Buyers

Buying at auction? Read Inmans' handy guide

At Inmans in Hove, we know a lot of people haven't bought at auction before and aren't entirely sure how it works. By the time you've finished reading our guide, you'll be ready to start bidding with confidence!

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Getting ready for your first auction

There's something very exciting about the prospect of attending an auction - from turning up hoping to find a treasure you never knew you needed, to researching lots in advance and making sure you know what you want, it's something that many people enjoy a great deal.

If you're contemplating your first auction as a buyer, there are three main things to think about in advance, and here at Inmans, we want to make sure you're prepared, so that you can enjoy a great auction experience

Our next auction

What do you need to consider?

Finding the lot you want

Viewings
When possible, we hold viewings to in our auction house, giving you the opportunity to inspect the items on display prior to each auction. You can take a good look at the lots on offer and ask our expert team for more information if required.

Catalogues
We publish our auction catalogues online, giving buyers the chance to look at all the lots on offer in each sale.
Bidding on a lot

Bidding in person
Register with Inmans to attend an auction and place bids in the sale room.

Commission bidding
If you are unable to attend an auction to bid on the lot you want, call our team to leave a commission bid. The auctioneer will then carry out the bid on your behalf and will purchase the lot for the lowest bid that isn’t beaten either by another commission bid or a bidder in the room. In the event that we receive identical commission bids, the first bid received will be given priority.

Telephone bidding
Telephone bidding allows a buyer to bid on the day, even if they cannot attend the auction, Please contact the team to discuss the availability of telephone bidding.

Internet bidding
We can accept online bids via a third-party website. Contact us to learn more.
Payment and collection

When you bid successfully on a lot, there is a buyer’s premium to pay, worked out as a percentage of the hammer price. Payment in full will be required before you can collect your item.

Once paid for in full, we will release the purchased item or items to you. If you are unable to transport them yourself, we can recommend appropriate courier services. If you’d like more information, please contact the Inmans team today.