Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to common questions

Learn about Carpenter & Cartwright by reading questions and answers.

It is the first time I’ve been to an auction, how do I bid?

Upon arrival at our saleroom you will need to register at the office to receive a bidding number. Once you have viewed and chosen the lot you want to bid on simply raise your hand to get the auctioneers attention.

Will I buy anything by accident?

It is difficult to buy something by accident at auction. Our two auctioneers are very experienced and would not let this happen to you.

What do I need to do once I am the highest bidder?

Once the auction has ended make your way to the office, pay your invoice then make arrangements to collect your goods.

Do I need to leave a deposit upon registration?

If you want to bid online, we require you to leave a £250 deposit to enable you to bid. If you register in person at our saleroom and want to bid then no deposit will be required.

If I do not purchase anything will I get my deposit back?

Yes, if you do not purchase anything your deposit will be refunded.

Are there any charges to the buyer?

Most Lot(s) are subject to 20% (+VAT) and all Lot(s) are subject to 26.5% Buyers premium. Please ask if not sure.

What is a buyer’s premium?

Buyer’s premium is a charge applied to the hammer price for auction services.

Are all Lot(s) subject to VAT?

Most Lot(s) are subject to the current rate of VAT unless otherwise stated.

Where do your auctions take place?

Every Wednesday at C&C FA Ltd and in our online saleroom.

What time are your auctions?

We are only holding an online timed auction at the moment which will go live every Tuesday evening at 18:00 until Wednesday 12:00.

How can I view the Lot(s)?

Viewing is strictly by appointment only which is available Wednesday mornings 9:30 to 12:00 or all lots can be viewed online.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We ONLY accept payment by BACS. We do not accept Cash, Cheques or Card payments.

What is a Lot?

Lot is the name given to the item or collection of items being auctioned.

How do I know the condition of each Lot(s)?

All Lot(s) are sold as seen and no guarantees or warranties can be provided by C&C FA LTD. All customers are recommended to physically examine the lots to their satisfaction prior to bidding. For our online bidders, a detailed description and multiple images are provided but this is only a guide and we still recommend viewing every lot before bidding.

What is a commission bid?

If you are unable to attend the auction or stay for the duration, then you can leave a commission bid for the lots you are interested in. You can fill out a form at the office with the lot numbers that you want to bid on and the maximum ’hammer price’ that you are prepared to pay. If you leave a bid of £200 and the bidding ends at £150, you will pay £150 + commission +VAT (if applicable).

When can I collect my items?

All items can be collected once the auction has ended. All goods must be paid for and collected by Friday 12 noon.

Do you deliver?

No, but a list of trusted local couriers can be provided.

Can I return a Lot(s) if they are wrong or purchased by mistake?

No. All lots are sold as seen and no guarantees can be provided by C&C FA LTD. However, we can re-sell the Lot(s) on your behalf. All buyers are recommended to physically examine the Lot(s) to their satisfaction prior to bidding.

Can I purchase Lot(s) before or after the sale?

No. All items that are included in the sale are available only in the auction.

When is the online catalogue updated?

Our online catalogue is updated regularly throughout the week prior to our Wednesday auction.

Can public put items in the auction?

No, we do not sell public items.

Where do the items at Carpenter and Cartwright Furniture Auctions come from?

The majority of items we auction consist of end-of-line products, surplus stock, cancelled orders, and customer returns sourced from leading manufacturers, importers, and well-known retailers.