A studio pottery low bowl by Barbara Ross decorated with a plump ginger cat wearing a purple

Information for Buyers

1. INTRODUCTION

The following informative notes are intended to assist Buyers of Dawson’s, particularly those inexperienced or new to our saleroom or online bidding platforms. All sales are conducted according to our printed Conditions of Sale which are readily available for inspection in person, on our websites and normally accompany catalogues. Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.

2. 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.

3. 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 or may be above the reserve price. 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.

4. BUYER’S PREMIUM

The Conditions of Sale oblige buyers to pay a buyer’s premium of 20% on the hammer price of each lot purchased. In addition VAT is payable on this premium at the standard rate, presently 20%. (Buyer’s premium 24% inclusive of VAT).

5. VAT

The addition of (*) or (VAT applied on hammer price) to the lot description indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate, presently 20%, on the hammer price as well as being payable on 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. 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.

6. ARTIST’S RESALE RIGHTS / DROIT DE SUITE

Lots as indicated in the catalogue and if sold for the equivalent of €1000 or more on the day of the auction will be subject to a further percentage of the hammer price as follows: From €0 to €50,000 subject to 4% From €50,001 to €200,000 subject to 3% From €200,001 to €350,000 subject to 1% From €350,001 to €500,000 subject to 0.5% Exceeding €500,000 subject to 0.25% The Artist’s Resale Right payable will be the aggregate of the amounts payable under the above rate bands, subject to maximum royalty payable of €12,500 for any single work each time it is sold. Calculations of the artist’s resale right will be based on the pound sterling/Euro reference exchange rate quoted on the date of sale by the European Central Bank.

7. AGENTS

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. Additionally, in specified circumstances, lots mis-described because they are ‘deliberate forgeries’ may be returned and repayment made. There is a three-week time limit. (The expression ‘deliberate forgery’ is defined in our Conditions of Sale).

8. ELECTRICAL GOODS

These are sold as ‘antiques’ or ‘decorative’ items only and if bought for use must first be checked for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician.

9. COLOURED GEMS

It is common practice for gemstones to be treated in order to enhance colour and clarity. Unless stated, buyers should presume coloured stones may well have been exposed to some sort of treatment.

10. EXPORT OF GOODS

Buyers intending to export goods, should ascertain

(a) whether an export licence is required and

(b) whether there is any specific prohibition on importing goods of that character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited materials such as ivory.

11. BIDDING

Bidders are required to register with us before the sale commences and lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Photographic identification is required if you are unknown to us. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for telephone bidding.

12. ABSENTEE BIDDING (COMMISSION BIDDING)

Absentee bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding the buyers’ premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible, with regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical absentee bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for leaving absentee bids by telephone or email. Please ensure bids are left at least one hour prior to the start of the auction.

13. LIVE ONLINE BIDDING

(a) An online bidding service is offered via the-saleroom.com. In completing the bidder registration on these sites the buyer is agreeing to Dawson’s Conditions of Sale.

(b) In the case where a debit or credit card has been used to register, the buyer also agrees to authorise Dawson’s, if they so wish, to charge the debit or credit card given in part or full payment, including all fees, for items successfully purchased in the auction via the online bidding platforms.

(c) Please note that any lots purchased via the-saleroom.com, whether live bidding or absentee bidding, will be subject to an additional 3% commission charge + VAT at the rate imposed on the hammer price.

(d) Dawson’s offers online bidding services as a convenience to its clients, but neither Dawson’s nor the seller will be responsible to you for errors during or after the sale or failures to execute bids, either live bids or absentee bids placed on the internet or on your mobile device, including, without limitation, errors or failures caused by:

(i) any loss of connection to the auction being conducted online;

(ii) a breakdown or problems with the online bidding software or the website service provider; and/or

(iii) a breakdown or problems with any internet connection, computer, mobile device or system.

14. METHODS OF PAYMENT

Payment can be made by cash, debit and credit cards or bank transfer. Credit cards and non-UK personal debit or business debit cards are subject to a 1% surcharge. For international bank transfers an administration fee of £25 is payable. Cheques are not accepted. Please note that regulation of money laundering means we are limited to receiving the equivalent of €15,000 in cash payment.

15. COLLECTION AND STORAGE

(a) 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 result in the buyer paying storage charges. All furniture and carpets must be collected within three working days following the auction. All other lots must be collected within five working days following the auction. Storage charges of £2 per lot per day + VAT will be strictly enforced thereafter.

(b) Dawson’s are unable to pack, post or deliver any items purchased through public or online auctions, but will happy to provide details of a local delivery company if required. These are suggestions only and are not the recommendation of Dawson’s or affiliated with Dawson’s in any way and as such Dawson’s cannot be held responsible for the individual performance of any other companies.