FAQs

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FAQs

Registering

How do I keep informed of when you are next holding an auction?
Sign up to our mailing list to ensure you are amongst the first to know whenever we set a new auction date.
Do I need an account to bid at auction?
All Robson Kay sales are hosted online with BidSpotter. You need an account with BidSpotter which takes a few moments to set up and includes an identity verification process. Our sales are dual listed on BidSpotter’s sister site i-bidder which means you can also use an i-bidder account to bid in Robson Kay sales.
How do I sign up for an individual sale?
Each individual auction on BidSpotter has its own specific set of terms and conditions which you must agree to when signing up to an individual sale. Each auctioneer uses a different approval process. We want to make our sales accessible to as many bidders as possible, however it is important that we only approve bidders whom we are confident will pay for and collect any goods they successfully bid upon. As a result if you have a block from another auctioneer on the BidSpotter platform, if you have failed the identity verification process and/or if you have no bidding history, we will typically issue a refundable deposit request before allowing you to bid.

Paying

How long do I have after the auction closes to pay?
Typically two days, although if different this will be specified in the auction catalogue. It is absolutely crucial that you only bid on lots you are confident you can pay for within the specified deadline. It is a bidder’s responsibility to ensure they have paid so if you have not received a payment request notifying you of the amount due, please ensure you contact us in sufficient time before the payment deadline to ensure you can make appropriate arrangements.
How can I pay?
All payment is now online only, either by way of card or bank transfer. There are no surcharges for card payment.

Viewing

Can I view lots before bidding upon them?
Yes! We strongly encourage in-person viewing before bidding, as whilst we take many photographs of each lot, we are not experts in the items we sell and there is no form of comeback for any reason whatsoever. To view please contact our office to make an appointment.
Where are the goods located?
Wherever possible we uplift lots to our South Manchester premises before selling by auction. We have our own free large carpark for visitors. In some instances we sell assets in situ, which could be at any site within the UK. Please provide us with more notice if you wish to view assets that are not located at our premises.
How do I bid?
Once you have registered with BidSpotter and signed up/been approved to bid in a specific sale, you can place a bid at any stage prior to the auction closing. You can either bid at the next available increment or you can leave a “max bid” which means the system will generate bids on your behalf, up to the maximum level you permit.
What time does bidding typically finish?
Most of our auctions close from 12 noon which means the first lot will close at exactly noon and then each successive lots close at short intervals thereafter, typically 10 – 20 seconds apart. If a bid is placed with less than 10 minutes until the lot is due to close, the bidding time is extended and will keep extending until there are 10 clear minutes without a bid before closing – this is to avoid sniping.
Are there any surcharges?
There is always a buyer’s premium added to the hammer price. The exact level of the buyer’s premium will be detailed in each auction. The buyer’s premium is always subject to VAT. The lot price itself is also normally subject to VAT, however if the vendor is not VAT registered or if the asset being sold is zero rated for VAT purposes, it is only the buyer’s premium which is subject to VAT. Each lot description will make clear whether VAT applies.

Collection

Do you deliver?
No
Do you package?
No. Many of the items we sell are not boxed which means they are not suitable for a subcontract carrier who might refuse to collect.
Do you load?
No, with the exception of items suitable for loading with our forklift truck, which is available to hire for a small charge.
Can you make an exception?
No. We recognise that our auction process is not suitable for all buyers and in particular those who are not capable of collecting in person within two days of the sale ending, which is the typical collection deadline. We go to extraordinary lengths to ensure that every buyer is aware of our collection rules before they bid. Please do not bid unless you are happy to comply with these rules.
Will you ever make exceptions – my circumstances are particularly unusual.
No. We believe it important to apply our rules consistently which means no matter what the reason, we do not deliver or assist with delivery.

Auction Rights

What rights do I have if I am unhappy with my lot?
Robson Kay auctions are considered only suitable for trade buyers and there are no rights of consumer protection. Robson Kay are experts in holding auctions but are not experts in the wide range of asset classes which relate to the lots being sold. In the event of errors in description or quantity, regardless of whether items are complete and/or fit for purpose, there are no rights of refund whatsoever.

All bids are legally binding and bidders should only bid on lots they have inspected to their satisfaction prior.