Buying

Buying

Our user-friendly auction platform, Easy Live, is highly regarded and easy to use, just register your details and you can start bidding straight away, as if you were in the room. Not only will you be able you hear our auctioneer Rob Oulton, but you will be able to see him live on screen, giving you great interactive experience. Also, two weeks before each auction, we hold onsite viewing of the auction lots. You are more than welcome to visit us here at New Barn to view any material - just call the office to make an appointment as spaces fill up fast.

Bidding in the room

We have limited spaces available on auction day, here at New Barn and several auction agents available to help if you are unable to attend. A buyer's premium and VAT is payable in addition to the hammer price, as set out in the bidders T&Cs at the back of our catalogue.

Bidding by phone

Don't worry if you can't be there on the day, as one of our auction assistants can bid live for you over the phone, please pre-book this service. About ten lots before the lot you are bidding on, you will be called to ensure we are connected and ready to go. Phone bidders are advised to leave a priority and back-up number, to make sure everything goes smoothly. Ensure you are near the phone and available, to avoid missing out, as auctions run quickly and there is always a list of other phone bidders awaiting their turn. Requests for phone bids should be made no later than 5pm the day before the sale.

Remember, the additional Buyers Premium of 15% + VAT will apply to your final bid amount, and while every effort is made to ensure accuracy, we cannot accept responsibility for errors in phone bids.

Absentee bidding

Another way to bid without attending is to make an absentee bid, also known as a commission bid. A maximum amount will be entered into the auctioneer’s book, and he will then bid on your behalf at the lowest price against other bids and any reserve price, up to and including your pre-submitted maximum bid.

Ways to leave an absentee bid

Bids can be left by phone, email or on our online bid form. They can also be left in person at our sale room or printed off and posted. Bids entered will be confirmed by return and the bidder must check any details of bids placed, as all bids will be held valid even placed in error. The auctioneer is not responsible for mistakes made by the bidder

Have I won anything?

If you have left an absentee bid and have been successful, you will be contacted via our automated system - you do not need to phone in, our Team will be in the main hall, pulling Lots ready to post/ship out and have collected. Please provide a correct email address where possible as this is how 90% of our communication takes place. If you do not hear from us, it is unlikely you have been successful. 

A week or so from the date of auction, we run an online, Unsold auction that runs for roughly 10 days on EasyLive. If you have been unsuccessful with your initial bids, there might be something left of interest to you. This auction will have the lot reserves reduced by at least 10% and only 8% Buyer Premium. Please feel free to email or call regarding the unsold list and our staff will be more than happy to help.