Buyer terms and conditions
Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd
Business Address:
Unit 1, Old Corporation Yard, Tong Road, Leeds, LS12 4NQ
1. Commission & Payment
- A 22% buyer’s premium applies to all purchases, with VAT charged only on the commission. This fee is added to the hammer price of each item.
- All winning bids are legally binding. Once an invoice has been issued, payment is required in full without delay. Non-payment may result in suspension from future auctions and potential legal action.
- Accepted payment methods include cash, bank transfer, and card payments. Specific payment options may vary and will be stated on your invoice or communicated directly.
- If goods have been paid for but not collected within a reasonable period, 30 days ,we reserve the right to sell the goods on your behalf and remit the proceeds to you after the sale.
2. Absentee Bidding
Buyers unable to attend the auction may place absentee bids either through our website or by contacting our office.
- Please ensure all contact details are correct when submitting a bid.
- You may call us on Monday morning after the auction to confirm whether your bids were successful: 0113 250 2626.
3. Goods Collection
- All goods must be checked before being removed from the premises. Once an item has left the saleroom, no discrepancies can be resolved, and no refunds will be offered.
- Collections are available Monday to Wednesday following the sale. Any collections outside of these days must be arranged by appointment.
- Please ensure your invoice is fully paid before attempting to collect your items.
4. Breakages & Damages
Any item damaged by a buyer must be paid for in full at the time of the incident. Compensation is based on the item’s reserve or estimated market value, whichever is higher.
5. Jewellery & Cabinet Items
- All jewellery can be carefully inspected on request—one item at a time.
- No acid testing is permitted on any jewellery, as the items remain the property of our vendors until sold.
- Buyers are solely responsible for deciding whether to purchase an item. While we make every effort to verify authenticity, we cannot guarantee or warrant any item descriptions.
6. Condition Reports
Condition reports are available for remote buyers upon request. These reports are provided in good faith to assist in purchasing decisions, but they are not a guarantee.
7. Children & Attendance
- Children under the age of 14 are not permitted to attend the auction.
- Those aged 14 to 18 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times during viewing and sale days.
8. Right of Admission
Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd reserves the right to refuse entry to any individual without explanation. Disruptive or inappropriate behaviour will result in removal from the premises.
9. Parking Disclaimer
We do not accept responsibility for any damage or theft to vehicles or their contents in or around our premises. Parking is at your own risk.
10. Shipping Disclaimer
If items are posted by Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd on behalf of buyers:
- All items are shipped at the buyer’s own risk.
- We cannot be held liable for any damage during transit, particularly for fragile items such as pottery, ceramics, glassware, and framed artwork.
- These items are often not covered under courier insurance policies, and buyers are advised to arrange their own insurance where necessary.
Seller terms and conditions
1. General Agreement
By consigning items for sale at Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd, vendors agree to abide by all terms and conditions set out below. These terms form a binding agreement between the vendor and Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd. Submission of goods constitutes full acceptance of these conditions, and vendors should ensure they understand their obligations and entitlements prior to consigning items for auction.
2. Fees & Commission
- A non-refundable lotting fee of £4.00 per item is charged for each lot entered into auction, regardless of whether the item sells. This fee covers administrative handling, cataloguing, and auction processing.
- A 22% seller’s commission, subject to VAT on the commission only, is charged only if an item is successfully sold.
- These fees are automatically deducted from the final sale proceeds, and the remaining balance is issued to the vendor via post, unless alternative payment arrangements are made.
3. Reserves
Vendors may place a reserve price on any item. Reserves should be agreed upon with guidance from our experienced valuer or auctioneer to ensure a realistic and market-appropriate figure is set. Please note that items with reserves may receive fewer bids and risk remaining unsold if the reserve is not met.
4. Unsold Items
Items that do not sell during the auction must be collected by 12:00 PM (noon) on the Friday following the sale. Failure to collect items by this deadline may result in:
- Re-entry into a future auction
- Disposal or donation to charity
- Additional charges for storage or handling
If you cannot collect items within this timeframe, please contact the office to make alternative arrangements.
5. Right to Refuse
Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd reserves the right to refuse any item for auction without explanation. Items that are damaged, unsafe, inappropriate, or in breach of our policies may be declined at any time.
6. Electrical Goods & Safety Compliance
- We do not test or guarantee the functionality of electrical goods. Vendors are responsible for ensuring items are safe and compliant. Returned faulty items must be collected and are still subject to all applicable fees.
- Electrical goods must have a BSI-compliant plug attached. Items without one will be refused.
- We do not accept mains-connectable gas appliances under any circumstances.
- All white goods (e.g. fridges, cookers) must be clean and in a presentable condition.
- Furniture must carry a valid flame-retardant label to comply with fire safety regulations.
7. Liability
All items are left on the premises entirely at the vendor’s own risk. Shelby’s Auctioneers Ltd cannot be held liable for loss, theft, or damage of any goods before, during, or after the auction process.
8. Appointments & Collections
To deliver items or request a collection for larger goods, vendors must contact the office in advance. Collections and drop-offs are by appointment only.
To book:
0113 250 2626
07764 405701