How to Sell
How to Sell
Selling at auction with Hansons is straightforward.
From a single item to a complete collection, our specialists can value your property, explain the likely auction result and guide you through the selling process from valuation to payment.
1. How does selling work?
Valuation
Bring an item to Hansons, request a valuation or arrange a suitable appointment. Valuations are free and there is no obligation to sell.
Consign to Auction
If you decide to sell, your items are entered into the most suitable auction and catalogued by the relevant specialist.
Auction Day
Your items are offered to bidders through the appropriate Hansons auction and online bidding platforms.
Payment
After the sale, you receive a post-sale advice and payment once the buyer’s funds have cleared.
2. Start with a free valuation
What can I sell?
Entries are invited for future auctions. Whether you have a single item or an entire house contents, Hansons can assess a wide range of items free of charge and with no obligation to consign.
Our team will aim to place your items into the most suitable auction and, where appropriate, group items together to maximise their auction potential.
Explore Valuation OptionsYour consignment receipt
When you consign, you will receive a customer receipt listing your items. Please retain this document as a record of your instruction to sell and as your contract with Hansons Auctioneers.
If you are unsure whether you wish to sell, speak to one of our specialists first. There is no obligation at valuation stage.
3. What are the seller’s fees?
Vendor Commission
| Hammer Price | Commission at 17.5% + VAT | Processing Fee + VAT | Total VAT | Total Paid to Vendor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £12.00 | £5.00 minimum fee | £5.00 | £2.00 | £0.00 |
| £30.00 | £5.25 | £5.00 | £2.05 | £17.70 |
| £50.00 | £8.75 | £5.00 | £2.75 | £33.50 |
| £100.00 | £17.50 | £5.00 | £4.50 | £73.00 |
4. Collection, reserves & auction preparation
Collections
If you are unable to bring your items to your nearest saleroom, Hansons offers a collection service for consignments.
Small collections: £45 + VAT per hour
One person, one van, per journey.
Large collections: £65 + VAT per hour
Two people, one van, per journey.
Reserves
Unless agreed with the consigning valuer and recorded, items will be offered without reserve.
If you wish to secure a minimum return, a reserve price may be agreed where appropriate.
Pre-Sale Advice
Before the auction you will receive a Pre-Sale Advice by email or post, listing your sale information, lot number, description, final estimate and reserve price where agreed.
If anything needs changing, contact Hansons as soon as possible.
5. After the auction
Post-Sale Advice
Following the auction, you will receive a Post-Sale Advice by email or post detailing the hammer price achieved for your item or items.
Payment
Payment is made by BACS, together with a statement showing the hammer price and deductions, 20 full working days from the last day of sale.
As Hansons acts as agent, vendor payments are made after the purchaser’s payment has cleared.
If you require payment by cheque, an administration fee of £3.50 + VAT is deducted from your payment.
Ready to have something valued?
Start with a free, no-obligation valuation and our team will explain the best route to auction.
Request a Valuation [email protected] | 01283 7339886. Important seller information
Withdrawal
If you wish to withdraw an object after it has been catalogued for auction, there is a charge of 17% + VAT based on the mid-estimate, subject to a minimum charge of £25 + VAT.
Unsold Items
Any unsold items will be noted on your post-sale advice, together with information about whether they will be reoffered in the next appropriate auction with reduced reserves or estimates.
On some occasions Hansons may ask you to collect unsold items where it is felt they are unlikely to sell in a future auction. If items fail to sell, there is a charge of £5 + VAT per lot.
Collection & Storage of Unsold Items
If you wish to collect unsold lots, this can be arranged with the saleroom by booking an appointment within five working days of advice.
Hansons reserves the right to re-sell uncollected items to recover storage charges if they are not collected within the agreed timeframe.
If items are not collected, a charge of £5 + VAT per lot, per day may apply.
Hansons will not accept claims for loss or damage of items uncollected within five working days of advice as they will not be insured after this time. If lots are not collected within one month of advice, Hansons reserves the right to sell the items under the company’s name to recover storage costs.
Customs Tax & VAT
VAT under the margin scheme may be payable. Hansons is unable to refund the same for overseas buyers, and additional customs taxes may 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. Customs charges may also apply where Hansons dispatches lots overseas.
Seller Contract & Consignment Record
At valuation or consignment, you will receive a customer receipt listing your items. Please retain this document as it records your instruction to sell and acts as your contract with Hansons Auctioneers.
Reserve Prices
Unless a reserve is specifically agreed and listed with the consigning valuer, items will be offered without reserve. Where appropriate, a reserve may be agreed to secure a minimum return.