Conditions of Sale
Terms and Conditions of Business
Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd. hereafter known as Hansons
General Conditions:
All clients are advised they are entering into a contract with Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd under English Law and Jurisdiction.
Hansons act throughout as agents only and are not responsible for any default by the buyer or the seller.
Hansons take care to ensure that any statement, whether made verbally or in writing, to authorship, attribution, origin, date, age, provenance and condition is reliable and accurate. However, all such statements are statements of opinion, they are not taken as statements or representations of fact. In forming their opinion, Hansons reserve the right to consult and rely on any expert or authority considered by them to be reliable.
All valuations, estimates, appraisals, condition assessments and verbal or written opinions provided by Hansons—whether for auction, insurance, probate, private sale or general guidance—are statements of opinion only. No warranty is given as to accuracy, attribution, origin, age, provenance, condition or future value. Hansons accept no liability for reliance on any valuation or estimate, for changes in market conditions, for differences between estimates and hammer prices, or for errors arising from incomplete or inaccurate information supplied by the client. Valuations are provided solely for the purpose for which they were requested and must not be used for any other purpose without Hansons’ written consent.
Hansons have the right to refuse admission to any person to its premises or attending their auctions. Any person allowed into Hansons premises to attend an auction on the grounds they are aware these conditions.
Hansons shall be under no liability for any damage or loss sustained by any person while on Hansons premises, including attending Hansons auctions, except for personal injury or death caused by the negligence of Hansons.
In the case of a sale after the auction of any Lot, the Seller and Buyer agree to be bound by these conditions.
These conditions are the only terms to the sale of any Lot at an auction held by Hansons.
The submission of personal information through the business is governed by Hansons Privacy Policy. As part of the buying and selling process, Hansons collect the personal information provided including name, address and email address. When browsing Hansons auctions online, Hansons will automatically receive the computer’s internet protocol (IP) address to provide information to learn about the browser and operating system. If applicable, with permission, Hansons may send emails about upcoming lots, auctions, and other news.
Hansons often photograph and record video footage at events for promotional purposes within printed, televisual and digital media. By attending one of the events, Hansons acknowledge that clients need to be informed that they may be photographed and recorded, and that permission has been given for likeness, voice and items owned to be used, to be photographed and recorded, and for Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd to lend and use such recordings in any way, through print, televisual and digital means, whether on their own or in combination with other items via all forms of media known now or in the future. The rights to reproduce and re-use such will remain with Hansons Auctioneers and Valuers Ltd thereafter without requesting your personal authorization.
Hansons are committed to supporting vulnerable clients. Anyone requiring additional assistance—due to age, disability, cognitive impairment, language barriers or other vulnerabilities—should notify staff. Hansons may request a support person be present, decline bids where vulnerability may impair decision making, or provide additional explanation of processes to ensure fair treatment and prevent financial harm.
Seller’s Conditions:
1. Instructions
All items delivered to Hansons premises or custody is presumed to be delivered to be sold by auction, except if stated in writing. Each seller by delivering any goods to Hansons agrees to these conditions. Collection of goods can only happen once agreed with Hansons. The collection of goods is at the risk of the seller and shall be responsible for insuring until they arrive at Hansons premises. Thereafter, they will be covered by Hansons insurance.
‘To be valued’ (TBV) goods will be held on Hansons premises until they have been inspected and accessed by Hansons. If after two weeks from notification of valuation, the goods have not been collected, Hansons reserves the right to offer for sale and charge storage.
Unless otherwise instructed, Hansons will hold all goods on their premises or in their custody against the risk of fire, burglary and water damage. In the event of a claim any settlement figure shall be based on the mid sale estimate.
If the seller is selling a lot(s) not held on Hansons premises, the Seller agrees that the lot(s) is available and in a deliverable state.
2. House Clearances & Disposal of Goods
Hansons will dispose of items from House Clearances which are of no saleable value. A charge will be made for this service dependent on size and weight of the goods to be disposed of. Hansons reserves the right to dispose of any items which are unsaleable without referring to the Seller.
3. Legal Title
Every seller must own legal title of the items they are consigning for sale. If later it transpires that these goods were not legally owned, then Hansons reserves the right to withhold payment or request the return of any payments already made.
The seller states that all the information provided to Hansons regarding their Lot(s) is to the best of their knowledge and belief.
4. Indemnity
The seller agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Hansons Auctioneers and their parent, subsidiaries, affiliates, partners, officers, directors, agents, contractors, licensors, service providers, subcontractors, suppliers, interns and employees, from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, made by any third-party due to or arising out of your breach of these Terms of Service or the documents they incorporate by reference, or your violation of any law or the rights of a third-party.
5. Reserves
The seller may place a reserve on their lot(s) before the auction. Hansons advise that they need to be notified as soon as possible and where requested advice on such reserve will be discussed and agreed. However, all lots under a £100 guide price will be sold to the best bid without reserve. Goods sold with no reserve will be sold at the highest price obtainable at the sale in which they are entered.
Hansons may apply a Discretionary Reserve where market conditions justify protection, or where the auctioneer considers a minimum threshold commercially appropriate.
To execute a sale Hansons reserves the right to sell below reserve but will undertake to make up the difference to the seller. Additionally, if the lot(s) are not sold and are re-offered into the next appropriate auction, they will be sold without reserve.
The seller may not bid on their own lot, however Hansons advise that the auctioneer is entitled to place a bid(s) on behalf of the seller up to the reserve on the lot, without indicating they are doing so and whether other bids are placed. The auctioneer reserves the right to use their sole discretion during an auction in respect of Lot(s) sold without reserve.
6. VAT & Custom Taxes
VAT at current rate is payable on all commission, premiums and charges. The auctioneers margin scheme allows Hansons to sell items without VAT on the hammer price and under the scheme Hansons are no longer allowed to separate out the VAT from the seller’s commission or buyer’s premium. Sellers sending items from overseas to Hansons to be commissioned for sale or valuation may incur custom taxes.
7. Photographs & Illustrations
The seller gives Hansons permission and right to photograph and illustrate any Lot(s), including any provided by the seller, and to use them as Hansons see fit. Hansons reserves the right to publicise goods using any type of media.
8. Commission
Hansons shall be permitted to deduct commission at the stated rates and expenses from the Hammer Price. The seller will pay £5 + VAT per lot whether sold or unsold and 17.5% + VAT commission (with a minimum commission charge of £5 + VAT) on sold items. These charges cover all aspects of the auction process includes and not limited to cataloguing, photography & internet coverage on online bidding platforms.
Commission for charities is reduced to 5% + VAT with a minimum fee of £5 + VAT and a £5 + VAT processing fee per lot. Hansons advise that charities need to provide their registered charity number and that all proceeds will be paid directly to the charity.
9. Testing & Certification
Hansons advise that some items may need testing and/or certification prior to sale to comply with various legislation. This may relate to items such as electrical items, watches, ivory and certain animal related products. Costs for these tests are payable by the Seller but will be advised and discussed ahead of sale.
10. Payment of Sale Proceeds
Hansons shall pay the net sales proceeds to the Seller 20 working days after the end of the sale, if the Buyers funds have been cleared. Hansons reserve the right to not pay out the Seller until all aspects of the transaction has been completed satisfactorily, which includes but not limited to payment received from the Buyer, or copies of appropriate ID is received from all parties involved in accordance with current legislation. The net proceeds are the hammer price less commission and expenses. The seller waives the right to interest that may be earned during the period from payment by buyers to receipt of the net sale proceeds by sellers.
11. Withdrawn Lots
Hansons reserve the right to charge withdrawal fee of 17.5% + VAT of the mid guide price, with a minimum charge of £25 + VAT, if the seller decides to withdraw their goods prior to the sale. Once withdrawal is agreed, the Seller must arrange collection within 5 working days.
12. Unsold Lots
If any Lot does not sell at auction, Hansons will notify the seller via a post-sale advise. If the seller does not respond to this notification, Hansons will automatically reoffer any unsold Lots into the next appropriate sale. For any lots that have failed to sell, for which the Seller does not wish to have reoffered, need to be collected within 5 working days. Hansons reserve the right to re-sell Lots to cover storage charges if not collected within this timeframe. Storage will be charged at £5 + VAT per Lot per day. Hansons reserve the right to charge this to cover use of space and handling, which may be off site. If deemed unsaleable, Hansons will donate to a local charity or dispose of. Disposal will incur a £20 + VAT charge per Lot.
13. Loss & Liability Fee
A 1.5% Loss & Liability Fee (based hammer price ) is charged per lot to cover insurance administration, handling risk, valuation risk and catalogue liability exposure. This applies to all lots, sold or unsold.
14. Media & Marketing Charges
Where enhanced marketing is used—such as premium photography, videography, social media campaigns or printed promotional materials—Hansons may apply a discretionary media charge. This may be agreed in advance but Hansons reserve the right to recover reasonable promotional costs where significant marketing has been undertaken.
15. Specialist Marketing Requirement
Where a Lot forms part of a specialist, high profile, celebrity, sports, charitable, or one off themed auction, the Auctioneer may, at its discretion, undertake enhanced marketing, promotional, or public relations activity to maximise exposure and sale performance. All associated costs will be pre discussed with the vendor prior to undertaking.
Buyer’s Conditions:
1. The Buyer
The highest bidder is the Buyer. If any dispute arises, the auctioneer shall have absolute discretion to settle it and to put any disputed lot for resale. Hansons advise that the auctioneer’s decision and book is final.
2. Buyer Identification
In certain circumstances, Buyers are requested to furnish references to avoid delay in clearing purchases. Goods will not be cleared until such references have been processed or monies cleared. Hansons reserves the right to not approve any online bidder when their registration credit check has not been successful and who cannot provide reference.
3. Buyer’s Premium
Our buyer’s premium is 28% (+VAT) of the hammer price with a minimum lot charge being £5 (+VAT). Buyers should consider that the buyer’s premium differs when purchasing motor vehicles. Buyers of motor vehicles are advised to check the premium prior to bidding.
4. VAT & Customs Tax
VAT is on Hanson’s services NOT on the goods and is payable at the standard rate set by UK government. VAT under the margin scheme is payable, and Hansons are unable to refund overseas buyers’ additional customs tax, which may be payable both by a buyer or potential seller. Hansons are not responsible for any additional customs taxes. Customs taxes may apply to buyers who require their lot(s) to be sent overseas.
5. Anti-Money Laundering
Hansons Auctioneers have an Anti-Money Laundering (AML) policy in line with current legislation. Hansons staff are trained to look for unusual activity, and to take any necessary steps to check and verify their clients. Hansons advise that all clients may be asked to provide two forms of identification to comply with AML Regulations.
6. Room Bidding
Prospective Buyers are welcome to attend the auctions in person all salerooms, no appointment is necessary.
7. Condition Reports & Item Inspection
Items offered up for sale are available to view. Hansons strongly advise that items are inspected prior to bidding at auction. Alternatively, a condition report can be requested. Hansons states that providing condition report is a complimentary service and should only be considered as an opinion of Hansons and not a statement of fact. Furthermore, a condition report details flaws or restoration and does not consider any issue(s) consistent and commensurate with age. Images provided as part of the condition report and item description form part of this opinion and they should be studied with care.
The Buyer is responsible for the decision to bid on an item(s) and is satisfied with the quality and condition of the item(s).
8. Artist Resale Rights
In accordance with Artists Resale Rights Regulations 2006, any painting, drawings, prints or work of art made by a living artist or an artist has died in the last 70 years, which costs more than £1,000, the Buyer will have to pay a resale royalty charge. The current royalty charge for qualifying items over £1,000 are:
• Up to £50,000 – 4% of the total hammer price
• £50,000.01 to £200,000 – 3% of the total hammer price
• £200,000.01 to £350,000 – 1% of the total hammer price
• £350,000.01 to £500,000 – 0.5% of the total hammer price
• Exceeding £500,000 – 0.25% of the total hammer price
9. Registering to Bid
The Buyer must register to bid prior to the auction and provide their full name and address and if requested by Hansons, two forms of ID.
10. Commission & Telephone Bids
A commission bid can be left by a prospective Buyer, and the auctioneer will bid on the buyer’s behalf.
Neither Hansons nor its employees will be liable for neglect, default or failure to act concerning any commission bids. Furthermore, Hansons reserve the right to not accept commission bids for any buyers that has any outstanding invoices.
If Hansons have received commission bids of identical amounts and at auction those commission bids are the top bid for that Lot, Hansons shall sell it to the person whose commission bid was received first.
In addition, a telephone bid can be arranged and on the day of the auction Hansons will contact the Buyer shortly before the lot(s) appear for sale they will then act on the Buyer’s behalf in the saleroom, bidding on the Buyer’s instruction. Hansons advise that telephone bids should be placed as far in advance as possible, as this is a first-come, first-served service.
11. Online Bidding
Hansons Auctioneers & Valuers offer an online bidding service via Saleroom.com and their own bidding platform Hansons Live for bidders who are unable to attend the auction in person. Hansons advise that the internet surcharges vary with each bidding platform, and it is recommended that Buyers check this before proceeding to bid.
• Saleroom.com: 5% + VAT
• Hansons Live: 2% + VAT
Hansons hold Timed auctions, which are online only and there is no auctioneer. Telephone & commission bids are not available with these auctions. The Buyer can leave absentee bids. Please note these auctions are available on all our bidding platforms and buyers will be advised on this accordingly.
Hansons advise that if the Buyer leaves an absentee bid on either platform for any type of auction, they are still subject to internet surcharges.
12. Technical Error
Hansons are not responsible for any technical problems that Buyers or Sellers may experience when using our website or connecting to one of our auctions. This includes but is not limited to loss of internet access, having difficulty with using either bidding platform or any hardware malfunction. Furthermore, Hansons do not accept liability for delay or failure in submitting a bid, any failure to carry out a bid or any technical errors whether it’s on Hansons’s part or the Buyers/Sellers part.
13. Payment
Payment is accepted by bank transfer and card payment. After successfully bidding with us an invoice with payment links will be received. Payments by card may be accepted in person (at the individual saleroom), or by telephone (at Head Office only). We are unable to accept payment by cash, unless by agreement with Accounts, and only at our Head Office. Our payment terms are strictly 5 working days from the end of the auction. Full, cleared payment must be received before items can be collected / shipped.
Formation of a Binding Contract
By registering to bid, placing a bid, or otherwise participating in the auction, the Bidder acknowledges and agrees that they enter into a legally binding contract to purchase the Lot if they are the highest Bidder when the hammer falls or the timed auction closes.
The Buyer’s obligations under this contract include payment of the Hammer Price, Buyer’s Premium, VAT, and any other applicable charges in full and within the required timeframe.
1. The Auctioneer acts as agent for the Seller. The contract for sale is formed directly between the Buyer and the Seller, and the Buyer is legally obliged to complete the purchase.
Failure to Pay – Breach of Contract
Failure to make full payment within the required timeframe constitutes a breach of contract.
2. In the event of non payment, the Auctioneer and/or Seller may, at their sole discretion and without prejudice to any other rights or remedies, take one or more of the following actions:
(a) Cancel the sale of the Lot;
(b) Re offer or resell the Lot by public auction or private treaty, with or without reserve;
(c) Charge the Buyer any shortfall between the original Hammer Price and the resale price, together with all associated costs, fees, commissions, and expenses;
(d) Apply interest on the overdue amount at the statutory rate;
(e) Charge storage, handling, and administration fees until payment is made in full;
(f) Retain any deposit or part payment made by the Buyer;
(g) Commence legal proceedings to recover the full amount due, including legal costs, enforcement fees, and any consequential losses.
Additional Charges for Default
3. The Buyer shall be liable for all reasonable costs incurred as a result of their default, including but not limited to:
administrative charges;
storage and removal fees;
resale fees;
debt recovery charges;
legal and enforcement costs
4. Restriction of Future Bidding The Auctioneer reserves the right to suspend or permanently ban any Buyer who fails to comply with these payment obligations.
5. No Waiver of Rights Any delay or failure by the Auctioneer or Seller to enforce their rights shall not constitute a waiver of those rights or prevent future enforcement.
14. Licenses
The Buyer is responsible for acquiring any export licence, certificate or authority required with a lot(s); this includes and not confined to a firearms licence. Hansons will not release firearms to Buyers who cannot produce the evidence of compliance with all UK firearm regulations.
The Buyer acknowledges to comply with the laws relating to the sale of ivory. As of 6th June 2022, it is prohibited to deal in items containing or made of elephant ivory, unless under the Ivory Act 2018 they are registered or certified exempt. To export and import items containing ivory a CITIES permit may be required.
15. Collection & Storage Fees
Collection is by appointment only. Anyone who turns up without an appointment will regrettably be turned away; this includes couriers. If the Buyer cannot collect their item(s) in person, they need to notify the appropriate office, so Hansons have the authority to release the goods. Hansons will not release the goods without this notification.
Timely collection of items is imperative as storage space is limited.
Furniture item(s) must be paid for and collected (or appointment made) within 3 working days after the furniture sale. General item(s) must be paid for and collected (or appointment made) within 5 working days after the end of the sale. Any item(s) remaining after these timeframes, will incur a storage fee of £5 + VAT per lot per day.
After 5 working days, the items will no longer be insured, any loss or damage will be the responsibility of the Buyer.
The Buyer will be contacted in writing by Hansons to confirm the additional charges are now in place. Furthermore, if the item(s) are still not collected after another 3 weeks from the date of charge notification, the items will be placed back into the next appropriate auction with no reserve with the Buyer becoming the Seller. All Hansons terms and conditions will now apply to the new Seller of these items. Payment will be made 20 working days after the sale; this will be minus the saleroom and storage charges.
16. Postage & Transfers
Hansons in-house postage & packing department is based at Etwall, Derbyshire. It is advised that Hansons are not professional packers/shippers, however they will ensure that items are packed in the correct way and arrive safely. In addition, Hansons Auctioneers do not insure items that are posted and therefore will not be held responsible in the event of loss or damage. Hansons may be able to make claims through the carriers they use, Royal Mail or Parcelforce, but this cannot be guaranteed.
There are some items that, due to their nature, size or weight, Hansons cannot post. Additionally, there are some items that Hansons are prohibited from posting due to conditions laid down by the delivery service. Hansons reserve the right to refuse to post any item(s) if it falls within any of the guidelines and they deem unfit to be posted.
Prohibited items to post are:
• Lighters and refills containing flammable liquid or gas
• Perfumes and aftershaves that not sealed
• Alcoholic beverages containing more than 70% alcohol by volume
• Certain batteries
• Grenades, shells, mortars and ammunition
• Firearms
• Air pistols or air rifles
• Deactivated weapons
• Antique firearms
• All bladed items
Additionally, Hansons offer a transfer service for items purchased to and from all our auction houses. For both collection and postage requests, a transfer fee is payable.
• Transfer free from Oxfordshire saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Hertfordshire saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Kent saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Cornwall saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from London saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Staffordshire saleroom to Head Office – From £5 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Lichfield saleroom to Head Office – From £5 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Newark saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Woburn saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
• Transfer fee from Norfolk saleroom to Head Office – From £10 + VAT per invoice
Hansons advise that these fees are in addition to postage & packing fees. This service does not include furniture.
