Buying in Auction

Viewing
Our auctions are based in Central London at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, Holborn and viewing takes place for 2 days before and the morning of the sale. If you have not bought in auction before and are worried about how it all happens one of our staff will be happy to explain it all to you. You may also call us on 01234 831742 before the sale.

Looking At The Pianos
Be sure you have examined properly the lots you want to buy. There is free advice available from our specialists in the room or you may prefer to use one of the advisors advertising in the catalogue, however, you may have to pay for this advice.

Registering
To register you need to bring something to prove who you are and also to let us know how you would like to pay if you buy something. You will then be given a card with a number on it - this is your bidding number and is called a 'paddle'.

Bidding
You can bid in person or leave a bid. Leaving a bid involves putting your maximum price down on a form and allows the auctioneer to bid for you. This is called a Commission Bid. If you are worried about bidding in person it may be better to use this method. We would be happy to explain this to you as well as give you advice about 'absentee' and telephone bidding.

Commission Bidding means the auctioneer will bid incrementally on your behalf against other people in the saleroom up to the maximum amount you have chosen. When all the bidding is finished if the price reached is less than your maximum bid you will only have to pay this lower price.

To prevent the unscrupulous auctioneer running bids, that is, making up bids to force the final price up, the auction company have to prove there were other bids if there is any dispute.

Paying
If you have been successful your piano must be paid for on the day of the sale at the payments desk. We accept cash, cheques, debit & credit cards (please see the catalogue for details).

Getting Your Piano Home
All pianos have to be cleared from Conway Hall by 4.00pm on the Friday after the sale. If you use our approved carriers, G&R Removals, they will make sure this is done for you. If you are using any other firm the piano must be collected by that time. It is advisable to seek a quote for the removal of the piano before you bid.