Selling at Auction

Overview

If you have items that you wish to enter for auction, there are a number of ways to proceed.

Contactless auction estimates and advice are available directly from the relevant specialist. It’s easy to find out how much that hidden treasure could be worth and safely consign to sale soon – click here or scroll down to see options for ‘Online Valuations’.

You can also call us on 01543 251081 to book a safe valuation in person with one of our specialists at The Lichfield Auction Centre. This a free, no obligation service, available strictly by appointment only on Thursdays from 10am-4pm. Find out more here.

Once items have been appraised by a valuer they can be consigned for auction.

If no valuation is required, please call ahead to discuss consigning direct with our team at The Lichfield Auction Centre during opening hours. Items will not be appraised by a valuer but will be checked for saleability.

Fees

Our fees cover all aspects of the auction process, including insurance, cataloguing, photography, full internet coverage and marketing etc.

Vendor fees are as follows:

• £6 – per lot (whether sold or unsold)
• 20% of hammer price

(Both fees are subject to VAT at the current rate)

We are unable to accept payment by credit card to a large increase in costs.

Anti-Money Laundering (AML)

To comply with the UK Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Transfer of Funds Regulations, which introduced strict updates for the art and luxury sectors in January 2020, auction houses are legally mandated to implement rigorous Anti-Money Laundering (AML) controls.

We carry out statutory customer due diligence under two regulatory frameworks:

1. Art Market Participants (AMP): For any transaction (or linked series of transactions) involving works of art valued at €10,000 or more, regardless of the payment method used.

2. High Value Dealers (HVD): For any transaction involving general auction goods where physical cash payments of €10,000 or more are made or received.

These background verifications apply to both new and existing clients to ensure full legal compliance and protect the integrity of the market.

Identity Verification Requirements

In accordance with HMRC guidelines, we must formally verify the identity of individuals and entities buying or selling through us before a business relationship is finalized.

For Individuals: We require confirmation of your full name, date of birth, nationality, and permanent residential address.

For Corporate Entities, Trusts, or Partnerships: We require comprehensive company details, including official of incorporation, verification of the trade address, and details of directors.

Clients must provide two separate forms of identification to satisfy these checks:

One document from List A to establish photographic identity.

One document from List B to establish proof of address.

List A – Certified Photographic Evidence of Identity

• Current signed passport

• Full UK/EU photo card driving licence

• Valid government-issued ID card (e.g., HM Forces, police warrant card)

• Valid UK firearm or shotgun certificate

• Lawful residence permit issued by the Home Office to EU/foreign nationals

List B – Evidence of Physical Address

• Full UK/EU photo card driving licence (only if not already utilized for List A)

• Utility bill issued within the past three months (mobile phone statements are strictly excluded)

• Recent statement from a recognized bank, building society, mortgage provider, or credit card issuer

• Current building, home, or motor insurance certificate

• Official tax notification from HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)

• Recent local council tax bill

Data Protection

All personal information provided will remain confidential and be processed and stored in compliance with Data Protection Regulations and our Privacy Policy.

Unsold lots

For items that do not sell, customers are contacted within 7 days of the sale by email or by post. In general,  any unsold lots will be entered into the next appropriate sale at the valuers’ discretion. No extra charges in respect of storage and lot fees will be incurred. The only exception to this is where lots have been entered at unrealistic high reserves at the request of the vendor. In these cases, lot fees (£6 per lot) and storage fees (£2 per item per day) will be charged.

Withdrawn lots

Once a blue receipt / entry form is signed by the vendor and retained the item(s) listed on it are committed to be sold at our auction. Only in exceptional circumstances can items be withdrawn from sale and the fee for cancelling a sale / withdrawal of goods prior to sale is £25 minimum, 15% of our lower estimate or the guide price whichever is the greater. This applies to each lot entered. We have sole discretion in withdrawing any item for sale at any point as we see fit and in this instance, no fees are levied.

Payment of monies

Once the items have been sold, customers will receive an email notification to confirm the hammer price achieved. An itemised schedule of lots sold together with payment of monies is then provided 4 weeks after the sale. Payment is generally made directly to a customer’s bank account by BACS. Payment by cheque can be arranged on request.

In house logistics

We offer an in-house collection services for customers located within a 25 mile radius of the salerooms, covering most areas of Staffordshire, Derbyshire and the West Midlands. For prices, please contact The Lichfield Auction Centre