How to Buy
Buying at auction with Hansons is simple.
Browse our auctions, register to bid and bid online, in person, by telephone or by leaving a commission bid. Below you’ll find everything you need to know about fees, bidding, payment and collection.
1. What will I pay?
Buyer’s Premium
Additional online bidding charges
Calculate exactly what you’ll pay
Enter a hammer price and choose the auction type and bidding method to see an estimated total.
Estimate only. This calculator is based on the charges displayed on this page and does not include Artist’s Resale Right, customs charges, postage, special lot charges or any other applicable fees. Always check the individual auction and lot terms before bidding.
2. How can I bid?
Bid in Person
Where room bidding is available, you can attend the saleroom and bid in person.
Telephone Bid
Arrange for a member of the Hansons team to call before your lot is offered and bid on your behalf.
Leave a Commission Bid
Tell us your maximum bid and the auctioneer will bid on your behalf, only going as high as necessary.
Timed Auctions
Timed auctions take place online without a live auctioneer. Place your maximum bid online before the closing time.
3. Before you bid
Viewing
Viewing is available by appointment only. If there is an item you would like to inspect before bidding, please contact us.
Contact UsCondition Reports & Additional Images
Potential bidders are strongly encouraged to gather as much information as possible about a lot before bidding. Hansons offers a complimentary condition report and additional image service by telephone and email.
Condition reports reflect the opinion of Hansons Auctioneers and are not statements of fact. They may not detail issues consistent with an item’s age. Buyers should study all available images and information carefully.
Request Information4. Won an item? What happens next?
Receive your invoice
After the auction, successful bidders receive an invoice by email.
Pay
Use the secure payment link in your invoice to pay by credit card, debit card or bank transfer. Telephone payments are accepted up to £500. Cash is not accepted.
Collect or arrange delivery
Contact the relevant saleroom to book a collection appointment, or use the postage and collection service where available.
Collection reminders
If a courier, family member or friend is collecting on behalf of the buyer, Hansons requires the buyer’s authority before the goods are released.
Buyers and couriers should check purchases before leaving the auction house. Hansons will not accept claims for loss or damage after departure.
Timely collection is important as storage space is limited.
Postage & Collection5. Important information
Artist’s Resale Right (ARR)
If you buy a work of art by a living artist, or an artist who has died within the last 70 years, which costs more than £1,000, an Artist’s Resale Right royalty may be payable.
Current royalty rates shown on this page:
- Up to £50,000 — 4%
- £50,000.01 to £200,000 — 3%
- £200,000.01 to £350,000 — 1%
- £350,000.01 to £500,000 — 0.5%
- Exceeding £500,000 — 0.25%
VAT & Customs Charges
VAT under the margin scheme may be payable and Hansons is unable to refund the same for overseas buyers. Additional customs taxes may also be payable by a buyer or potential seller.
Hansons is not responsible for additional customs taxes. Anyone sending items from overseas to Hansons for valuation or sale may incur customs charges, and customs charges may also apply where lots are dispatched overseas.
Post-Sale Offers
Where an item remains unsold on auction day, Hansons may, acting as agent for the vendor, accept a reasonable offer made during the week following the sale. Such sales incur the same charges as if the lot had sold at auction.
Collection & Storage Terms
On the fall of the hammer, the object becomes the purchaser’s responsibility. Items are insured for up to one week after the sale while on Hansons’ premises. After one week, Hansons accepts no responsibility for damage or loss and buyers should ensure their own insurance covers this.
Paid items not collected within one month may be re-sold on behalf of the buyer, subject to standard terms. Furniture lots must be paid for and collected within one week after the furniture sale, otherwise Hansons may re-sell them in the next appropriate sale.
Anti-Money Laundering
Hansons Auctioneers operates an anti-money laundering programme. Staff are trained to identify unusual transactions and to take necessary steps to check and verify clients. Buyers or sellers may be asked to provide two forms of identification in order for Hansons to comply with applicable Money Laundering Regulations.
Timed Auctions
Timed auctions are online-only auctions without a live auctioneer. Based on the current Hansons buying information, timed auctions are available via the-saleroom.com and it is not possible to place a telephone bid or leave a commission bid directly with Hansons for a timed auction.
Timed auction purchases are subject to a buyer’s premium of 25% plus VAT, together with any applicable online bidding charges.