Introduction

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Please note that the answers to the questions given below do not override the printed Terms and Conditions of Sale provided in the official auction catalogue. If or when there is any contradiction between the two, the official catalogue Terms and Conditions prevail.

  • How and when is the auction sale held?

    Northwood Missionary Auctions run conventional auctions which are now to be held at Spink, Bloomsbury, London WC1 on Saturday afternoons, in late Spring and in the Autumn.  WE HAVE MOVED!!!  The auctions are not Internet auctions or web-based though you can leave commission bids via this site.

  • When was the organisation established?

    In 1969, as a Registered Charity. Northwood Missionary Auctions has been holding sales regularly since then.

  • Who are they open to and who can bid?

    The auction sales are open to the general public – dealers and others who care to attend and bid in person or who leave commission bids on this website, via post, fax or email in advance of the auction sale.

  • Where can I obtain a catalogue?

    On the web site at http://www.nmauctions.org.uk/catalogue/

    or by post (UK only) on request - email us.

    To be put onto our mailing list, please send a cheque for £8.00 payable to Northwood Missionary Auctions to cover the catalogue cost, post and packing for the next 5 auctions to: Northwood Missionary Auctions, Freepost, Northwood, Middlesex HA6 1BR.

    Admission to the sale room is by printed catalogue only (price £1.50).

  • How can I view the items?

    Viewing takes place on the morning of the sale only between 10:00am and 12:15pm.

  • Who are the auction sales run by?

    By an interdenominational group of Christian business men and women. The appointed auctioneer gives his services free of charge.

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    7) If I bid in advance of the auction, will I have to pay the top price (limit bid) that I agree to bid up to?

    Not necessarily. Bids will be made on your behalf against other bidders. If the hammer price is below your limit bid then you will pay the lower amount.

    8) Are there any charges for attending the Auction?

    Admission to the hall (for viewing or for the sale itself) is by printed Auction Catalogue which is obtainable at the door, or in advance, price £1.50.

    9) Is there any buyers premium?

    Yes! There is a 10% buyer's premium which the buyer agrees to pay in full.

    10) Is there a seller's commission?

    No!

    11) Is VAT applicable?

    No! Northwood Missionary Auctions is not registered for VAT.

    12) Is there any charge made for paddles used for bidding (and identifying bidders) at the sale?

    No! Neither do you need a paddle in order to bid at the sale.

    13) Can I use telephone bidding?

    There are limited facilities for telephone bidding on a first come - first served basis. Firm arrangements MUST be made in advance and confirmed on the day of the auction. There is a small administrative charge for successful left bids.

    14) Are there reserves on any items?

    Most items do not carry reserves, but the auctioneer or organisers may apply discretionary reserves on any lot. Reserves, or whether reserves are being applied, are not made public.

    15) Can I bid by email? If I bid via email or fax or post in advance of the auction when will I know the outcome?

    Yes, so long as bids are received by noon (UK time) on the day of the Sale. Bids should be addressed to bids@nmauctions.org.uk and should include full name and address and telephone number and return email address of the person submitting the bid. Email bids will be treated like other Commission bids and there is an administrative charge on successful bids of £10, or £5 if the aggregate value of the successful bids is under £50. There is no buyers premium. Email bids will be accepted or rejected at the Auctioneers absolute discretion. All carriage and insurance is payable by the successful bidder. Please see full conditions of sale.

    You will only be informed if you are successful in your bid by phone or by email or fax.

    16) How are items delivered to successful bidders?

    At buyer's risk and cost by post or courier as requested. Items not collected by bidders by 6:30pm on the day of the sale from the hall may be collected in person by prior arrangement during the days after the sale. All delivery and other costs must be paid for in advance.

    17) Can I pay by credit card?

    No! Cheques and/or cash are acceptable. Cheques must be accompanied by an appropriate cheque guarantee card. Cheques for amounts in excess of guaranteed amounts will be cleared prior to release of lots. Special clearance of cheques is at the expense of the buyer.

    18) Can I obtain a picture of items in the catalogue?

    a) Some pictures are already made available on our web site at www.nmauctions.org.uk. Please check before asking! It may be possible to obtain pictures of other items prior to a sale but no guarantee can be give that this is possible. We will do our best. Photos can only be made available via the web site or via email. Charges may be levied for this service.

    19) What status do condition reports have?

    Condition reports are given on a "best efforts" basis but they are given entirely without responsibility and bidders are referred to the Conditions of Sale. Condition reports may not always be available. What one person may regard as "perfect" may not be "perfect" to another person. Northwood Missionary Auctions do not hold themselves out to be experts in respect of any category of items they may offer for sale on behalf of donors.

    20) Where do the items come from?

    All items are given by persons who wish to support the charitable objects of Northwood Missionary Auctions namely, the advancement of Christianity and the Christian gospel at home and abroad. No money is given back to the donor all the proceeds are sent to the organisation of choice (of the donor) for the purposes of the charitable objects. A list of those organisations that have benefited from the proceeds of the previous sale are given in the printed catalogue and elsewhere on this site.

    21) Are any of the items given for auction by trading companies or individuals with only part of the proceeds going to charity?

    No! We do not deal with any trading companies or individuals on that basis.

    22) Do you provide valuations or estimates?

    Where possible, yes, on specific request.

    23) Do you guarantee descriptions are accurate?

    See the Conditions of Sale. We try our best, but do not hold ourselves out to be experts. You are deemed to have satisfied yourself as to the accuracy of description, condition and authenticity of any item you bid for or purchase.

    24) What is your expense ratio? How are the auctions financed?

    The auctions are run by volunteers and expenses are kept to a minimum. (Details will be provided on specific request.) Expenses (e.g. advertising, printing, web site costs, storage, photography) are financed by donations and from part of the proceeds of the bric-a-brac and book sales held on the same day as the auction sales.

    25) Who operates Northwood Missionary Auctions?

    The Northwood Missionary Auctions Charity has a Board of Trustees which oversees the organisation. Day to day work by the many volunteers involved is overseen by a Committee. This Committee reports periodically to the Trustees who have ultimate responsibility for the running of the Charity.

    26) Where can I obtain further information?

    Feel free to contact us by any of the methods listed on our Contacts Page.