction

  • Bid early and bid often
  • Do not wait until the last second to bid, as the hammer may go down before your bid is received
  • Do not wait to hear the auctioneer, bid according to the information on the screen
What is timed bidding?
Timed auctions take place without an auctioneer calling the sale. You can bid at any time during the defined time period by entering a ‘maximum bid’.

The 'maximum bid' is the highest amount you're willing to pay for the lot. the-saleroom.com will automatically bid on your behalf only as much as necessary to ensure that you meet the reserve price or that you remain in the lead, up to your 'maximum bid'. the-saleroom.com will notify you if another bidder places a bid that is higher than your maximum bid. Your 'maximum bid' is kept confidential until it is exceeded by another bidder.
What is the difference between a live auction and a timed auction?

There are two types of online auction available on the-saleroom.com:

  • Live auctions are traditional room-based auctions that are broadcast over the-saleroom.com. You can bid at the auction over the internet in real-time while experiencing the atmosphere of the auction room with live audio and video feeds.
  • Timed auctions take place without an auctioneer calling the sale. Each lot can be bid on for a defined time period. At the end of this period, the bidder who has submitted the highest bid wins the lot, provided the bid exceeds the reserve price.
Does the-saleroom.com have a Facebook or Twitter page?
Yes, liking us on Facebook or following us on Twitter is a great way to hear about upcoming auctions, featured lots, special promotions and the-saleroom.com news.

AEditing my details

How do I update my contact details?
Select ‘Account Info’ under the ‘My Saleroom’ tab.
How do I update my personal information?
Select ‘Account Info’ under the ‘My Saleroom’ tab.
How do I add a new payment card?
New credit/debit cards can be added when you sign up for your next auction.
How do I unsubscribe from emails?
Just click the edit tab in ‘My Communications’ in ‘Account Info’, which can be accessed from the homepage under ‘My Saleroom’
How do I subscribe to the newsletter?
Simply edit the ‘My Communications’ section in ‘Account Info’.
How do I amend my Auction Alerts?
Select ‘Auction Alerts’ at the top of the home page to add, remove and edit Auction Alerts and select which days you wish to receive them.

ACommon Problems/trouble shooting

I’ve forgotten my login details.
Forgotten Password? we will email you the link for you to reset your password.
I was unable to register for an auction.
Check that you have entered your credit/debit card details correctly. It can take time for the auctioneer to approve your registration. Please contact the auctioneer with any queries you have regarding registration – contact details can be found in the ‘Important sale info’ on the right hand side of the page when you click on the auction.
I’m having trouble viewing the items on my wish list.
You can access the wish list under the ‘My Saleroom’ tab on the homepage. Please note items will no longer appear on the wish list when the auctions in which they feature are over.
My order hasn’t arrived?
Contact the auctioneer. Their contact details can be found in the ‘important sale info’ on the right hand side of the page when you click on the auction.
What do I do if I am dissatisfied with and item I have bought?
Please remember, bidding whether online or in the room, is a contractual commitment to buy. By the terms of auction law, there is no right of return unless the item purchased is materially different to its catalogue description. In consequence, it is important to find out as much as possible about the condition of an item before you bid. You can do this by clicking the ‘enquire about this lot’ button on the lot details page to contact the auctioneer directly.
I’m having trouble hearing the auction.
Ensure that the sound is turned on by selecting the speaker-image button.
I am unable to access a page on the website.
Try using an alternative internet browser to access the-saleroom.com.
I am unable to bid on my work computer.
This is likely to be due to corporate firewalls. Speak to the person in your office who is responsible for the internet connection and ask them unblock ports 1935 and 8013.
I am unable to access my the-saleroom.com account?
This may be because your account has been blocked. Please contact the-saleroom support team: support@atgmedia.com or phone +44 (0)20 7420 6670
I am unable to access the Price Guide.
To access this paid subscription service, please ensure that you are logged in to the website and that the card you are using to pay for your subscription is valid.
I am no longer receiving my Auction Alerts?
  • Check ‘Account Info’ to ensure the email address used to subscribe to Auction Alerts is correct.
  • Check the alerts are not been caught in spam filters. We recommend you add alerts@antiquestradegazette.com to your safe sends list to prevent this.
  • Ensure the card you are using to subscribe to Auction Alerts is valid.
How do I contact the-saleroom?
You can contact the-saleroom support team during all live auctions: support@atgmedia.com or phone +44 (0)20 7420 6670

ASearching

How do I search for an item?
Use the search box on the home page or run a quick search to gain an idea of some of the lots on the-saleroom.com. For more information about how to make the most of the search functions on the-saleroom.com take a look at our browsing guide.
I have questions about the condition of an item.
The auctioneer will be happy to answer any questions you have about an item. Simply click the blue ‘enquire about this lot’ button when browsing the lot in auction catalogue. This will send an email directly to the auctioneer.
How do I make a wish list?
Just select the green ‘wish’ button next to your chosen lot. Please note that you need to log into the-saleroom.com to do this.
How do I view my wish list?
Click ‘show all’ under ‘wish list’ in the ‘My Saleroom’ section of the website.
How do I find out what my antiques are worth?
The Price Guide is a paid subscription service which gives you access to a database of over 2 million lots sold at auction with descriptions, images and estimates. Click here to find out more and trial this The Price Guide.
How do I receive notifications when items which are of interest appear on the-saleroom.com?
Auction Alerts is a paid subscription service that enables you to receive emails when lots matching selected key words appear on the-saleroom.com. Click here to find out more and trial Auction Alerts.

ABidding

What is the difference between a live auction and a timed auction?
There are two types of online auction available on the-saleroom.com:
  • Live auctions are traditional room-based auctions that are broadcast over the-saleroom.com. You can bid at the auction over the internet in real-time while experiencing the atmosphere of the auction room with live audio and video feeds.
  • Timed auctions take place without an auctioneer calling the sale. Each lot can be bid on for a defined time period. At the end of this period, the bidder who has submitted the highest bid wins the lot, provided the bid exceeds the reserve price.
How do I register for an auction?
Click the ‘Sign up to bid’ button next to your chosen auction on the Auction Catalogue page.
How far in advance should I register for a live auction?
Usually, you can register as soon as the auction appears on the-saleroom.com until the auction ends. Details of when you should register can be found in the important sale information.
How do I bid in a live auction?
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 blue button when the amount you wish to bid appears on the screen. If you are the successful bidder the auction house will contact you to arrange payment and shipping.

Please remember, bidding whether online or in the room, is a contractual commitment to buy.
How do I place an absentee bid at a live auction?
Register for the auction as if you were going to place a live bid, select the lot you would like to bid on and select the blue ‘place an absentee bid’ button and enter the highest amount you are willing to pay for the lot. The auctioneer will execute your bid at the lowest room amount.
How do I edit my absentee bids?
You can edit absentee bids online by selecting ‘absentee bids’ in ‘My Saleroom’ – this can be done at any time as long as the blue ‘bid’ button is showing. Please note auctioneers often close absentee bids shortly before the sale. When absentee bids are closed the blue ‘bid button’ will not appear and you will need to contact the auctioneer to edit your bid. Find out more about absentee bidding.
How do I bid at a timed auction?
Each lot can be bid on for the time period displayed. During this period, you can place your bid at any time. Simply enter the highest amount you are prepared to pay as your ‘maximum bid’. the-saleroom.com bids on your behalf as much as necessary to ensure sure that you meet the reserve price or that you remain in the lead, up to your ‘maximum bid’. Your ‘current bid’ is clearly displayed when you log in and view the lot for which you’ve left a ‘maximum bid’. In many cases your ‘current bid’ is lower than the ‘maximum bid’ you entered.

If another bidder places a bid that is higher than your ‘maximum bid’, we’ll notify you by email. Your ‘maximum bid’ remains confidential until it is exceeded by another bidder.

If you have the leading bid and you have met or exceeded the reserve price when the defined time period ends, you will have won the bidding for this lot. If a bid is placed in the last two minutes of the defined time period, the time period will be extended by two minutes. This is to prevent 'sniping'.
In a timed auction, how can I monitor whether my bids are in the lead?

There are two ways to do this

  • Log into the-saleroom.com and then go to the timed auction in which you’re bidding. Find the lot on which you're bidding and click through to the lot description page. The details of your current bid, maximum bid and whether you’re in the lead are indicated on the right hand side of the screen.
  • Log into the-saleroom.com and then go to the 'My Saleroom' section of the site. You will find a summary of the bids you’ve left for auctions currently in progress in 'current bids (timed auctions)'. Click on the 'Leading' link and you will be presented with all the lots for which your bid is currently in the lead. Click on the 'Not Leading' link and you will be presented with all the lots for which your bid is not leading.
How do I edit my maximum bids?
You can edit your maximum bids by selecting the appropriate lot in 'current bids' in 'My Saleroom'. You cannot reduce your bid to below your 'current bid'.

Placing a bid is a contractual commitment to buy should you be the highest bidder and have met the reserve price. In consequence you cannot change your bid after a lot as has closed.
How do I know when I have successfully bid for a lot?
When a live or a timed auction has finished, you will find details of lots you’ve won in the ‘Winning bids’ section of 'My Saleroom'. Please note that you are not guaranteed to have won the lots listed in 'My Saleroom'. The auctioneer's records are the definitive version of the auction. The auctioneer will contact you to confirm you have won and arrange payment.

ABuying

What additional costs are there?
Additional costs vary across auctions, and we advise you to familiarise yourself with additional charges before registering for an auction. These can be found within the important sale information.

We recommend you consider the following additional costs before bidding.

Buyer’s premium – covers the auctioneer’s costs and calculated as a percentage of an item’s hammer price. Please ensure that you consult the important sale information to find out the buyer’s premium before you bid.

VAT – this is usually included in the hammer price, but some auctioneers will add it to the final hammer price.

Online commission – typically auctioneers add an additional 3% of the hammer price if lots are successfully purchased online.

Delivery – delivery costs are often included in the important sale information and can also be obtained by contacting the auctioneer. Charges vary depending on the item and auctioneer.
How do I pay for an item?
Once you’ve placed your winning bid you can sit back and relax. The auctioneer will send you an invoice, which outlines your payment options.
Does the-saleroom store my credit/debit card details?
We use a third party supplier to ensure that the-saleroom.com is Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliant. We do not store your credit/debit card details. As soon as you enter your card details, the number is ‘tokenised’ and encrypted and the original data discarded.
How will my items be delivered?
You need to discuss delivery arrangements with the auctioneer. It is normally straightforward as most auctioneers have their own in house delivery service or have a local delivery firm they partner with. Visit the-saleroom.com delivery page for more information.
Can I return an item?
Please remember, bidding whether online or in the room, is a contractual commitment to buy. By the terms of auction law, there is no right of return unless the item purchased is materially different to its catalogue description. In consequence, it is important to find out as much as possible about the condition of an item before you bid. You can do this by clicking the ‘enquire about this lot’ button on the lot details page to contact the auctioneer directly.

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