Buying at auction

At the Mendip Auction Rooms, we endeavour to make buying at auction enjoyable and straight-forward. Many first time buyers get anxious but the friendly auction team can guide you through the auction process and buying by auction couldn’t be easier!

Our Auction Rooms

Our modern and spacious auction rooms provide approximately 8000 sq.ft. of spacious accommodation. Situated at Rookery Farm, adjoining the B3135, in the heart of the Somerset countryside, there is good access and ample parking.

Also, on site is the famous Hartleys Bistro, a café, bar and a range of shops. There is plenty to see and do on auction days and you can sit in the Lookout Café, overlooking the saleroom, and watch the sale in progress. With such great destination, the auctions attract many potential purchasers and the auction rooms are popular and well liked.

Viewing our sales

Viewing Days

It is possible to view the lots on offer on the days preceding the day of the auction and full details can be found on our Calendar of events. These viewing days give you an opportunity to come and inspect the lots you are interested in, chat to the specialists and get a catalogue. Our saleroom is warm, friendly and welcoming.

Catalogues

Catalogues for each sale can be found on our website or, alternatively, can be sent to you.

Bidding

There are currently four different ways of bidding at our auctions to suit your circumstances.

Registration

We operate a computer system where each buyer is registered and supplied with a bidding number. If you wish to bid for a Lot please register and obtain a bidding number by emailing us or by telephoning us. If you are a returning customer then we will already have your details on file. Alternatively, online bidders may register through the-saleroom.com or our website, mendipauctionrooms.co.uk.

In The Room

It is now possible to attend our auctions in person and bid for an item.

Commission Bids

You can leave your bids with us and we will endeavour to buy on your behalf as cheaply as possible. For example, if you leave a bid of £500 on an item and the bidding only reaches £300 in the room, then you would win the lot for the next increment, which would be £320. When bidding on your behalf, we start the bidding at the low estimate for the item.

No charge is made for this service. To arrange this either telephone or email us.

Telephone Bids

Our staff members are very experienced in bidding on behalf of buyers over the telephone.

Arrangements for this service should be made before the start of the sale and is subject to availability. A member of our staff will call you shortly before the item is put up for sale.

We will need at least one contact number (preferably a landline). Your bids will be treated as if you are present in the room and the staff member will relay your bids to the auctioneer.

Live Internet Buying

All our auctions and catalogues are available online through our website and you can create an account with us quickly and easily. You can then listen to the auction in real time and bid as and when you like from anywhere in the world.

Your bids will appear on a screen on the auctioneer’s rostrum and will be taken exactly the same as if you were present in the room. For online bidding, there is an additional 3.6% fee (including VAT) charged by the bidding platform on top of the usual auction buyer premium.

Alternatively, you can view catalogues and bid online through the-saleroom.com. For using this platform, there is an additional 6% fee (including VAT).

Payment is due after the auction by bank transfer, credit or debit card and an invoice and payment request will be emailed to you if you are the successful bidder.

Payment Terms

Buyer’s Premium and Value Added Tax

All lots incur a buyer’s premium of 20% plus VAT. For example, if you spend £100, the total to pay would be £124. This rate of commission is one of the lowest in the UK.

Methods of Payment

Payments can be made by credit or debit card online, BACS, in person or over the phone. Please note, phone payments have a maximum of £500.

Telephone bidders must either pay by BACS prior to collection or by cash or card in person at time of collection.

Collections

We are happy to post the majority of items, depending on material, size, etc, but each lot will assessed individually.

All parcels are sent using high quality packaging materials and are insured via Royal Mail Special Delivery.

Subject to the terms below, our current charges are: