How to buy at auction: a collector's guide

Buying at auction is simpler than its reputation suggests. Here is how a sale at Eton Auctions works, from catalogue to collection.

Estimates and reserves

Every lot carries a low and high estimate — our specialists' view of where the hammer is likely to fall. The reserve, if there is one, is the confidential minimum price the consignor will accept and is never above the low estimate.

Registering to bid

Create an account, verify your email and add a payment method. First-time bidders on lots above £5,000 may be asked for a reference. Registration takes a few minutes and can be completed on your phone.

Ways to bid

• Online, in real time — bid from the lot page while the sale is open. We show the next minimum bid and extend the closing time by two minutes if a bid lands in the final two minutes, so no one is sniped.
• Absentee bids — leave your maximum and we bid on your behalf, only as much as needed to win.
• Telephone — for lots estimated above £2,000, a specialist will call you when the lot is about to close.

Buyer's premium

A buyer's premium of 25% is added to the hammer price. It is shown on the invoice and, together with any applicable VAT, forms the total you pay.

Payment and collection

Invoices are issued the day after the sale and are payable within seven days by bank transfer or card. We can arrange packing and insured shipping worldwide, or you are welcome to collect from Burnham by appointment.

The best advice we can give a new buyer: come to the viewing. Ask questions. Our specialists would rather spend twenty minutes with you in front of a painting than sell it to someone who has not looked.