Buying at Auction

View the sale

Our specialist sales are typically open to view online 12 days before they take place both on our website and at the saleroom.com. We have in-house viewings as displayed on the sale information page. Alternatively, you can view the sale on our website where you can request a condition report, further images, video or a even a video call.

Our Home & Garden sales are only available to view online via our website but you can request a condition report or further images using the button on the lot details page.

How to buy

Buying items should be as hassle free as possible and that's why at Lay’s you have several options:

1. In person: you can register to bid and choose between either a permanent or one off bidders number. Once you have registered you can bid in person on sale day and all your purchases will be registered to your unique bidders number. There is no additional charge if you bid in person.
   
   
2. By telephone: one of our staff members will be present in the saleroom to call you ahead of your desired lots being auctioned, asking you if you wish to bid at the current asking price and bidding accordingly for you. There is no additional charge for using a telephone line although, we may ask for a deposit if you are interested in items above £1,000. Contact our office if you wish to register for and to book a phone line: +44 (0)1736 361414 or enquiries@davidlay.co.uk
   
   
3. Commission bid: you can leave a bid with us in advance of the auction, you can either do this via our website by going into the auction before it is live or via telephone by calling our office. There is no additional fee for commission bids.
   
   
4. Bid online: the best way to bid online is directly through our website. Simply set up an account with us and then each time you visit you will be remembered and can bid live online. There is a fee of 3% if you bid live online via our website. You can also bid live online via your The Saleroom account, although the fee for this service is slightly higher at 4.95%, or via Easy Live Auction where a flat fee may be charged rather than commission. A buyers premium of 21% (exclusive of VAT) applies to the hammer price of lots if your bid is successful. More information about Buyers Premium can be found in our Conditions of Business.
   
   

Collecting your items

If your bid is successful and you intend to collect in person you will need to book a collection appointment. Our porters will be expecting you and will have your items ready. 

 If you are unable to collect your purchases in person, we offer a small in-house postage service, please see our DELIVERY page for further details. We also work closely with the carriers listed below and will ensure a smooth handover of your items, large or small.

Here is a list of our recommended local and long-distance carriers who will be able to quote and deliver your items following the sale.