A GUIDE TO BUYING

Anyone over 18 may participate in our auctions.

Searching and Viewing
A public viewing of all lots is held the day before each sale, and at selected times on the day of the auction. Private viewings are available by prior arrangement.

All lots for upcoming auctions can be found on our website and are published in our auction catalogues. To subscribe to our catalogue, please fill in the form and forward it to us via email or post.

Bidding
For your convenience there are several methods of bidding:

Bidding at the auction
We strongly advise clients to pre-register online, as this will save time with the registration process on the day. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your first lot as we will need to issue you with a bidding number and paddle.

Telephone bidding
Live telephone bidding facilities are available on lots with a lower estimate of £250 or above by prior arrangement. To avoid disappointment, please book your telephone bidding at least 48 hrs before the sale.

Leaving 'Auto Bids'
Once you have registered online and your account has been authorised, you may place your maximum bids via your online account, and our system will bid on your behalf. This is a fully confidential and free service and bids will be made at the lowest possible level in accordance with your ‘auto bid’. You can review the status of your bids by clicking on 'My Bids' link within your online account. Alternatively, you may download an 'Auto Bid' form and forward it to us by email or post.

Timer: Lots shown on our online bidding platform will be accompanied by a timer, which counts down to the morning of the sale. Bidding will continue as normal and winning autobids may still be outbid by live bidding.

This system is designed to allow you to track the progression of your autobids and reassess alternative lots should you be outbid before the auction goes live. 

Please note: bids can be submitted through the online account up until just before the lot is offered for sale.

Live internet bidding
To watch, listen and bid in real time, log in via the red 'Live Bidding' link at the top right of our home page. Bids may be made by clicking on the ‘bid’ button live during the sale.

First time buyers may be asked to provide ID and proof of address in accordance with the Anti-money laundering directive. A bid limit may be applied to their account or a deposit may be required. For enquiries about bidding, or to discuss any of these arrangements, please email bids@timelineauctions.com or call +44(0)1277 815121.

Buyer’s premium and other charges
In addition to the hammer price, you will be required to pay a Buyer’s premium. The Buyer’s premium is 30% (VAT inclusive) for all successful bidders. For other internet bidding providers, the provider’s normal charges will apply in addition to the Buyer’s premium, but no additional charge is made for Bidders using our in-house bidding service.

Additional buyer costs include packing, shipping and insurance. Buyers are welcome to collect items in person or to make their own arrangements for delivery. Generally, packing and shipping services can be provided by Mail Boxes Etc. (Romford) and full details are given on invoices. Interest may be charged on late payments and storage costs may be applied for late collections.

TimeLine Auctions Ltd may, from time to time, offer items to which the Margin Scheme does not apply. In these cases, VAT at the standard rate may be applied to both Hammer Price and Buyer’s Premium, as stipulated and such elements are shown separately on documentation. Those registered in the UK for VAT may enter these parts as input tax. For overseas buyers, where proof of export has been provided, the VAT element can be refunded on request.

Temporary Admission
For items imported into the UK under the Temporary Admission (Low Rate ‡) or Temporary Admission (High Rate Ω) rules, 5% or 20% respectively and as applicable Import Duty is applied to the Hammer Price. For UK buyers, this cannot be entered as input tax. For overseas buyers, where proof of export has been provided, the import duty may be refunded on request.

Time Limits for Export
Overseas buyers should note that all applications for refund of VAT or duty must be accompanied by dated proof of export, clearly identifying the item by description, sale date and lot number and bearing the imprint of the UK Customs, proving that the item was exported from UK within three months of the date of the sale. Any application for refund exceeding this limit must be declined. Buyers should note that, in cases where a UK Export License is required, there is no time limit within which a license must be issued; if the process extends beyond three months from the date of the sale, no VAT refund will be possible after export.

Local Import Duties
Buyers should note that countries outside the UK may apply import duties at varying rates and buyers must familiarize themselves with their local regulations. The application of import duties shall not be reason to cancel any sale.

Export Proofs Where Shipped by Carrier
Buyers must provide TimeLine Auctions Ltd with original, dated documentary proof of export within the three month time limit prescribed, duly stamped and authenticated by the UK Customs. The documents must accurately identify the item(s) concerned including description, date of the sale and lot number. Without such proofs, no application for VAT/duty refund can be accepted.

After the sale
Payments must be paid in Pounds Sterling and can be made by bank transfer, cash (up to the value of £7,000), cheque and debit or credit card (up to a maximum limit of £500). Please note that TimeLine Auctions Ltd does not accept Paypal (or similar systems), charge cards (American Express, Diners Club etc.) or cheques/orders drawn on foreign banks in Pounds Sterling or any other currencies.

Please note, it is the Buyer’s responsibility to ensure any duties, restrictions, laws or regulations regarding import and export to the Buyer’s home country are met. Buyers from the USA especially should note that restrictions apply to various categories of antiquities and coins and should check before bidding.