When purchasing items at auction, it's important to consider how you will get your purchases to your workplace or home address. Some auction houses offer delivery services or will recommend third-party delivery companies, while others require buyers to arrange their own transportation. Here's what you need to know about auction house delivery arrangements

Some auction houses offer in-house delivery services for a fee. This can be a convenient option if you're purchasing large or bulky items that are difficult to transport on your own. However, it's important to note that not all auction houses offer this service, and those that do may have limitations on the types of items they will deliver or the distance they are willing to travel.

You will usually find delivery information with the lot description and notes. If not with the individual lot, you may find general information on the auctioneers’ website or online bidding platform under "shipping" or "delivery". The shipping method and cost will depend on a number of factors including weight, size, value and destination.

If the auction house does not offer its own delivery service, it may be able to recommend third-party delivery companies that specialise in transporting large and valuable items. These companies typically charge a fee based on the size and weight of the item as well as the distance it needs to travel. It's important to research these companies carefully and ensure that they are reputable and insured before entrusting them with your purchases.

In some cases, buyers may need to arrange their own transportation for purchased items. This is often the case for smaller items that can be easily transported in a car or small van. However, even if you plan on transporting your purchases yourself, it's important to consider factors such as size, weight and fragility when bidding on items at an auction.

If you're unable to transport your purchases immediately after an auction, many auction houses offer storage options for a fee until you're able to pick them up or arrange for delivery. However, it's important to note that storage fees can add up quickly, so it's best to make arrangements for transportation as soon as possible after making your purchase.

Furthermore, if lots are not collected within a stipulated period of time the auctioneer may reclaim ownership of the goods and resell them to recover the storage costs.

If you are buying from overseas and bringing goods back to the UK, import duties, taxes and charges will not be included in the buying price, so you will need to research in advance what these costs will be. You will find some useful information on this subject on the UK government website  here: /goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-and-duty

In conclusion, when buying from auction, it is essential to consider how you will get your purchases home safely and efficiently. Depending on the size and fragility of your purchases, there may be various options available including in-house delivery services offered by the auction house itself or recommendations of trusted third-party shipping companies who specialise in handling valuable goods; alternatively buyers may have no other option than arranging their own transportation which requires careful consideration before bidding on any lots.