Advice for Buyers
If you are new to auctions, or an old hand, our advice to buyers is designed to tell you all you need to know about buying through our auctions.
Getting Started
Before you can bid you'll need to be registered. Registration is completely free and you can do this in person at our Diss Auction Rooms, by calling 01379 650306 or by registering for remote bidding.
To register you'll need some form of personal identification and will be required to confirm your address details. Once this is done, you'll be able to apply for a buyer's number at each auction. If you become a regular bidder you'll be able to get a permanent buyer's number.
Viewing the Lots
The next step is to find something that you'd like to buy. You can do this by browsing our catalogues online or visiting our salerooms in Diss, either on the day of the auction or at times listed under the Auction Info Tab on each online catalogue. You should make a note of any lot numbers that interest you along with expected sale price.
Be aware that imperfections are not generally stated in lot descriptions, though sometimes notes about damage or restoration are included. You must satisfy yourself that the lot's condition meets your own criteria. For more details about specific cataloguing practices, please read our full conditions of auction.
Placing a Bid
If you cannot attend the sale, you can place a bid in person or by remote bidding. However, for the full auction experience we recommend attending a sale.
It's worth noting that sales conducted by TW Gaze are carried out on instruction by the vendor. We do our best to assess all lots and provide accurate and reliable information, but we are limited by the details supplied by the vendor. We can only accept bids where you, or an agent acting on your behalf, has inspected the lot. By placing a bid you are agreeing that you have done this. If you are bidding remotely then you may ask us for photographs to be sent by email to help make your decision. Only bids over £10 may be submitted by written bid.
The Auction
Our auctions are held at Diss Auction Rooms; here's how to find us. The start time will be listed with the catalogue on our website. It's worth arriving early to make sure you have time to park and browse.
At the scheduled start time, the auctioneer will announce the start of the sale.
Real Time Bidding
For our weekly Antiques & Interiors sale and most of our specialist sales we offer real time internet bidding via our website for those unable to attend the auction. Potential bidders will need to register with us and should be aware that an additional 3% of hammer price is charged on all purchases made via this method.
You’ve Won! What Next?
If you are fortunate enough to win a lot, the next step is to pay and collect. You can find full details of our fees and payment methods here, the main things to know are:
There is a Buyers Premium of 26.4% (Inc. VAT)
For example, if the hammer price is £25, the total price payable would be £31.60
Some lots may include VAT in the hammer price, these will be labelled with an "i" in the catalogue or labelled as such on our website.
With a weekly sale putting demands on our space, collection of purchases is required within 3 working days. Late collection will incur storage charges of £1 per item per day. Should an agent be employed to collect we will need to receive an e-mail outlining who is collecting and the date and time to collect. From August 2023 we are able to offer a "Man and Van" delivery service, ring to obtain a quote.
If you have any questions on the day, our knowledgeable and friendly staff will be more than happy to answer any questions. You can also call us with any questions on 01379 650 306.
We look forward to seeing you soon; happy bidding and good luck!