Buying
How to Buy with Us: A Step-by-Step Guide
Purchasing rare and valuable sports memorabilia or showbiz collectibles through our auction house is an exciting and straightforward experience. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting your journey, we’ve made the process simple for you.
1. Browse Our Upcoming Auctions
Check out our current and upcoming auctions by visiting our website or leading auction platforms such as The-Saleroom or Easy Live Auction. We feature a wide range of items, from iconic sports programmes and vintage trading cards to rare match used items and signed celebrity items. Use our search filters to find exactly what you're looking for!
2. Register to Bid
Before placing a bid, you’ll need to register for an account with us. This process is quick and free! Simply provide some basic contact information and agree to our terms and conditions. Once registered, you’re ready to bid in any of our auctions.
3. Preview the Items
We offer detailed catalogues for each auction, showcasing high-quality images and in-depth descriptions of all available lots. If you’re particularly interested in an item, be sure to book an appointment, where you can view the items up close and ask questions about their history and provenance.
4. Place Your Bid
Once you're ready to make a move, place your bid directly on our auction platform. You can bid online in real-time during the live auction, or you can set a maximum bid and let our system automatically increase your offer incrementally to maintain your position as the highest bidder. Don’t forget: our auctions often feature competitive bidding, so be prepared to act quickly if you want to secure your item!
Telephone Bids
A telephone bid allows you to participate in the auction live by phone. If you're unable to attend in person or bid online, we’ll arrange for one of our team members to call you during the auction and place bids on your behalf, based on your instructions, so you can still compete for the items you want in real-time.
To book a telephone bid please email your contact information and the lots you wish to bid on to info@sportingold.co.uk. On of our team will call you approximately 5 lots prior to your booked in lots to ensure a smooth process. We highly recommend leaving a cover bid, which will bid on your behalf if for whatever reason the call does not get through.
Commission Bids
A commission bid is when you set a maximum amount you’re willing to pay for an item, and we place bids on your behalf during the auction, up to that amount. If someone else bids higher, our system will automatically increase your bid in increments, ensuring you have the best chance of winning without exceeding your limit. This allows you to participate in the auction without being there in person or watching it live.
To send commission bids, please email info@sportingold.co.uk with maximum bids for your desired lots and your basic contact information (telephone/ address). We will then add all bids to our system and you will receive and instantaneous confirmation email. If your bids are successful, you will quickly receive a post sale winners notification and an invoice.
Bidding Platforms
Live bidding is available on the-saleroom, Easy Live Auction and Sportingold live.
Please note that when bidding through different platforms, there are varying commission fees. The Saleroom charges an additional 4.95% commission on the hammer price of your winning bid. Easy Live Auction adds a 3% commission or offers an alternative £3 flat fee option for bids placed. On the other hand, Sportingold provides live bidding without the need to use any third party platform, with an added commission of 3%. These fee structures ensure that you can choose the platform that best fits your needs and bidding preferences.
5. Monitor Your Bids
Throughout the auction, you’ll be able to track your bids and see where you stand. If you’re outbid, you’ll have the option to place a higher bid. You’ll also receive notifications if you’re the winning bidder at the end of the auction.
6. Winning the Auction
If your bid is successful, congratulations! You’ll receive a confirmation email detailing your winning lot and instructions for payment. Payments for winning bids should be made within 10 days following the conclusion of the auction to ensure timely processing and delivery of your items. We recommend paying via Bank Transfer- with full instructions noted on all invoices. If you require further help please call or email.
7. Payment and Shipping
Once we’ve received your payment, our team will begin the process of shipping your winning items securely. We take extra care in packaging to ensure your items arrive in perfect condition. For high-value items, we offer insured shipping options for added peace of mind.
8. Enjoy Your New Treasure
After your items arrive, you can proudly add them to your collection. Whether it’s a piece of history from the world of sports or a rare autograph from a legendary movie star, you’ll have a unique, tangible connection to your favorite memories and icons.
At our auction house, we aim to provide you with a seamless, enjoyable experience when purchasing memorabilia. With our expert curation and secure, transparent process, you can trust that you’re getting the best of the best. Ready to place your first bid? Start browsing our latest auction today!
