How to Buy at Auction from the Comfort of Your Own Home

At Chiswick Auctions, you can enjoy the excitement of live auctions without leaving your home. Whether you’re bidding on a rare painting, a designer handbag or a piece of furniture, we offer multiple easy and accessible ways to take part.

Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about buying at auction with us.

Bidding Methods

We currently offer three convenient ways to bid:

  • Chiswick Live Online Bidding – no additional online surcharge

  • Telephone Bidding – our team calls you when your lot is about to come up

  • Absentee Bidding – place your maximum bid in advance and we’ll do the rest

Read on to discover which option suits you best.

Viewing the Catalogue and Requesting Condition Reports

Every lot in our sales is expertly catalogued and illustrated online. We recommend requesting a condition report prior to bidding, which you can do easily via our website.

For in-person inspections, we offer viewing by appointment. Please refer to our Auction Calendar for upcoming sales and viewing times. To book your appointment, contact the relevant department with your lot numbers and preferred viewing slots.

Watching and Bidding Live Online

To watch or bid live on the day of the sale:

  1. Visit chiswickauctions.co.uk/auction-calendar

  2. Click ‘View Auction’ on the relevant sale

  3. Select ‘Watch Live’ – this button will appear around 20 minutes before the auction begins

Bidding Through Chiswick Live

Our dedicated platform, Chiswick Live, offers a seamless way to bid without any additional online fees.

Here’s how to get started:

  • Create or log in to your account on our website

  • Navigate to the sale of interest

  • Use the ‘Place Bid’ button on your desired lot to submit your bid

Telephone and Absentee Bids

You can request a telephone bid or leave an absentee bid either by:

What Happens if You Win?

Congratulations – if you were the successful bidder, it’s time to arrange payment and collection.

Payment

You can pay via:

  • Our secure online payment platform

  • Bank transfer

Our Buyers Accounts team is available to guide you through the process. Please note, we do not accept American Express.

Collection and Shipping

We operate a Click and Collect service for purchased lots, available by appointment. You may collect your items in person or authorise a courier.

To book your collection slot, email: collections@chiswickauctions.co.uk quoting your invoice number.

Lots will not be released unless payment has been received in full prior to collection.

For delivery, we work with trusted partners:

Storage Information

We offer 14 days free storage on all lots (sold and unsold) from the sale date. After this period, storage charges apply:

  • £5 per lot per day for smalls and pictures

  • £10 per lot per day for furniture or larger items

Uncollected items after 21 days will incur higher storage charges and may be sold to recover costs. Any remaining balance will be held for the buyer.


Interested in the value of your items?

Get in touch with the relevant department or use our Online Valuation Form for a free and confidential appraisal. Our specialists are here to help.