Buying from Obelisk is truly simple:

• Register to bid
• Place your bid
• Make a deposit to secure the sale
• Pay the balance due
• Pick up your property.

Buying at an auction is a memorable experience. Whether you are looking for a bargain or a unique treasure, auctions are an exciting way of adding to your possessions. We warn you: Once bitten, you will be hooked. Most of our clients come to our auctions on a regular basis!

Click here to view our Bidding Chart

Viewing

We strongly advise that you visit the viewing, which always takes place a few days before an auction. This will give you a chance to see those lots that might be of interest, all in your own good time, rather than during the actual auction when things tend to move along at quite a brisk pace – as many as 200-300 lots can be sold in a single session.

Don’t forget that lots cannot be viewed while the sale is in progress! You will also be able to get any additional information and advice you need from the auctioneer, who will always be on hand. A viewing is also a chance to check the physical condition of the items you wish to purchase. Check items not only for wear and tear but also for alterations and repairs.

Catalogues

Obelisk produces smart, detailed catalogues listing the items that will be sold at auction in the order in which they are to be sold. These are usually published a few days prior to the viewing and are available free of charge. They can also be downloaded from the Obelisk website where one can also view photos and images of each auction listed under our Forthcoming Events section.

Registering to Bid and Buy

To make the bidding and buying process as streamlined as possible, Obelisk has a registration system. At the viewing, you will be invited to register, giving your name, address and contact details, as well as your ID card Number.

You may also register online by visiting the Registration Form on our website, but it is always possible to do so during an auction. Registering online speeds things up at the auction as all you need to do then is to give us your ID card number against which you will receive your bidding card number. This is to be used to indicate to the Auctioneer that you are making a bid.

Being registered also means that we can keep you up-to-date with Forthcoming Auctions or other events that might be of interest to you.

Attending

If you are attending the auction you will need to check what time the goods you are interested in are likely to be sold at. Lots may move quite briskly so err on the side of caution. You should aim to arrive at the auction at least half an hour before the time at which the lot you are interested in is due to be sold. This will enable you to register with us as a buyer if you have not already done so, and to collect your bidding card. You will also be able to get a feel for what is happening.

There are usually quite a few people bidding on any lot. Once you have bid, the auctioneer will check with you as to whether you wish to make further bids or whether you have reached your bid price limit.

Bidding

Auctions can be exciting but also daunting, especially if the items you wish to purchase are valuable. We do everything we can to ensure that your experience is as pleasant as possible. The auctioneer ensures that all bids are noted but you need not fear that a casual wave to a friend might be mistaken for a bid! To place your bid, simply raise your bidding card until the auctioneer acknowledges you. Experience ensures that only deliberate bids are noted.

Once the highest bid has been made for a lot, the bidder need only show his bidding card to the auctioneer so that the sale can be confirmed and logged in the auctioneer’s catalogue. You do not have to be physically present at an auction. We accept telephone bids from registered bidders and you may also fill in a bidding form, specifying the lots that interest you and the maximum bid you wish to make.

The bidding increments are decided by the auctioneer and will usually not exceed 10 per cent of the previous bid. The auctioneer will take increasing bids on each lot until only one bidder remains. The final bidder secures the lot. Once you have bought an item, you will need to pay a deposit of 10%, which can only be paid in cash or by bank draft. We therefore suggest that you get an estimate of an object’s value at the viewing so that you can bring the right amount with you.

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Registering

If you would like to be informed about our auctions just fill up the Registration Form and we will send you information by sms or e-mail about our forthcoming events. Once you have registered you will also be able to bid in our auctions by simply providing your ID Number at the Auctioneer’s Desk and you will get a bidding card straight away.