Sale Terms and Important Information

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 not 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.

There is no buyer's premium on this occasion.

5.Conditions of Lots.

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 exclusions of liability for the condition of lots contained in the

6. 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 2 week time limit. (The expression 'deliberate forgery' is defined in our Conditions of Sale).6.. Condition Reports.

We may be able to assist buyers unable to view by posting or faxing a condition report, but these reports are based solely on our own opinion and are for guidance only and no responsibility is accepted for their accuracy. Intending buyers are strongly encouraged to view. We can only provide reports up to the end of the day before sale day. (Please see our Conditions of Sale) Without prejudice to the above, where a problem arises regarding a purchase resulting from a Condition Report supplied by us, the item must be returned no later than 14 days after the sale date.

7. 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.

8. Bidding.

Our premises are not open during lockdown and therefore all bidding will be perfomed by absentee bids, online bidding via thesaleroom.com and a limited number of telephone lines.  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. This is normally limited to items where the current lower estimate is no less than £500, and can only be arranged up to the end of the day before sale day.

11. Commission Bidding.

Commission bids may be emailed to info@hartleysauctions.co.uk indicating the maximum amount to be bid together with full name, full postal address, telephone number   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 will prefer the first bid received. 

12. Online Bidding

Hartleys Auctioneers offer an online bidding service via the-saleroom.com.

In completing the bidder registration on www.the-saleroom.com and providing your credit card details and unless alternative arrangements are agreed with Hartleys Auctioneers:

Buyers:-

13. Methods of Payment.

As a general rule, any cheques tendered will need to be cleared before removal of the goods is permitted unless prior arrangements have been made with us. Credit and debit card payments may only be made in person. Payments can be accepted directly into our bank account.  

Please note card payments are only accepted in person and not over the telephone, payments directly into our bank are accepted.