TERMS & CONDITIONS OF AUCTION BUSINESS

USER’S INTRODUCTION

1. As is widely recognised, modern consumer protection law, whether it stems from the UK or the EU, is having a steadily increasing impact on the sale of chattels by auction.  Furthermore, the Unfair Terms in Consumer Contracts Regulations 1994 apply to auction sales and lay down an indicative, non-exhaustive, list of standard terms which may be regarded as unfair and therefore not binding on the consumer.  These regulations also stipulate that contractual terms shall be expressed ‘in plain, intelligible language’.

2. The auctioneer meets possible consumers at two points.  Firstly, the seller is a consumer of the auctioneer’s services.

Secondly, buyers, though not primarily contracting with the auctioneer, who is merely an agent for the seller, nevertheless normally contract on standard conditions laid down by the auctioneer as agent. Some of these conditions create a direct contract between buyer and auctioneer.

3. The opportunity has been taken to create the most up-to-date ‘Conditions of Business’ taken from the ‘model’ provided by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors by consultation with the Office of Fair Trading. It is designed to reflect the law and provide what protection is reasonable for the seller, the auctioneer and the buyer in respect of duties and liabilities arising in the numerous transactions which take place throughout England and Wales.  The authors had in mind general and specialised sales of chattels, including fine art.  

4. The two primary documents are the ‘Terms of consignment for sellers’ and the ‘Conditions of sale’.  Many auction houses have hitherto made little attempt to separate these two fundamental documents and essentially use one set of conditions of sale with a short further document for vendors.  It is, of course, essential that sellers are aware of and consider themselves bound by the relevant conditions of sale.  If it were not so, the auctioneer would have no authority, for example, to give to buyers the benefit of any anti-forgery clause.

Nevertheless, the two transactions between seller and auctioneer and seller and buyer

are completely distinct contracts and we have therefore placed considerable importance

on using the expression ’Terms of consignment’ for sellers and other consignors when

before the auction takes place they consign the relevant property for sale, and

‘Conditions of sale’ for transactions which actually take place by auction.

5. Finally, it is of course essential that buyers and sellers are bound by relevant conditions.  It is customary to print conditions of sale in catalogues and/or clearly display them in the saleroom or online before the auction sale takes place.  Similarly, sellers should preferably be supplied with a printed version of the ‘Terms of consignment’ when consigning property for sale.  The golden rule is that all parties should have notice of the relevant terms and conditions before or at the time of the making of the contract.

INFORMATION FOR BUYERS

1. Introduction:  The following informative notes are intended to assist Buyers, particularly those inexperienced or new to our salerooms.  All sales are conducted on our printed ‘Conditions of sale’ which are readily available for inspection and normally accompany catalogues.  Our staff will be happy to help you if there is anything you do not fully understand.

2. Agency: As auctioneers we usually contract as agents for the seller whose identity, for reasons of confidentiality, is not normally disclosed.  Accordingly, if you buy your primary contract is with the seller.

3. Estimates: Estimates are designed to help buyers gauge what sort of sum might be involved for the purchase of a particular lot.  The lower estimate may represent the reserve price and certainly will not be below it.  Estimates do not include the buyer’s premium or VAT (where chargeable).  Estimates are prepared some time before the sale and may be altered by announcement before the sale.  They are in no sense definitive and are subject to constant revision.

4. Buyers premium: The ‘Conditions of sale’ oblige buyers to pay a buyer’s premium at 20% on the hammer price of each lot purchased with a minimum of £2 per lot. In the case of lots purchased ‘Live Webcast’ through Golding Young Live will be charged at 24% and external internet bidding platforms this will charged at 28% on the hammer price. In addition, VAT is payable on this premium (see below). To clarify, live webcast auctions are NOT sales governed by Distance Selling Regulations – you were given the opportunity to view, even if you did not.

5. 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, lots are noted in the saleroom by a red dot on the lot number.  This imposition of VAT is likely to be because the seller is registered for VAT within the European Union and is not operating the Dealers Margin Scheme or because VAT is due on importation into the UK.  The double symbol (**) indicates that the lot has been imported from outside the European Union and the present position is that these lots are liable to a reduced rate of VAT on the gross lot price (i.e. both the hammer price and the buyer’s premium).  Lots which appear without either of the above symbols indicate that no VAT is payable on the hammer price.  This is because such lots are sold using the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme and it should be noted that the VAT included within the premium is not recoverable as input tax. (VAT rates are changing with frequency, please check with HMRC. VAT will be charged as set by Government at the time of sale.)

6. Condition and description of lots. We are primarily, agents for the seller.  We are dependent on information provided by the seller and whilst we may inspect lots and act reasonably in taking a general view about them we are normally unable to carry out a detailed or any examination of lots in order to ascertain their condition in the way in which it would be wise for a buyer to do.  Intending buyers have ample opportunity for inspection of goods and, therefore, accept responsibility for inspecting and investigating lots in which they may be interested.  Please note carefully the exclusion of liability for the condition of lots contained in the ‘Conditions of sale’.  Neither the seller nor we, as the auctioneers, accept any responsibility for their condition.  In particular, mechanical objects of any age are not guaranteed to be in working order.

However, in so far as we have examined the goods and make a representation about their condition, we shall be liable for any defect which that examination ought to have revealed to the auctioneer but which would not have been revealed to the buyer had the buyer examined the goods.  Additionally, in specified circumstances lots misdescribed because they are ‘deliberate forgeries’ may be returned and repayment made.  There is a 21 day time limit from the date of sale, not date of collection or receipt.  (The expression ‘deliberate forgery’ is defined in our ‘Conditions of sale’).

7. Electrical goods:  Items are tested by a qualified electrician for SAFETY ONLY. An item that passes the PAT safety test may not work.  Conversely, an item that fails the test may work with just minor repair. ‘Working Order’ and ‘Safe’ are two completely different concepts. The only thing you may take for granted is that the item will be safe at the point of sale. Items that have failed will have their cabling cut to source, labelled and sold ‘For Trade Only’. To use the object you will have to change it radically from what was sold to you. Therefore, the Auctioneers cannot be held responsible after the point of sale. Those items sold genuinely as ‘antiques or collectables’ will not have been tested and if bought for use must be checked over for compliance with safety regulations by a qualified electrician before use. This is an express condition.

8. Export of goods: Buyers intending to export goods should ascertain (a) whether an export licence is required and (b) whether there is any specific prohibition on importing goods of that character because, e.g. they may contain prohibited materials such as ivory.  Ask us if you need help.

9. Bidding in person: Some form of identification with proof of address will be required if you are unknown to us. Bidders may be required to register before the sale commences and lots will be invoiced to the name and address on the registration form. Account transfers will not be recognised or facilitated under any circumstances.

10. Absentee bidding: Commission bids may be left with the auctioneers indicating the maximum amount to be bid excluding buyers’ premium.  They will be executed as cheaply as possible having regard to the reserve (if any) and competing bids.  If two buyers submit identical commission bids, the auctioneers may prefer the first bid received. If there are genuine reasons why you are unable to leave a Commission Bid and you wish to bid by telephone we may accommodate on lots where your opening bid will be £500 or above. There are inherent dangers with this practice; therefore all arrangements shall be entirely at the bidder’s risk. Absentee bid instructions must be received by telephone, fax or email 12 hours prior to the sale. 

11. Methods of payment:

Accounts are due for settlement SALEDAY. The following methods of payment are acceptable.

There will be NO EXCEPTIONS to this policy. To avoid undue embarrassment for yourself or our staff,

please do not ask for preferential treatment.

1. Cash. Single payments up to ONE THOUSAND GBP only per sale.
2. Debit Card. No limit with chip & pin. (Card Not Present  limit £500 & no CNP on gold or silver).
3. Credit Card. We no longer accept credit cards.
4. Bank Drafts & Building Society Cheques. No limit.  Due to forgeries, we will retain the goods for 3 working days to establish clearance of funds.
5. Cheques. Accepted up to the limit of the guarantee card for immediate clearance. For sums exceeding this, and you are not known to the auctioneers, we will retain the goods for 7 working days to establish clearance of funds.
6. Bank Transfer for Bourne Auctions. Payments to Golding Young Limited - Auction Clients Account – Bourne.

40-22-19 22034859. HSBC, 88 Westgate, Grantham NG31 6LF.

BIC/Swift Code HBUK GB4B . IBAN is . GB93HBUK40221922034859

7. Bank Transfer for Grantham Auctions. Payments to Golding Young Limited - Auction Clients Account – Grantham.

40-22-19 13666891. HSBC, 88 Westgate, Grantham NG31 6LF.

BIC/Swift Code HBUK GB4B. IBAN is GB16HBUK40221913666891.

8. Bank Transfer for Lincoln Auctions. Payments to Golding Young Limited - Auction Clients Account - Lincoln. 

40-22-19 33667200.  HSBC, 88 Westgate, Grantham NG31 6LF.

BIC/Swift Code HBUK GB4B. IBAN is GB82HBUK40221933667200.

Bank Transfer payment types, codes and clearance times:

BACS – code BP = cleared funds on the 4^th day.

EFT or CHAPS – code CR + ADVICE CONFIRMS = cleared funds after 24hrs.

If early release of goods is requested our staff will ring HSBC to confirm guaranteed cleared funds.

12. Collection and storage: Goods can be collected as soon as they are paid for and within two working days following the sale. If goods remain with us and we have no contrary written advice of your intentions the items will be moved to storage and reasonable labour charges levied and storage at the rate of £2+vat per lot per day thereafter for small items (1 person safe carry) and £10+vat per lot per day for furniture and large items (2 person safe carry). This satisfies the requirements of the Consumer Rights Bill (2014)..

13. Late payment penalties: Auction accounts have always been due Saleday. Any account remaining outstanding after 3 days will have a £20+vat administration charge applied. We require payment to terms. Payment must be made on time, in full, and without any deduction, set off or counterclaim. In the event that an account is outstanding after 7 days, we will refer the matter to our debt collection agents, Daniels Silverman Limited, which will incur a surcharge of 20% of the debt, plus VAT at the prevailing rate. You agree that you will be legally liable to pay us that surcharge, and that payment of the same can be enforced against you in court. You also agree to pay interest at the relevant reference rate provided for under the Late Payment of Commercial Debts (Interest) Act 1998, which interest is payable both after and before any judgment of the court and continues to accrue.

CONDITIONS OF SALE

Golding Young Limited (GYL) carries on business with bidders, buyers and all those present in the auction room prior to or in connection with a sale on the following General Conditions and on such other terms, conditions, and notices as may be referred to herein.

1. Definitions: In these conditions:

1. ‘Auctioneer’ means the firm of (GYL) or its authorised auctioneer, as appropriate.

2. ‘Deliberate forgery’ means an imitation made with the intention of deceiving as to authorship, origin, date, age, period, culture or source but which is unequivocally described in the catalogue as being the work of a particular creator and which at the date of the sale had a value materially less than it would have had if it had been in accordance with the description.

3. ‘Hammer price’ means the level of bidding reached (at or above any reserve) when the auctioneer brings down the hammer.

4. ’Terms of consignment’ means the stipulated terms and rates of commission on which (GYL) accepts instructions from sellers or their agents.

5. ‘Total amount due’ means the hammer price in respect of the lot sold together with any premium, Value Added Tax chargeable and any additional charges payable by a defaulting buyer under these conditions.

6. ‘Sale proceeds’ means the net amount due to the seller, being the hammer price of the lot sold less commission at the stated rate, Value Added Tax chargeable and any other amounts due to us by the seller in whatever capacity and however arising.

7. ‘You’, ‘Your’, etc. refer to the buyer as identified in Condition 2.

8. The singular includes the plural and vice versa as appropriate.

2. Bidding procedures and the buyer:

1. Bidders are required to register their particulars before bidding and to satisfy any security arrangements before entering the auction room to view or bid.

2. The maker of the highest bid accepted by the auctioneer conducting the sale shall be the buyer at the hammer price and any dispute about a bid shall be settled at the auctioneer’s absolute discretion with or without their clerks’ guidance by re-offering the lot during the course of the auction or otherwise.  The auctioneer shall act reasonably in exercising this discretion and will not accept any formal complaint as an attempt to undermine his/her absolute authority from the rostrum.

3. Bidders shall be deemed to act as principals.

Our right to bid on behalf of the seller is expressly reserved up to the amount of any reserve and the right to refuse any bid is also reserved. GYL are not obliged and are unlikely to give a reason for such a decision.

3. Increments: Bidding increments shall be at the auctioneer’s sole discretion.

4. The purchase price: The buyer shall pay the hammer price together with a premium thereon of  20% (minimum £2 per lot) +vat. In the case of lots purchased through Golding Young Live this will be charged 24% (minimum £2 per lot) +vat  and through internet bidding platform the-saleroom.com this will charged at 28% (minimum £2 per lot) +vat on the hammer price.

5. Value Added Tax: VAT on the hammer price is imposed by law on all items listed with an asterisk or double asterisk or marked with a red dot on the lot number. VAT is charged at the appropriate rate prevailing by law at the date of sale and is payable by buyers of relevant lots.  (Please refer to ‘Information for buyers’ for a brief explanation of the VAT position).

6. Payment:

(1)   Immediately a lot is sold you will: 

1. give to us, if requested, proof of identity, and

2. pay to us the total amount due in cash or in such other way as is agreed by us.

(2)   Any payments by you to us may be applied by us towards any sums owing from you to us on any account whatever without regard to any directions of you or your agent, whether express or implied.

7. Title and Collection of purchases:

(1)   The ownership of any lots purchased shall not pass to you until you have made payment in full to us of the total amount due of all lots on your account. You are responsible for insurance and risk of all lot purchases at the fall of the hammer.

(2)   You shall at your own risk and expense collect any lots that you have purchased and paid for not later than three working days following the day of the auction or upon the clearance of any cheque used for payment (if later) after which you shall be responsible for any collection, storage and insurance charges.

(3)   No purchase may be collected and we shall not release any lot to you or your agent until it has been paid for.

8. Remedies for non-payment or failure to collect purchases:

(1)   If any lot is not paid for in full and taken away in accordance with these conditions or if there is any other breach of these conditions, we, as agent for the seller and on our own behalf, shall at our absolute discretion and without prejudice to any other rights we may have, be entitled to exercise one or more of the following rights and remedies:

1. To proceed against you for damages for breach of contract.

2. To rescind the sale of that lot and/or any other lots sold by us to you.

3. To resell the lot (by auction or private treaty) in which case you shall be responsible for any resulting deficiency in the total amount due (after crediting any part payment and adding any resale costs).  Any surplus so arising shall belong to the seller.

4. To remove, store and insure the lot at your expense and, in the case of storage, either at our premises or elsewhere.

5. To charge interest at a rate not exceeding 5% over the HSBC standard rate on the total amount due to the extent it remains unpaid for more than three working days after the sale.

6. To retain that or any other lot sold to you until you pay the total amount due.

7. To reject or ignore bids from you or your agent at future auctions or to impose conditions before any such bids shall be accepted.

8. To apply any proceeds of sale of other lots due or in future becoming due to you towards the settlement of the total amount due and to exercise a lien (that is a right to retain possession of) any of your property in our possession for any purpose until the debt due is satisfied.

(2)           We shall, as agent for the seller and on our own behalf pursue these rights and remedies only so far as is reasonable to make appropriate recovery in respect of breach of these conditions.

9. Third party liability: All members of the public on our premises are there at their own risk and must note the lay-out of the accommodation and security arrangements.  Accordingly neither the auctioneer nor our employees or agents shall incur liability for death or personal injury (except as required by law by reason of our negligence) or similarly for the safety of the property of persons visiting prior to or at a sale.

10. Commission bids: Whilst prospective buyers are strongly advised to attend the auction and are always responsible for any decision to bid for a particular lot and shall be assumed to have carefully inspected and satisfied themselves as to its condition we will if so instructed clearly and in writing execute bids on their behalf.  Neither the auctioneer nor our employees or agents shall be responsible for any failure to do so save where such failure is unreasonable.  Where two or more commission bids at the same level are recorded we reserve the right in our absolute discretion to prefer the first bid so made.

11. Warranty of title and availability: The seller warrants to the auctioneer and you that the seller is the true owner of the property consigned or is properly authorised by the true owner to consign it for sale and is able to transfer good and marketable title to the property free from any third party claims.

12. Agency: The auctioneer normally acts as agent only and disclaims any responsibility for default by sellers or buyers.

13. Terms of sale: The seller acknowledges that lots are sold subject to the stipulations of these conditions in their entirety and on the ‘Terms of consignment’ as notified to the consignor at the time of the entry of the lot.

14. Descriptions and condition:

1. Whilst we seek to describe lots accurately, it may be impractical for us to carry out exhaustive due diligence on each lot.  Prospective buyers are given ample opportunities to view and inspect before any sale and they (and any independent experts on their behalf) must satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of any description applied to a lot.  Prospective buyers also bid on the understanding that, inevitably, representations or statements by us as to authorship, genuineness, origin, date, age, provenance, condition or estimated selling price involve matters of opinion.  We undertake that any such opinion shall be honestly and reasonably held and accept liability for opinions given negligently or fraudulently.  Subject to the foregoing neither we the auctioneer nor our employees or agents nor the seller accept liability for the correctness of such opinions and all conditions and warranties, whether relating to description, condition or quality of lots, express, implied or statutory, are hereby excluded.  This condition is subject to the next following condition concerning deliberate forgeries and applies save as provided for in paragraph 6 ‘information to buyers’.

2. Private treaty sales made under these conditions are deemed to be sales by auction for purposes of consumer legislation.

To clarify, live webcast auctions are NOT sales governed by Distance Selling Regulations – you were given the opportunity to view, even if you did not. Therefore Post & Packing or other claims for so-called ‘consequential losses’ are specifically excluded as an express term.

15. Forgeries: Notwithstanding the preceding condition, any lot which proves to be a deliberate forgery (as defined) may be returned to us by you within 21 days of the auction (not collection) provided it is in the same condition as when bought, and is accompanied by particulars identifying it from the relevant catalogue description and a written statement of defects and FACTUAL EVIDENCE, not just a chosen ‘Opinion’. If we are satisfied from the evidence presented that the lot is a deliberate forgery we shall refund the money paid by you for the lot including any buyer’s premium provided that

(1)   if the catalogue description reflected the accepted view of scholars and experts as at the date of sale or

(2)   you personally are not able to transfer a good and marketable title to us, you shall have no rights under this condition.

        The right of return provided by this condition is additional to any right of remedy provided by law or by these ‘Conditions of sale’.

To clarify, live webcast auctions are NOT sales governed by Distance Selling Regulations – you were given the opportunity to view, even if you did not. Therefore Post & Packing or other claims for so-called ‘consequential losses’ are specifically excluded as an express term.

General:

16. We shall have the right at our discretion, to refuse admission to our premises or attendance at our auctions by any person. GYL are not obliged and are unlikely to give a reason for such a decision.

17. (1)   Any right to compensation for losses liabilities and expenses incurred in respect of

and as a result of any breach of these conditions and any exclusions provided by them

shall be available to the seller and/or the auctioneer as appropriate.

(2)   Such rights and exclusions shall extend to and be deemed to be for the benefit of

employees and agents of the seller and/or the auctioneer who may themselves enforce them.

18. Any notice to any buyer, seller, bidder or viewer may be given by first class mail or Swiftmail in which case it shall be deemed to have been received by the addressee 48 hours after posting.

19. Special terms may be used in catalogue descriptions of particular classes of items in which case the descriptions must be interpreted in accordance with any glossary appearing at the commencement of the catalogue.

20. Any indulgence extended to bidders buyers or sellers by us notwithstanding the strict terms of these conditions or of the ‘Terms of consignment’ shall affect the position at the relevant time only and in respect of that particular concession only; in all other respects these conditions shall be construed as having full force and effect.

21. In line with the new GDPR regulation anyone can ask for details of how their information is stored and kept safe.  We have set motions in place to ensure that all requests are dealt with within 14 working days of receipt.  As covered by the terms and conditions there will be a charge of £30+VAT payable if the request is deemed manifestly unfound or excessive. If the request is repetitive, the request will be responded to with a refusal for the information.

22. English law applies to the interpretation of these conditions. END.

GLOSSARY OF CATALOGUING TERMINOLOGY

Precious Metals

The weights applied to descriptions of platinum, gold, silver and other precious metals are approximate guides given from the most basic of equipment which are not approved for ‘Use-in-Trade’. As all lots are sold as objects and not as ‘Value-by-Weight’ these are sufficient for the purpose of auction sale.

Gemstones & Jewels

Many coloured gemstones have been subjected to a variety treatments designed to enhance their appearance, for example heating is regularly used to improve colour or transparency in rubies and sapphires. Other treatments such as oiling, enhance the clarity of emeralds. Other coloured gemstones may have undergone permanent or semi-permanent treatments such as dyeing, irradiation, coating and impregnation, which may require further re-treatment in order to retain their appearance. The jewellery trade generally accepts these treatments. Prospective purchasers should assume all gemstones will have been treated unless statements are made to the contrary.

Recent advancements in technology have led to some diamonds being treated in a variety of ways designed to enhance their appearance. These treatments can include fracture filling, laser drilling, irradiation and coating. Every effort is made to identify such treatments; however it is not possible for Golding Young & Mawer to guarantee that all lots containing diamonds are free of these enhancements.

All dimensions and estimated weights of gemstones have been determined without unsetting the stones and are therefore only approximate because of limitations imposed by the mount. Estimated weights are normally calculated by applying standard formulae to the measurements taken by use of the most basic equipment.

Books & Printed Matter

These items are not sold subject to collation and are not returnable once removed from the premises

Paintings, Drawings & Sculpture

Any statement at to authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, provenance and condition is a statement or opinion and is not to be taken as a statement or representation of fact. Golding Young & Mawer reserve the right, in forming their opinion, to consult and rely upon any expert or authority considered by them to be reliable.

A picture catalogued with the forename(s) and surname of the painter is in our opinion a work by that artist; e.g. Joseph Mallord William Turner. When an artist’s forename(s) is not known, a series of asterisks followed by the surname of the artist, whether preceded by an initial or not, indicates that in our opinion the work is by the artist.

1. Attributed to.... is in our opinion probably by the artist.
2. Studio of.... is in our opinion a work from the studio of the artist which may or may not have been executed under his direction.
3. Circle of.... is in our opinion a work of the period of the artist executed under his immediate influence.
4. Follower of.... is in our opinion a work by a painter working in the artist’s style, contemporary or nearly contemporary, but not necessarily his pupil.
5. Manner of.... is in our opinion a work in a style related to that of the artist, but of a later date.
6. School…. is in our opinion the picture was executed at that time and in that location.
7. After.... is in our opinion a copy of any date after a work by that artist.
8. The term signed and/or dated and/or inscribed means that in our opinion the signature and/or date and/or inscription are from the hand of the artist.
9. The term Bears signature and/or dated and/or inscription means that in our opinion the artist’s name and/or date and/or inscription have been added by another hand.
10. All references to signatures, inscriptions and dates refer to the present state of the work.
11. Dimensions are given height before width.            

The Artists Resale Right (A.R.R.) or Droit de Suite

The use of ARR in a description warns the buyer that an extra charge will be payable.

Following the UK implementation of the EU Artist’s Resale Right directive in February 2006 and the Derogation for Deceased Artists in January 2012, living artists and the heirs of those that died less than 70 years ago may receive a fraction of a resale royalty that is payable by you.

The payment is calculated on qualifying works of art which are sold for more than EUR 1,000. The actual qualifying threshold will be calculated by the Artist’s Resale Right Service Hub based on the European Central Bank reference rate published at 2.15pm on the day of the sale, and can be found somewhere on www.dacs.org.uk

The royalty charge will apply if the hammer price is more than to UK sterling equivalent of EUR 1,000. The royalty will be added to the buyer invoice and must be paid before items can be released.

No handling costs or additional fees are retained by auctioneers despite having to do all the extra administration work pre and post sale. When we have done the unremunerated work for self described ‘not-for-profit’ collecting societies we send them the sum from which they will then extract their administration fees. Anything left over may go to benefit the artist or their family.

VAT is not payable on this royalty charge. A maximum royalty charge is 12,500 EUR. Revised 4^th January 2011.