Step 1 - The valuation

The first stage is to contact the relevant departments to arrange a valuation of your items.  We have a number of options available:  
 

• Free Online Auction Valuations: Upload images of the item(s) to be valued and provide any additional information.  Request an Online Valuation.
• Free Virtual Appointment via your smartphone with one of our specialists.  Contact us to make an appointment: Request a Virtual Appointment.
• Free Valuation Days at our Newbury and London offices: View our Valuation Days Calendar.
• Home Visits: Contact us to make an appointment for a valuer to visit your home.  Provide your contact details and a brief description on our online form and we will be in touch.  House Sales and Private Collections form.

If you would prefer to speak to us directly, please call us on: +44 (0)1635 553 553 or email: valuations@dreweatts.com. 

Step 2 - The selling process

Before the auction: 

• Once you have received your valuation and you have decided to proceed to auction, we ask you to arrange a delivery of your item(s) to our salerooms.  Our staff will be happy to help you in making appropriate arrangements.
    
• Upon the delivery of your items you will receive a receipt, which will form your contract with Dreweatts and outline the agreed fees. It will also list estimates, reserve prices and proposed auction dates. We will not sell your item(s) if it fails to reach the reserve at auction.
  
  
• Your item(s) will be then be catalogued, photographed and researched, where necessary, in preparation for the auction. We provide high resolution images, as well as condition reports, for all the lots in our sales.
  
  
• One month before the date of the auction you will receive a pre-sales advice by email confirming the lot numbers, full catalogue descriptions and auction details.

The auction:

• You can view the online auction catalogue on our website via Upcoming Auctions.  If you have requested a printed copy of the auction catalogue, this will be sent to you approximately 3 weeks before the auction.

• Dreweatts has an extensive UK and international audience with a strong online presence streaming our auctions live on our own and other third party online bidding platforms.

• You can follow the auction live via our website or come to our saleroom to watch in person. 

After the auction: 

• A few days after the auction, you will receive a post-sale advice by email which wil inform you of the prices your items(s) achieved at auction and provide advice for any unsold lots.

• Once the item(s) have been paid for by the buyer, the agreed fees and charges will be deducted from the hammer price.  

• You will receive a vendor statement outlining these deductions and then payment will be made 28 days after the sale by bank transfer.

Vendor fees

Our fees structure is straightforward with no additional or hidden charges.  

• Vendor Commission: 15% of the hammer price subject to a minimum charge of £15 per lot
• Loss and Damage Warranty: 1.5% of hammer price, £1.50 minimum.
• Illustration Charge: £15 (minimum)  - £250 (maximum) per lot depending on the value of the item and the auction.
• Electrical testing: £2 per lot (if applicable)
• Unsold lots charge: Only payable if we feel the reserve is unreasonably high.  If applicable, we will charge the agreed commission rate per lot on the reserve figure.

All of the above charges are subject to VAT.

For vendor commission rates for Wine sales, please contact the Wine department directly: wine@dreweatts.com | +44 (0)1635 553 553

Vendor Commission Calculator 

Hammer price: £1,500
15% Vendor commission – £225
1.5% Loss & damage warranty – £22.50
Illustration charge – £30
Total fees charged – £277.50 exc. VAT
Total fees charged – £333 inc. VAT

Vendor receives – £1,167

Need more information?

For more details, please see our Terms of Consignment for Sellers.

For any other enquiries please do not hesitate to contact us on: +44 (0)1635 553 553 | valuations@dreweatts.com