Buying at Auction with Leighton Hall Auctions

Buying at auction with Leighton Hall Auctions is a simple and rewarding way to purchase antiques and collectables from a trusted Staffordshire auction house. Whether you are new to auctions or an experienced bidder, our online auction platform makes it easy to browse catalogues, place bids, and take part in live sales from anywhere. With clear guidance, transparent bidding options, and expert support throughout the process, we aim to ensure a straightforward and enjoyable buying experience for collectors, trade buyers, and private clients alike.

Bidding Online

Buying at auction with Leighton Hall Auctions is straightforward and accessible, whether you are bidding locally in Staffordshire or joining us online from further afield. The majority of bidding is currently conducted online, giving buyers multiple flexible ways to participate.

Bid Live Online

You can bid live during the auction directly through our website, allowing you to follow the sale in real time and place bids as each lot is offered. Make sure to register online prior to the sale to ensure timely bidding.

Online Auto Bids

For any auction, you may place an online Auto Bid at any time before the lot is sold. Auto bids are entirely confidential and secure. We are unable to see your maximum bid. The auction software will automatically increase your bid only when necessary, up to your chosen limit, should other bidders compete for the same lot.

Please note that if multiple auto bids of the same amount are placed on a lot, the bid entered first will take priority. For this reason, we recommend placing auto bids as early as possible to reduce the risk of missing out.

Absentee and Telephone Bids

We are happy to accept absentee bids or arrange a telephone bid at no additional cost. If you request a telephone bid, a member of our team will call you while the lot is being offered. If you leave an absentee bid, we will bid on your behalf up to your stated limit, always aiming to secure the lot at the lowest possible price.

At present, telephone bidding is available to UK telephone numbers only. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Bidding After the Hammer Falls

Once the hammer has fallen, a lot is considered sold. On rare occasions, a bid may be attempted after this point; however, acceptance of any late bid is entirely at the auctioneer’s discretion. As a general rule, bids placed after the hammer has fallen will not be accepted, and the final bid prior to the hammer will be honoured.

Please be aware that when bidding online there may be a slight delay in the live audio and video stream. To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend bidding promptly and without hesitation, as all bidders are given the same opportunity to place bids before the lot is closed.

Our Charges

Buyer’s Premium

A buyer’s premium of 20% is charged on top of the hammer price for all lots purchased at Leighton Hall Auctions.

VAT

VAT is payable on the buyer’s premium only, unless otherwise stated. This results in a total charge of 24% on top of the hammer price.
For example, if a lot is purchased for £100, the total cost including buyer’s premium and VAT would be £124.

Online Bidding Surcharges

Please note that an additional online bidding surcharge may apply when bidding through our website, The Saleroom, or Easy Live Auction. These charges are set by the individual platforms and vary depending on the service used.

Full details of online bidding fees are available on the respective bidding platforms.

Charges at a Glance

Buyer’s Premium: 20% on the hammer price

VAT: Payable on the buyer’s premium only (total 24% on the hammer price, unless stated otherwise)

Online Bidding Surcharge: Additional fee may apply when bidding via our website, The Saleroom, or Easy Live Auction

Platform Fees: Set by the individual bidding platforms and payable directly through your chosen service

Payment Information

Leighton Hall Auctions accepts a range of payment methods for successful bids, including:

• Cash (limits may apply)

• Bank transfer

• Debit and credit cards (limits may apply)

Full payment instructions are provided via email along with your invoice once a bid has been successfully won.

We kindly request that payments are settled as soon as possible, with a general deadline of 5 days after the auction closes. Our team is available Monday to Friday to assist with any queries or payment issues to ensure a smooth and hassle-free process.

Collecting and Shipping Your Purchases

Leighton Hall Auctions offers a range of convenient options for collecting or having your auction purchases delivered, whether you are local to Stone, Staffordshire, or bidding from further afield.

In-Person Collection

Items can be collected directly from our Stone saleroom. To ensure a smooth and efficient process, we recommend booking a collection time online or by calling our office. This allows our team to have your items ready for pick-up and ensures that any payment or settlement requirements are completed in advance.

In-House Shipping

For smaller lots, including pottery, jewellery, and collectables, we offer a reliable in-house shipping service. Items are carefully packed using double-walled cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, and loosefill to prevent movement and protect your purchase in transit.

• Delivery Companies: UPS is used for most parcels, while smaller items such as jewellery are sent via Royal Mail.

• Tracking: All shipments are sent with tracking, and you will receive a confirmation email with your tracking code once your items have been dispatched.

• Shipping Charges: Our minimum shipping charge is £12.50 + VAT, with final costs depending on size, weight, and quantity. We can combine parcels when safe and practical.

Large Items and Furniture

For larger lots that cannot be posted, including furniture and other oversized items, collection must be arranged via courier. We work with a network of trusted courier partners and are happy to provide recommendations to assist with your delivery.

By offering flexible collection and shipping options, Leighton Hall Auctions ensures your purchases reach you safely, efficiently, and conveniently, whether locally or further afield.

At Leighton Hall Auctions in Stone, Staffordshire we aim to make buying at auction straightforward, secure, and enjoyable for every bidder.

Our team is here to provide guidance and support every step of the way, ensuring a seamless and rewarding experience.