J.F.Smith (Royal Worcester painter, 20th century), still life of fruit, signed lower left hand

CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS

INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

1. Introduction. The following informative notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms. All sales are conducted on our printed Conditions of Sale, which are readily available for inspection 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 and certainly will not be below it. 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 at 15 % on the hammer price of each lot purchased. VAT is payable on this premium (see below).

5. VAT. (*) Indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate on the hammer price as well as being an element in 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 on importation into the UK. The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT (5%) on the gross lot price (i.e. both the hammer price and the buyer's premium). 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. 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. However, in so far as we have examined the goods and make a representation about their condition, we shall be liable for any defect which that examination ought to have revealed to the auctioneer but which would not have been revealed to the buyer had the buyer examined the goods. Additionally, in specified circumstances lots misdescribed because they are 'deliberate forgeries' may be returned and repayment made. There is a 3 week time limit. (The expression 'deliberate forgery' is defined in our Conditions of Sale).

7. Electrical goods. These are sold as 'antiques' only and if bought for use must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician first.

8. 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. Ask us if you need help.

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

10. Commission bidding. Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyers' premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. If two buyers submit identical commission bids the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or FAX.

11. Methods of Payment. We accept debit card (chip and pin), credit card (surcharge 2% + vat), BACS, IBAN and cash – to conform with money laundering procedures, cash payments over £5,000 requires photographic i.d. (passport/driving licence) and a recent utility bill.

12. Collection and storage. 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 involve the buyer in paying storage charges.

13. Droit de Suite. From 14th February 2006, following a European Directive, the Artist’s Resale Regulation came into effect (amended 1st January 2012 to include the work of deceased artists). Certain items in this auction may qualify under this ruling and purchasers are requested to acquaint themselves with such items. Potentially qualifying items are marked DDS (see Conditions of Business and Sale no.16 for full details)

14. Online bidding (live sales only) Dee Atkinson Harrison offer an online bidding service via the-saleroom.com for bidders who cannot attend the sale (see Conditions of Business and Sale no. 17 for full details).

TERMS OF CONSIGNMENT FOR SELLERS

1. Interpretation. In these Terms the words 'you', 'yours', etc. refer to the Seller and if the consignment of goods to us is made by an agent we assume that the Seller has authorised the consignment and that the consignor has the Seller's authority to contract. Similarly the words ‘we', 'us', etc. refer to the Auctioneers.

2. Commission is charged to sellers at the following rates:- 
Commission 15% on the first £1,000 and 10% thereafter (for individual items). Minimum commission charge per lot £7 plus £3 per lot for internet illustration. 
 

All charges are subject to VAT.

3. Removal costs. Items for sale must be consigned to the saleroom by any stated deadline and at your expense. We may be able to assist you with this process but any liability incurred to a carrier for haulage charges is solely your responsibility.

4. Loss and damage waiver.
(a) We are not regulated by the FSA for the provision of insurance to clients. We cover goods stored in our premised against the risk of fire, burglary and water damage. We charge 1% per £100 value of your item with a minimum charge of £1.
(b) If the owner of goods consigned instructs us in writing not to insure them, they then remain at owner’s risk unless and until the property in them passes to the Buyer or they are collected back by or on behalf of the owner, and clause 4(a) is inapplicable.