Wilson55
Buy and sell

Buying at auction

Buying at auction is a great way to find something out of the ordinary. Our sales run live online, so you can take part from anywhere. Here's how it works.

1

Create your account

Registering is quick and free. You'll need an account to bid in any of our sales.

2

Find lots and do your research

3

Place your bid

There are several ways to bid. However you bid, a bid is a legally binding commitment to buy the lot. Our sales also appear on national and international platforms, though extra fees may apply. Bidding directly on our website avoids those charges.

4

Pay and collect

Pay securely online, then collect or arrange delivery.

1 Step 1

Create your account

Create your account

Set up an account on our website in a couple of minutes.

Get Started
Add your card details

We won't charge this card. It just helps us verify your identity.

Register for an auction

You can register as soon as a sale is published on our website.

Get Started
2 Step 2

Find lots and do your research

Browse the catalogue

Every lot has a detailed description and high-resolution photographs.

Request a condition report

Use the 'Request Information' button on the lot page. Send requests in advance, as we can't provide reports on the morning of the sale.

View in person

We recommend viewing items on a viewing day before you bid. Check the calendar for dates.

3 Step 3

Place your bid

Live bidding (free)

Bid in real time through our own platform, Wilson Live. It's free, and you'll see and hear the sale as it happens.

Absentee bidding

Leave your maximum bid in advance, up to 60 minutes before the sale. The auctioneer bids on your behalf to secure the lot at the lowest possible price.

Telephone bidding

We'll call you during the sale so you can bid live over the phone.

4 Step 4

Pay and collect

Total price

When the sale ends, you'll get an invoice for any lots you've won. It shows the hammer price plus the buyer's premium (currently 25% + VAT).

Pay your invoice

Pay online through our secure payment page, or by bank transfer.

Pay online
Collect or arrange delivery

Once you've paid, collect from our Nantwich saleroom by appointment, arrange your own courier, or use our in-house shipping service.

Need help with shipping?

Questions about buying at auction (FAQs)

More questions?

Email us
Our sales are live online, so the saleroom isn't open to the public during an auction. We publish detailed descriptions and high-resolution photographs for every lot, and we recommend viewing items in person on a viewing day before you bid.
On top of the hammer price you pay a buyer's premium, currently 25% + VAT (30% including VAT). For example, a £100 hammer price comes to £130 in total.
Some original artworks carry a royalty paid to the artist, or their estate, when the work is resold. It applies above €1,000 and is calculated on a sliding scale. Where it applies, we show it clearly on the lot and on your invoice.

Pay online through our secure payment page or by bank transfer. Once paid, collect by appointment, arrange your own courier, or use our in-house shipping service.

Read our Shipping and Collection information.

Since January 2020, auction houses have been legally required to carry out identification checks on buyers and sellers whose transactions go over £10,000. To help us meet this requirement, and to keep the buying and selling process running smoothly, we ask all clients for proof of ID, usually a form of photo ID and proof of address.

Read our full Anti Money Laundering guidance for the accepted documents and how we handle your information.