Buying at auction can be an intimidating process for those starting out on their auction experience, and we hope to break down the important things to consider so that you have the most enjoyable buying journey possible. Think of buying as a three-step process: browse, bid and bring home.
Step 1: Browse and prepare
Join our mailing list. If you are interested in starting or adding to your vintage, antique or high-value collection, the best way to know what you want to buy is to be as informed as possible. By joining the Gray’s mailing list you stay updated with our latest auctions, and we share our insights, news and prize finds.
Check our website and follow us. Here you can search through our auction history, becoming your own detective and getting an eye for what has sold previously, as well as checking our auction schedule for upcoming dates.
Request a condition report before bidding. If a particular item has caught your eye and you want more information, let us know. We are happy to provide condition reports on any and all items we have for auction so that you feel confident about your potential purchase.
View auction items in person. Come into the auction house during preview and see the item in person. If you choose not to join us during the preview period, you can still view the item online and place your bid via the website or the app.
Step 2: Register and bid
In order to bid, you must pre-register for each auction. Registration closes an hour before the live auction, so it’s important to register in order to participate; auction houses manually approve you to bid, so doing so at least one day in advance is recommended. During registration you will be asked for your credit card and shipping information, which is kept 100% private and not shared with any other parties. Upon bidding you are entering a contract which states that if your bid wins, you must purchase the item.
Bidding increments and buyer’s premium. It is important to know what the standard bidding increments are; the increments used at Gray’s are below. The auction house charges a 25% buyer’s premium on sold items, a standard fee charged by auction houses.
Step 3: Bring home
After the auction, winning bidders receive an invoice. Pay, then collect your lots from the auction house or arrange shipping. Ask us about shipping options when you register.