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Guide to Selling at Auctions

How to Sell at Auction with Confidence

Selling with The Auction House North Shields

Whether you are selling a single item, a private collection, or the contents of an entire house, The Auction House North Shields strives to make the auction process as clear and straightforward as possible. From the initial valuation to receiving payment, our experienced team will guide you through every step and answer any questions you may have.

Valuations

Our knowledgeable specialists will assess your items and provide a realistic auction estimate. You can request a free valuation in any of the following ways:

  • By Email: Send images and descriptions of your items to info@theauctionhousenorthshields.co.uk.
  • In-Person: Visit our salerooms to allow our specialists to inspect your items in detail. Find out more about visiting us on our valuation page.
  • By Private Appointment: We offer confidential home visits throughout the North East for private collections, partial house clearances, and larger items that are difficult to transport. Learn more about confidential visits.

Consign Your Items

After receiving a valuation at the saleroom, you can choose to leave your items with us immediately. Alternatively, you may arrange to deliver them to our North Shields location. We also offer an in-house collection service within the North East, with charges outlined below.

A receipt will be issued, which you will need to sign, confirming our terms and conditions and authorizing us to sell your items on your behalf. This receipt will include a unique vendor reference number, which should be quoted in all communications.

After The Auction

  • Sale Results: Will be published in the "past Auctions" You can request your sale results 48 hours after the auction has finished . You will receive an statement via email, showing the lot number, description, hammer price, and any applicable deductions (e.g., commission and fees).
  • Payment: Payment is typically made via bank transfer. Ensure you provide your banking details when consigning your items. Payments are processed within 20 working days after the sale, provided we have received full payment from the buyer. As we act as agents, we cannot make payment until the buyer’s funds have cleared. If the buyer does not pay, we are not liable.
  • Unsold Lots: If your lot is unsold, we will inform you by email or phone. You may choose to have the item re-offered in a future auction at a reduced reserve. Alternatively, if you prefer to collect your unsold items, please contact us within 7 working days to avoid any storage charges. Lots offered with no reserve and left unsold must be collected.

Seller’s Commission and Charges

Please ensure you are aware of all applicable charges when selling with us. Contact us if you need further clarification.

  • Vendor’s Commission: As from the 1st Jan 2026  20% commission will be deducted from the hammer price for each lot that sells, with a minimum charge of £3 per lot, regardless of whether the item sells.
  • Loss and Damage Warranty Fee: See our Terms and Conditions for further details.
  • Withdrawn Lots: If you decide to withdraw an item after it has been consigned, a fee of 20% of the lower estimate or reserve will be charged, in addition to any incurred costs.
  • Unsold Lots Storage: Lots not collected within 7 working days will incur a £5 per item per day storage fee.
  • In-House Transport: Our in-house transport team charges £65 per hour, which includes travel time, packing, unpacking, loading, and unloading. The minimum charge for this service is £65.
  • Electrical Testing: All electrical items must undergo a Portable Appliance Test (PAT) at a charge of £5 per item. We reserve the right to dispose of unsafe equipment without prior consent.

Bid your own way

Join our North Shields auctions to buy and sell with confidence! Enjoy low fees and a seamless experience for both buyers and sellers.

Upcoming Auctions Request valuation
Max Sinclair the Auctioneer