Information for Buyers
1. Introduction
The following information 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 buyer shall pay the Hammer Price together with a premium thereon of 25% +VAT (30% inclusive). VAT will be at the rate imposed by law.
5. ‘Subject to VAT’ indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate (presently 20%) on the Hammer Price as well as being an element in the buyer’s premium. Items which are subject to VAT will be clearly marked within the catalogue text as well as being labelled in the saleroom. 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. 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 are 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 circumstance lots mis-described because they are ‘deliberate forgeries’ may be returned and repayment made. There is a 2 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 the 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 threat character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited materials such as ivory. Ask us if you need help.
9. Bidding
Bidders will 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 absentee bidding
Commission bids may be left with the Auctioneer indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyer’s premium. They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids. The Auctioneer may at his/her own discretion on your behalf exceed your commission by one bid. Please enquire in advance about our arrangements for the leaving of commission bids by telephone or fax.
11. Methods of payment
You will need to pay for your items online using our secure 'Payment Page', or by bank transfer. Full instructions are given on your invoice. Please note that we no longer accept cash or cheques. Please note we no longer take payments over the telephone.
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. Items not removed within four days of the sale will be subject to a storage charge of £1.50 per item per day.
13. Postage and Shipping
Wilson55 do provide an in-house shipping service for certain items inside the UK, please contact us for a quote. For items that we are unable to ship, we recommend the following companies:
Bradleys Carriers, Licensed Firearms Carriers. North Yorkshire. Tel: 01748 503101 or (London area) 020 3301 6348. Email: info@bradleys.ltd Web: www.removals.org.uk
Mailboxes Etc, Peel House, 30 The Downs, Altrincham, WA14 2PX. Tel:0161 2330500 Fax: 0161 2330400 Email: info@mbealtrincham.co.uk Web: mbealtrincham.co.uk
Aardvark Art Services Ltd, Birks Farm, Ballam Road, Lytham, Lancashire, FY8 4NL. Telephone: 01253 794673 Fax: 01253 730580. Email: info@aardvarkartservices.com Web: www.aardvarkartservices.com
For firearms export outside the UK:
Bradley's Carriers, Licensed Firearms Carriers. North Yorkshire. Tel: 01748 503101 or (London area) 020 3301 6348. Email: info@bradleys.ltd Web: www.removals.org.uk
Howard Dixon Associates, 07752 344865, www.howarddixonassociates.com
Mark Johnson Exporter, 07947 858857
14. ‘The Artists Resale Right’
From mid – February 2006 living artists are entitled to receive a resale royalty each time their art work is bought or sold by an art market professional. However, from 1 January 2012, the Right will be extended to include sales of works by artists who have died within the last 70 years (following the existing term of copyright). Royalties will be payable to the families and beneficiaries of these artists. This new law has been introduced in the UK following a European Directive. Art work must reach or exceed a certain value before it qualifies for the right. The qualifying threshold in the UK is 1000 euros which is approximately £850. The rates are calculated as a percentage of the sale price and are set out in a sliding scale from 4% to 0.25%.
Portion of the sale price Royalty rate
From 1000 to 50,000 euro 4%
From 50,000.01 to 200,000 euro 3%
This will be an extra charge upon the sum for which the art work is obtained, excluding V.A.T. For auctions this is regarded
as the hammer price (excluding the buyers premium).
For more information please see the Important Notice to Bidders posted in the salerooms or alternatively a full copy of ‘The Artists Resale Right Regulations 2006’ which is available on request.
15. Ammunition
All ammunition offered in Wilson55’s auctions is sold strictly as seen. Wilson55 offers no guarantee as to the condition, viability or suitability of any ammunition sold through its sales. It is the responsibility of any potential buyer to decide on the safety and suitability of using second-hand ammunition bought from this auction. Wilson55 accepts no liability for any injury or damage caused by ammunition purchased in its auction. Wilson55 avers that the placing of a bid on any lot of ammunition signals acceptance of these conditions by the potential purchaser.