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Frequently Asked QuestionsAuctions
This pattern may repeat continuously. However, auctioneers may vary the increments at their discretion. Will shipping charges be included in the purchase price? No, shipping is a separate charge. We encourage prospective buyers to request shipping estimates from their own carriers or from Spink’s shipping department in advance of the sale. Learning more about property in an auction What is the best way to learn about a lot that interests me? We would always recommend that you examine property in person where possible. Pre-auction viewings, which are free and open to the public, usually begin three days prior to the auction and provide an opportunity to personally inspect the property. Spink’s specialists are available to discuss the property with you then or by appointment. Absentee bidding What is an absentee bid? An absentee bid is your written instruction directing Spink to bid for you on one or more lots up to the maximum amount you specify for each lot. Absentee bids are also called written bids, commission bids, or order bids. How can I arrange an absentee bid? You can arrange an absentee bid by filling out a form during a visit to Spink, by faxing or mailing a bid form to us, or by telephoning the Bids Office. Now you also have the convenience of submitting bids online while using the catalogue search engine on spink.com. How much should I bid? Your bid should be the largest amount you are willing to bid in the saleroom. Our staff will attempt to execute your bid at the lowest possible amount as determined by the reserve and competing bids for that lot. Please bear in mind that, in addition to the successful bid amount, the buyer will also pay a Buyer's Premium and any applicable sales, use or value added taxes (VAT) that may be due. Any shipping costs will also be the buyer's responsibility. Is timing important? Because absentee bids are time-stamped, it is advantageous to submit your bid as early as possible. If two or more parties leave identical bids, the first bid received by Spink will take precedence. Can I bid any amount? Yes, within reason. In deciding how much to bid, please keep in mind that most property at Spink is sold subject to a reserve. Can I change or cancel a bid? Yes, you can telephone or fax the Bids Office. Online bids can be changed or cancelled online up to approximately 24 hours before the sale date. How will Spink notify me after the auction? Immediately after the auction, Spink sends invoices by postal mail and email to all successful bidders. Online absentee bidding What is absentee bidding through spink.com? An absentee bid submitted online is like a traditional bid, but it is easier and more convenient for you. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for General information about bidding and Absentee bidding. Is online bidding information secure? Absentee bids are placed through a secure area of spink.com that you create by registering online. What are the steps to submit an absentee bid using spink.com? To begin, click "Bid" on lot detail page of the item you want. If you have not yet registered or logged in to www.spink.com, follow the instructions until you are back at the lot detail page. You can either bid now or return to searching to add more lots to the absentee bid form for submitting later. When you are ready to place your bid, click "View Bid Form" on any lot detail page. Then enter your bid amount and follow the easy steps until you receive a confirmation. What does ‘Enter bid’ do? This button sends each bid on the online absentee bid form to the Bids Office who will process the absentee bids for that auction. How will I know that I have completed the bidding process? You will receive a printable confirmation page and a confirmation email for each bid form that you submit online, whether for a single bid or a group of bids. Will I be informed if you receive a bid higher than mine? No, we recommend that you enter the highest amount you are prepared to bid in the saleroom in the ‘Enter Bid’ Payment How will I know if my bid was successful? All successful bidders at Spink are notified by postal mail and email. Payment, property collection and shipping information are included with the invoice. How do I pay for my purchase? Payment instructions are included with mailed invoices and are in our printed and online catalogues. Payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Amex, cash or cheque. How much do I pay? Buyers pay the purchase price (hammer price plus buyer's premium) and any value added taxes (VAT) that may be due. Collection and shipping When can I collect property I have purchased? Collection information for your auction is available from the registration desk and the cashier at the saleroom. It is also included with your mailed invoice. Provided your payment has cleared, many lots can be collected on the day of the auction. Some property is available at the saleroom, but larger items may have been moved to other locations. What if I can't collect purchased property soon after the auction? Administration, handling and insurance charges may be due where collection is delayed beyond the period noted in the catalogue and the collection information for your auction. Who arranges shipping? Buyers arrange shipping and may use their own carriers or request assistance from Spink. Spink has facilities to help with packing and shipping of purchased property. Are there restrictions in shipping to other countries? Certain property sold at auction may be subject to laws governing export from the country where it was purchased and import into another country. It is the buyer's responsibility to be aware of these restrictions and obtain any relevant licenses. For details, please contact your customs agent, an international shipper, or Spink. Catalogues and the Numismatic Circular What are catalogues? Each catalogue is a record of property that will be offered for sale in a particular auction. Spink catalogues are widely recognised for careful research and superb illustrations, and are reference guides for collectors. The Numismatic Circular, published since 1892, appears six times per year and presents coins and banknotes for sale at fixed prices. What information do catalogues contain? Catalogues include descriptions of all lots in an auction, images of many items, estimates, sale contacts, viewing times, Terms and Conditions of Business and more. Can I view catalogues online? Spink’s online catalogue search engine allows you to view auction catalogues with images from Spink’s auctions up to two months in advance of the sale. How do I purchase catalogues? Catalogues are sold as single copies or as subscriptions based on collecting categories and auction locations. They can be purchased by contacting our Subscriptions Department directly. Is the personal information I give online secure? Spink employs industry standard encryption software in our order forms to prevent unauthorised disclosure of sensitive information such as credit card numbers. Please do not send such information by standard email. For more information, please see Spink’s Privacy Statement.
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Tel: +44 (0)20 7563 4000
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