Frequently Asked Questions

Selling

What does it cost to sell at Clare Auction?

You pay a flat entry fee per lot. There is no seller’s commission and no percentage taken from the sale price. General Sale lots are £8 per lot (no reserve). Premium Sale lots are £10 (no reserve) or £12 (with reserve). That’s the only charge.

How does that compare to other auction houses?

Most auction houses charge sellers between 10% and 25% commission on the hammer price. At Clare Auction, if your item sells for £1,000, you receive £1,000 minus the entry fee. At a typical auction house charging 15% commission, you’d receive £850.

What items do you accept?

We specialise in jewellery, gold and precious metals, coins and bullion, antiques and fine art, and vintage collectables. We look for items with genuine market appeal and buyer interest. If you’re not sure whether your items are suitable, get in touch and we’ll give you an honest opinion.

How do I get my items to you?

You can bring items to our premises at 4 Market Hill, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NN during opening hours (Monday to Saturday, 8am to 3pm). If you’re not local, call us on 01787 827212 or email [email protected] and we’ll discuss the best way to get your items to us. For larger quantities or items within 20 miles of Clare, we can arrange a home visit for £60, refundable if lots in excess of £1,000 are consigned.

Can I get a valuation before committing?

Yes. Bring your items in for a free appraisal, or email clear photographs to [email protected]. We’ll give you an honest estimate of what they’re likely to achieve at auction, with no obligation.

Can I set a reserve price?

Yes, on Premium Sale lots. A reserve is the minimum price below which your item won’t sell. We’ll discuss what’s realistic based on current market conditions. The entry fee for a reserved lot is £12. General Sale lots go in without a reserve.

What happens if my item doesn’t sell?

We’ll discuss the options with you. In most cases, we can offer the item in the next suitable sale. We won’t pressure you into accepting a lower reserve or making decisions you’re not comfortable with.

How soon will I be paid?

Payment is made by BACS bank transfer, normally within 10 working days of the sale. You’ll receive a full itemised statement showing each lot, the price achieved, and the entry fee deducted.

Will my items be insured while they’re with you?

Yes. Items in our care are covered by our insurance.

[FRANK: Confirm this is accurate and whether there are any limits or exclusions worth mentioning.]

I’m dealing with an estate. Can you help?

Yes. We regularly work with executors and families. We can help identify items of value, advise on the best approach, and handle the whole process. If the property is within 20 miles of Clare, we can visit to carry out an appraisal. See our Sell With Us page for more details.

Buying

How do I bid?

There are several ways to bid at Clare Auction. For live sales, you can bid in person in the saleroom, by telephone, online in real time, or by leaving an absentee (commission) bid in advance. For timed online sales, you bid through our website at any time during the sale window. You must be registered with us before you can bid.

Is there a buyer’s premium?

Yes. A 20% buyer’s premium is added to the hammer price on all lots.

How do I register?

You can create an account on our website by clicking “Create Account” at the top of any page. You can also register in person at the saleroom before a sale.

Can I view items before the sale?

Yes. For live sales, we hold open viewing sessions prior to the auction. For timed online sales, viewing is available by appointment. Contact us to arrange a time.

How do I pay?

We accept cash, most major cards, and bank transfers. If you’re not at the sale in person, you’ll receive an invoice by email with payment instructions.

How do I collect my items?

Lots can be collected from the auction once payment has been made. For smaller, non-fragile items, we can arrange packing and postage. For larger items or specialist items, we can recommend suitable third-party carriers.

What if I’m not happy with something I bought?

Auction sales are final. It is the buyer’s responsibility to satisfy themselves of the age, quality, provenance, and condition of an item before bidding. We describe lots as accurately as we can, but please read our terms and conditions and inspect items at viewing wherever possible.

General

Where are you?

4 Market Hill, Clare, Suffolk, CO10 8NN. Our saleroom is at Clare Town Hall, right in the centre of town.

What are your opening hours?

Monday to Saturday, 8am to 3pm. Closed Sundays.

How do I contact you?

Phone: 01787 827212. Email: [email protected]. Or use the form on our Contact page.