Cullens of Surrey Auctions – Terms & Conditions (Updated for October 2025)
1. General Conditions
Cullens of Surrey (hereafter referred to as “COS”) acts solely as an agent and auctioneer for the seller. The representative conducting the auction is referred to as “the Auctioneer”.
2. Definitions
Buyer: The individual or entity making the highest bid accepted by the Auctioneer.
Lot: Any item consigned to COS for auction sale.
Seller (or Vendor): The person(s) legally entitled to consign lots for auction.
Hammer Price: The final bid accepted by the Auctioneer.
Reserve: The minimum price agreed with the seller below which a lot will not be sold.
Commission Bid: A bid submitted in advance by a potential buyer who cannot attend the sale in person.
3. Catalogue Accuracy
All descriptions, measurements, and opinions in catalogues or provided orally are given in good faith, but not guaranteed. It is the buyer’s responsibility to inspect and satisfy themselves as to the condition and authenticity of any lot before bidding.
4. Electrical Goods
COS does not test electrical items for functionality. All such items are sold as seen unless explicitly stated as working or PAT-tested. Buyers are advised to have items checked by a qualified electrician before use. No refunds will be issued if items are later found not to be in working order.
5. Bidding Process
The highest bidder shall be the buyer, subject to Auctioneer’s discretion in resolving any disputes.
The Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse any bid, alter lot arrangements, or withdraw lots at any time.
COS may bid on behalf of the seller where a reserve price is in place.
6. Announcements
Any announcements made by the Auctioneer override previously published or stated information, including catalogues and notices.
7. Deliberate Forgeries
If a buyer suspects a lot is a deliberate forgery, written notice must be received within 7 days and the item returned within 14 days in its original condition. COS will refund the purchase price if satisfied with the buyer's evidence. COS’s decision is final.
8. Responsibility for Defaults
COS is not responsible for default by the buyer or seller. Sellers will only be paid after the buyer has settled in full.
9. Premises Liability
All persons entering COS premises do so at their own risk. COS accepts no liability for injury, damage, or loss incurred on its premises.
10. Telephone & Email Instructions
Telephone instructions are carried out at the sender’s risk unless confirmed in writing.
BUYING AT AUCTION
11. Bidding Acceptance
Placing a bid constitutes acceptance of all Terms & Conditions.
All bids are considered final and legally binding. However, this does not affect the statutory rights of consumers under the Consumer Rights Act 2015 where applicable.
12. Buyer Information
Buyers must provide identification and contact details upon request, and settle their invoice in full immediately upon the fall of the hammer, or as otherwise directed.
13. Risk & Collection
All lots become the buyer’s responsibility from the fall of the hammer.
Items must be paid for in full before removal.
Buyers may be asked to show a receipted invoice and valid ID upon collection.
14. Payment
Buyers pay the hammer price plus applicable Buyer's Premium and Internet Surcharge.
COS operates under the Auctioneers’ Margin Scheme—VAT is not reclaimable on the premium.
14a. Internet Surcharge
Online bidding via Easy Live Auction includes a 3.6% surcharge (0.6% VAT included), itemised on invoices.
15. Commission Bids (Live Auctions Only)
Commission bids are accepted in writing and executed without charge. COS accepts no responsibility for errors or missed bids.
16. Payment & Collection Deadline
All lots must be paid for and collected within 5 working days post-auction. Buyers are liable for all costs, risks, and insurance for uncollected lots.
17. Accepted Payment Methods
Debit/Credit Card
Cash
Bank Transfer (BACS)
Note: Jewellery and gold lots must be paid in person—no telephone payments accepted.
18. Governing Law
All transactions are governed by English Law.
19. Online Bidding
Participation in live auctions via Easy Live Auction binds buyers to both COS and Easy Live Auction's terms.
20. Postage Policy
All deliveries require recipient signature.
Damages must be reported within 7 days with photographic evidence.
COS is not liable for damages to items; claims will be submitted to couriers where applicable.
SELLING AT AUCTION
21. Entry Forms
All goods must be consigned with a completed COS Entry Form. Items delivered without one are deemed accepted under COS’s standard terms.
22. Seller's Warranty
Sellers confirm they are legal owners or authorised agents and indemnify COS against title disputes or claims.
23. Auctioneer Discretion
COS may divide, combine, or withdraw lots at its discretion, and reserves the right to declare items unsaleable and dispose of them accordingly, with costs chargeable to the Vendor.
24. Reserve Prices
Sellers may set reserves. Once agreed, a reserve may not be altered without COS’s written consent. COS may bid on the seller’s behalf where applicable.
25. Collection Charges
COS may deduct any collection or handling charges from sale proceeds unless otherwise agreed and paid in advance.
26. Seller’s Indemnity
Sellers indemnify COS against all claims, costs, and expenses related to the sale.
27. Storage, Disposal & Deductions from Proceeds
Vendors are paid no earlier than 21 days after the auction date.
Unsold or withdrawn lots must be collected or carried forward within 14 calendar days from the auction date. After this period:
Storage charges will be applied:
£2.00/day per small lot
£5.00/day per furniture/large lot
COS reserves the right to apply higher fees for oversized, high-value, or specialist-care items.
COS will make reasonable attempts to contact the vendor regarding collection or re-consignment.
If a lot remains uncollected after 14 calendar days, COS reserves the right to:
Re-enter the lot into a future auction, with or without reserve
Dispose of the lot as appropriate, including recycling or waste disposal
All accrued storage or disposal fees will be deducted from the final sales invoice prior to vendor payout.
If fees exceed the amount realised or due, COS reserves the right to recover outstanding charges from the vendor directly.
28. VAT Registration
Vendors selling business assets must disclose VAT status and provide a valid VAT number where applicable.
29. Photography Rights
COS reserves full rights to photograph any item consigned for sale. These images may be used in promotional or other material regardless of whether the item is sold.
30. Withdrawal & Cancellation
If a seller cancels instructions or withdraws a lot (except for issues of authenticity), COS reserves the right to charge a fee based on the reserve price or lower estimate, plus any incurred expenses.
31. Unsold Lots
Sellers must arrange to either re-consign or collect unsold lots promptly following instructions from COS. Storage fees apply after 14 days.
Contact Us
?? Email: admin@cullensofsurrey.co.uk
?? Phone: 020 8669 5890
