General Buying/Selling Information

Selling

Whether you're selling a watercolour or a wardrobe, an old mower or an Old Master, we want to ensure you get the best possible price. We will assess all items you wish to sell, give you an idea of its value, and decide which of our auctions is the most appropriate, depending on the number and type of potential buyers.

To sell at one of our auctions, you can either:

Ring us and describe the item(s) you wish to sell
Send us a digital photograph
Bring the item(s) in to our Heathfield office
Arrange for us to come and visit you to assess the item(s)

As well as detailed catalogue listings, items in our Antique Furniture & Collectables Auctions also appear on our website, where they can be viewed by potential bidders throughout the world.

With Watsons, you're dealing with real people. We'll give you an honest assessment and a realistic price for whatever you wish to sell, eliminating the risk and guesswork associated with the big online auctions and ensuring you see the best possible return. What's more, we aim to make payments within 10 days of the sale, so you won't have to wait for your money.

To discuss a potential sale item, arrange an appointment, or find out more about selling through a Watsons auction, please call Peter Hobden on 01435 862132 or email watsons@watsonsauctioneers.co.uk

Buying

All our sales offer a number of buying options. You can bid:

In person at our Heathfield salerooms
Via this web site
By email at bids@watsonsauctioneers.co.uk
Over the phone on 01435 862132 (Antique sale only)
Through an agent or other third party
On commission - around 50% of all our sales are made by commission bidding

We generally accept cash or cheques with a valid guarantee card (and by prior arrangement if you are not known to us). We also accept major credit and debit cards however there is a £1.50 charge on all Debit cards and a 3.5% surcharge on all credit cards. For further details of bidding and payment arrangements, or to find out more about forthcoming sales, please call Peter Hobden on 01435 862132 or email watsons@watsonsauctioneers.co.uk

Commission

We do not operate a fixed commission system: as a guide, we generally charge between 12.5 and 15% of the hammer price plus VAT, but the actual figure will vary according to individual circumstances. For more information, please call Peter Hobden on 01435 862132.