Buying at Auction

Opening Times

We are open to viewing before an auction Saturday 10am-1pm; Sunday 10am-1pm and Monday 9am-4pm.

Please note from January 2025 viewing times will be amended as follows: Prior to the Auction, Friday 10am-4pm, Saturday 10am-1pm and Monday 9am-4pm (No Sunday Viewing).

** Proof of identity (passport; driving licence or utility bill) and credit reference information (credit/debit card details or alternative) required for first-time buyers**

Condition Reports: All faults/defects are not described (Please do not assume that if a lot does not include a condition report that it is free from faults). Bidders are encouraged to satisfy their own authenticity and condition concerns, though condition reports can be given when appropriate. Please regard all weights and measurements given in the catalogue as approximate.

Bidding

Bid in Person: Attend an auction in person to make bids on lots. Register at the Thomas Watson office in advance of the auction that you wish to attend.

Absentee/Commission Bidding: Submit a commission bid in advance through a bidding form or use the online bidding system. Your bid will be executed on your behalf as cheaply as possible bearing in mind any reserve price and other bids. Commission bids will be rounded down to suit bidding increments, with the minimum increment being £10.  New bidders leaving commission bids via our website will be contacted via telephone to complete their first time registration.

Telephone Bidding: This facility is only available by prior arrangement with the Auctioneers. The Auctioneers cannot accept responsibility for any neglect or default in executing or failing to execute telephone bids. This service is only available for lots with a low estimate of £200 or over.

Live Internet Bidding: We have our own online bidding facility (please click on the link at the top of the home page titled LIVE BIDDING, this service carries a surcharge of 3% of the hammer price (plus VAT) (in addition to the regular buyer's premium). Thomas Watson also partner with www.the-saleroom.com to provide another online auction service. (please click on the saleroom link above to register with them). A charge of 4.95% percent of the hammer price (plus VAT) (in addition to the regular buyer's premium) is made for using www.the-saleroom.com service. We also partner with Easy Live Auctions www.easyliveauction.com to provide another online auction service, please see their website for details of the extra charges on top of our hammer price.

Collection & Storage

Collection: Purchases can be collected during the sale where practicable, or within two days of the sale.

Storage & Charges: Furniture and Large Items will be removed to store if not collected within a few days of the auction. Storage Charges will be levied on all Lots not collected and charged at £1 +VAT per Lot per day for small items, and, £2 +VAT per Lot per day for large items. Large items may incur a handling/removal fee of £10 +VAT.

Packing and Shipping

For smaller items Thomas Watson recommend the packing/postal services of Mail Boxes Etc. Newcastle. Reach them by telephone on 0191 2220018 or by e-mail via info@mbenewcastle.co.uk.

For larger items we can suggest local couriers, please ask at the office for details.

Payment

Buyers Premium: 27% (inclusive of VAT)

VAT: An asterisk (*) indicates that VAT is payable by the purchaser at the standard rate imposed by current UK law on the hammer price as well as being an element in the buyer’s premium.

Royalty Payments: Artists Resale Royalty (ARR) charge will apply to buyers on qualifying artwork with a hammer price in excess of £1,000. Qualifying Artwork for 'ARR' will be highlighted in our catalogue description.

Payment and Clearance: Payment for all is due immediately after the sale. We accept debit cards, credit cards and cash up to a value of £9,000. Please note, 'person not present' payments are subject to a maximum of £500.