Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This page answers the most common questions about buying and selling with M&M Specialist Auctioneers. If you require any further assistance, please contact us and we will be happy to help.

Buying at Auction

Do I need to register to bid?

Yes. To bid in our auctions you must register an account.

You can bid:

• Live online during the auction

• By leaving a commission bid in advance

• By telephone bid (by prior arrangement)

• Via selected third-party bidding platforms (fees may apply)

To book a commission or telephone bid, please contact us.

What do you charge to buy?

A buyer’s premium is added to the hammer price.

• Buyer’s premium: 22.5% + VAT (27% inclusive)

• In-house online bidding platform: no additional fee

• Third-party platforms: additional internet bidding fees apply (varies by platform)

Please refer to the relevant auction terms for full details.

Can I view items before bidding?

Yes. We offer viewing opportunities prior to auction. Viewing details are published within the auction listing.

Viewing is strongly recommended, as all lots are sold as seen.

Can I request a condition report or additional photographs?

Yes. We are happy to provide condition reports and/or additional images where possible.

Please request these at least 24 hours before the auction starts.
Condition reports are provided as honest opinion only, and are given to assist bidders who cannot attend viewing.

Are items tested?

Unless specifically stated in the description, lots are sold as untested.

Electrical items, mechanical items, and remote-controlled items should be treated as untested unless confirmed otherwise in the listing.

How do I place a bid?

Bids can be placed:

• live online during the auction

• as a commission bid in advance

• via telephone bid (subject to arrangement and suitability)

If you are new to auctions, please contact us — we are always happy to guide you through the process.

What payment methods do you accept?

Accepted payment methods and payment deadlines are stated on the auction listing and/or invoice.

Our preferred payment method is Bank Transfer

We also accept

Cash usually up to £1000
Debit/Credit Card usually up to £1000 

Lots will not be released until payment has cleared.

When can I collect my items?

Collection is by appointment only. We ask that all lots of collected within 28 days of auction.

Buyers may collect in person or arrange a courier.

Selling at Auction

How do I sell items with M&M Specialist Auctioneers?

You can sell by:

1. contacting us for a valuation

2. delivering items to our saleroom (by arrangement), or

3. for larger collections, requesting a visit (where applicable)

To begin, email photographs and a short description to info@mm-auctions.com.

What do you charge to sell?

Vendor commission is typically an all-inclusive rate of 10%–20%, depending on the value, size and type of consignment.

We aim to keep charges clear and transparent, and to avoid unnecessary additional fees wherever possible. 

What types of items do you accept?

M&M Specialist Auctioneers focus on collectables and specialist categories. We handle a wide range of consignments and are happy to advise whether your items are suitable for auction.

Can I set a reserve?

Yes. Reserves can be applied.

Where appropriate, we may apply sensible in-house reserves based on current market expectations. If a vendor requests a reserve above our recommended level, this may affect saleability and may incur an additional charge if a lot remains unsold (in line with our seller terms).

When will I receive settlement?

Settlement times are confirmed in our vendor terms. We provide clear reporting and settlement documentation following the sale.

What happens if my item does not sell?

Depending on the instruction and suitability, unsold lots may be:

• re-offered in a future auction

• returned to the vendor

• included in a suitable clearance format (if appropriate)

Postage & Packing

Do you offer in-house postage and packing?

Yes. M&M Specialist Auctioneers offer a professional in-house packing and dispatch service.

Items are packed by an experienced team (over 10 years’ experience) using suitable protective materials to ensure safe transit.

• Average UK parcel cost: approximately £12

• Average international parcel cost (2025): approximately £25

Larger, heavier or particularly fragile lots may cost more due to specialist packing requirements and courier services.

How quickly will my items be dispatched?

Items are normally packed and dispatched within 2 working days of cleared payment.

During busy periods (especially following major auctions), dispatch may take slightly longer. We always aim to process parcels as efficiently as possible.

Can I combine shipping on multiple lots?

Where practical, yes. We will always aim to combine lots to reduce overall costs, subject to size, weight, and safe packing requirements.

Can I arrange my own courier?

Yes. Buyers are welcome to arrange their own courier collection.

Payment must be cleared prior to release and collection must be booked in advance with our team.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship internationally and overseas parcels are typically dispatched via FedEx (or an equivalent suitable service).

As a guide, the average international parcel price during 2025 was approximately £25, depending on destination, size, weight and value.

Do you cover loss or damage in transit?

No. M&M Specialist Auctioneers do not accept liability for loss or damage in transit.

If additional shipping insurance is required, this must be requested before postage is quoted and confirmed, so that the correct service can be arranged.