FAQ's about our auctions and bidding with C&T. If we haven't answered your question here, please don't hesitate to give our office a call or drop us an email!

How do I bid in an auction?

Bidding in one of our auctions is a straight-forward and simple process. You will need an online account with C&T, you can create one here! If you already have an account with us then you will simply need to login before registering in a sale.

Once you are logged in, click on the auction you are interested in and this will take you to the catalogue page where you can register.

There will be a ‘Place Bid’ button next to every lot, go ahead and click on this button to register to bid in the sale.

If this is your first time bidding on C&T, you will need to enter your valid card information. Please make sure you fill in all boxes on this page. (Please note that we accept Credit and Debit Cards but do not accept AMEX). This then goes through a 3D secure check to verify your account. 

You will be taken to C&T's Term & Conditions, which you must agree to in order to bid. 

Auctions can be viewed on any device. Make sure you’re using Google Chrome or Firefox for the best bidding experience.

*Please note, our Timed Auctions are powered by the Saleroom.com, meaning that to bid in our timed auctions you will need to have an account with the Saleroom and login with this instead of your C&T account. If you don't have one of these, don't fret! You can easily create one without leaving our site. Click here for help with setting up a Saleroom account!

Can I bid in the room?

No, we do not have any room bidding for our auctions. Since the pandemic we have not found there to be the demand for room bidding. Instead, bidders from around the world can bid from the comfort of their own homes in one of our live or timed format auctions.

What is a timed auction?

A timed auction is an increasingly popular auction format, where bids can be placed online over a number of days (generally two weeks at C&T). The auction begins to close at the advertised date and time, although lots will remain open for 10 minutes after the final bid to allow competing bidders a chance to respond. For more information on timed format auctions at C&T Auctioneers, check out the post here.

I’ve registered - why can’t I bid?

There can be a couple of things preventing you from bidding straight away. Firstly, you must create a C&T account and then register to bid in each individual auction you’re interested in. This is a simple process, all you need to do is accept the terms and conditions.

On the other hand, if you’ve managed to register, but it’s not letting you bid, you may be pending approval. This happens when any of the details in your account are flagged by our system as potentially incorrect. Do not worry, our team checks pending bidder regularly and will be in touch if they need any further details from you.

What are auction charges?

At C&T Auctioneers, we offer competitive rates for buying and selling with us. Our buyers commission is at 22% + VAT (26.4% inclusive) on the hammer price, with a minimum charge of £5.00 + VAT per lot. Our standard sellers commission rate is 20% + VAT (24% inclusive) on the hammer price, with a minimum charge of £5.00 + VAT per lot.

Do you offer in-house shipping?

Yes, unless stated otherwise, our specialist in-house shipping department will be happy to provide in house shipping. Just follow the link in your invoice to request a quote! Please note, our team provides a specialist service, entailing much more care and many more resources to safely and securely pack your valuable collectibles. As such, it is a more premium service. If you’re considering bidding, we recommend checking potential charges by contacting shipping here.

When can I view lots?

Lots can be viewed by appointment prior to the auction. We do urge prospective bidders to view the items their interested in prior to bidding where possible. If you see anything of interest in the auction catalogue, just email our team here to request a lot viewing, remembering to include the lot number(s) that you plan to view.

I’ve won a lot - what happens now?

Firstly, congratulations! All you have to do is keep an eye on your emails and wait for your invoice to come through. We usually send these out within 24 hours of the auction ending. Take a moment to read through your invoice. If you require shipping, just click the link to request a quote from our in house team. Alternatively, if you are planning to collect, you can use the link to schedule your collection appointment. Also in your invoice are payment option details, we request payment within 5 working days of receiving your invoice. 

What payment methods are available?

At C&T we offer a range of payment options. For remote payment on invoices totalling up to £500.00, you can pay by the payment link emailed with your invoice, or you can pay over the phone by calling our office on +44 (0)1233 510050. If your invoice totals more than £500.00 we cannot accept remote card payment for security reasons. Instead, we request that you pay by bank transfer or come in person to pay by card.

My lot has just arrived but there’s an issue, what do I do?

On the rare occasions that something has gone wrong, the best thing to do is contact our office team immediately so that they can investigate the issue.

How do I sell at auction?

Selling at auction has never been easier! If you have collectibles you’d like to re-home, you’re just a few steps away from auction success! Firstly, get a valuation from one of our experts. Then, the specialist will be in touch with advice. If you decide you’d like to consign to one of C&T’s auctions, the next step is to get the item(s) to the C&T office in Kent, either by dropping it off or sending it in. Once it’s with us, we will handle everything, from describing, to photographing, to marketing - all at no extra cost. We will keep you updated before and after the auction via emailed pre and post sale advice documents.

What items can you value?

We offer valuations on various items covered by our specialist departments. This includes militaria (including Third Reich related items), vintage toys (learn more about what toys we value here), retro toys, fine dolls and juvenalia, coins, watches and jewellery. Just complete one of our online valuation forms and a specialist will be in touch.

Do you charge for valuations?

No, we provide auction valuations as a completely complementary service. Please note, these valuations are aimed to help advise you if you are considering consigning your item into auction with us, but there is no obligation.

I completed a valuation form, when will I hear back?

Our team aims to get through valuation enquiries as quickly as possible, usually within 10 working days. However, please be aware that there can be longer delays if the specialist is preparing for a large auction - we appreciate your patience and will aim to be in touch swiftly. If you haven’t heard anything for a while, contact our office to check the status of your enquiry.

I’ve sold lots, can the buyer cancel?

No, bidders cannot cancel their invoice. All bids are binding and winning bidders agree to settle their invoice promptly. In rare instances, there may be an issue causing your lot to go as unsold. Should this ever happen, the specialist will be in touch to let you know and discuss the possibility of re-entering the item into a future sale.

What happens if my lots don’t sell?

Unfortuantely, white glove auctions are rare and there are some unsold items in every auction. If any of your lots go unsold you will have the opportunity of having them re-entered into a future sale (our cataloguing team may be in touch to discuss changing the reserve), or you can collect them.

When do I get paid for my sold lots?

We begin to pay out all our sellers 30 days after the auction ends. Our office team will be in contact to request payment details if they haven’t been provided already. We generally pay vendors by bank transfer, but let us know if you’d prefer payment by cheque. When the payment is made, we will email over a seller’s statement detailing the final amount you’ve been paid.

Have more questions? Do not hesitate to contact our team!