Buying Guide:
Buying at auction is straightforward and accessible to both new and experienced collectors.
Whether bidding in the room, by telephone, through absentee bids, or online, the process is transparent and competitive.
Below is a guide explaining how to participate in our auctions and the charges that apply when purchasing a lot.
Registering to Bid
To participate in an auction, you must register prior to the sale.
Registration can be completed:
- online through a bidding platform (The Sale Room or Easy Live Auction)
- by contacting our office
- in person prior to the auction
You may be asked to provide identification and contact details before being approved to bid.
Once registered you will receive a bidder number used during the auction.
Ways to Bid
In the Auction Room
You may attend the auction in person and bid by raising your bidder paddle.
The auctioneer will accept bids sequentially and the highest bidder when the hammer falls becomes the buyer.
Absentee Bids
If you cannot attend the sale, you may leave a maximum bid in advance.
Our auctioneer will execute bids on your behalf as competitively as possible up to the amount you specify.
Telephone Bidding
For certain lots, we can arrange telephone bidding.
A member of staff will call you shortly before the lot is offered and relay bids directly to the auctioneer.
Telephone lines are limited and should be requested in advance.
Online Bidding
Live bidding is available through online auction platforms.
Bids placed through these services are transmitted directly to the auctioneer in real time.
Additional platform fees may apply depending on the bidding service used.
Understanding the Price You Pay
When you successfully bid on a lot, the hammer price is not the final amount payable.
The total amount due includes the following components:
- Hammer Price
The hammer price is the final bid accepted by the auctioneer when the hammer falls.
- Buyer’s Premium
A buyer’s premium of 22.5% of the hammer price (exclusive of VAT) is added to all successful bids.
- VAT
Value Added Tax (VAT) is applied on the buyer’s premium at the prevailing UK rate.
The total buyer’s premium, inclusive of VAT and all applicable fees, amounts to 27% of the hammer price
Online Bidding Platform Fees
If bidding through a third-party online platform, an additional service fee may apply.
This fee is set by the platform provider and is charged in addition to the buyer’s premium.
Examples may include:
- percentage-based commission
- fixed per-lot charge
Full details are displayed when registering on the relevant platform.
Artist’s Resale Right (ARR)
Lots created by qualifying artists may be subject to Artist’s Resale Right.
This royalty is required by law and is payable by the buyer when applicable.
The amount depends on the hammer price and the artist’s eligibility.
Lots subject to ARR will be identified in the catalogue.
Example Purchase Calculation
Example hammer price: £1,000
Hammer price
£1,000
Buyer’s premium (22.5%)
£225
VAT on premium
£45
Online platform fee (if applicable)
£
Total amount payable
£___
This example is provided for illustration; the final amount will depend on the applicable charges.
Payment
Payment is due promptly after the auction and must be completed within 5 working days.
We accept payment by:
bank transfer
debit card
credit card (subject to limits)
cash (up to £10,000)
Full payment must be received before items are released.
Collection and Shipping
Purchased lots must be collected within 10 working days after the auction date.
Collection may be arranged:
in person
through a courier
through shipping providers
Shipping and insurance costs are the responsibility of the buyer.
Unfortunately, Alik Alexander Auctioneers are unable to offer a postal or delivery service directly.
Storage charges may apply to lots not collected within the stated period. Late collection beyond 10 working days will incur a storage charge of £2 per day.
Condition Reports
Prospective buyers are encouraged to examine lots in person during the viewing period.
Condition reports are available on request for many lots and are provided as guidance only.
Questions
If you require assistance registering to bid or understanding the auction process, our team will be pleased to help.
Please contact us prior to the sale.