Important information for buyers
Absentee bids
If instructed we will execute bids and advise intending purchasers. No charge is made for this service. Lots will always be bought as cheaply as is allowed by such other bids and reserves as are on our books. In the event of identical bids, the earliest will take precedence. Always indicate a 'top limit' – the amount to which you would bid if you were attending the auction yourself. 'Buy' or unlimited bids will not be accepted, all bids must be confirmed in writing or by fax prior to the date of the sale.
Bidding slip
Further advice to bidders and purchasers may be found on the bidding slip included with the printed catalogue. Please use this slip when sending bids to us. It is vital that the slip should be signed.
Buyers' premium
A buyers' premium of 22.8% on the hammer price inclusive of an amount in lieu of VAT is payable by the buyer on all lots.
Imported lots
Lots with an ‘x’ before the lot number have 5% Importation VAT charged on the hammer price because they have been imported into the UK from outside the EU. In such cases Grosvenor has used a temporary importation procedure which in effect means that the point of importation is deferred until the lot has been sold by Grosvenor. At that point the buyer is treated as the importer and is liable to pay the Import VAT due.
Pre-sale estimates
The pre-sale estimates are intended as a guide for prospective purchasers. Any bid between the listed figures would, in our opinion, offer a fair chance of success. However, all lots, depending on the degree of competition, can realise prices either above or below the listed estimates.
Methods of payment
Payment may be made by transfer direct to the Grosvenor Philatelic Auctions Ltd. account at:
HSBC
105 Mount Pleasant,
Tunbridge Wells Kent TN1 1QP
Sort Code 40-44-37
Account No. 61399330
International Bank Account No. GB86MIDL40443761399330
Branch Identifier Code MIDLGB2160J
Please include your name and and invoice number with your instruction to the bank. If paying by this method from overseas please also include an additional amount (minimum £6) to cover the bank charges that will be incurred and in order to ensure that your total balance due is cleared.
Alternative methods of payment which will enable immediate clearance of purchases include cash, bankers drafts, debit and credit cards (MasterCard and Visa).
Although personal and company cheques are accepted, buyers are advised that property will not be released until such cheques have cleared. Purchases will be despatched as soon as possible upon receipt of your written despatch instructions and full payment for the lots you have bought. Carriage will be at the buyer’s expense. Estimates and advice on all methods of despatch can be provided upon request.
All credit card payments are subject to an additional charge of 2.5% plus VAT on the surcharge. Insurance cover will be arranged unless otherwise specified and will be included in the carriage charge.
Clearance of purchases
Buyers who have not established a credit arrangement with Grosvenor will be asked to pay for their purchases when they wish to take possession of them. It is regretted that Grosvenor cannot take Banker's references over the telephone at the time of clearance and that buyers cannot take possession of their purchases until cheques are cleared.
If buyers wish to pay for their purchases by cheque they are urged to arrange clearance of their cheques well in advance of the sale by supplying appropriate banker's references.
In the case of cheques drawn on foreign banks, £10 must be added to the invoice total, otherwise such cheques will be returned.
Buyers will be requested to supply a reasonable means of identification at the time of payment. Lots will only be released to the purchaser or his authorised representative if full payment has been received by Grosvenor together with settlement of any charges due.
• Please note that invoices unpaid by the due date will incur interest charges unless an arrangement for extended credit has been arranged in writing with the auctioneer prior to the Sale.
• Failure to pay an invoice in full by the due date may result in our refusal to accept future bids.
