Buyers FAQs 

How can I find out about Bishop & Miller auction dates?

Our complete auction calendar is available online here.  If you are interested in finding out more about upcoming auctions and events, please take the time to complete our enquiries form here or contact our friendly team in the office who will be happy to help you. 

How can I find more information on the lot I am interested in? 

Pre-auction viewings are an ideal way to see, handle and gather more information about the lot you are interested in. All our auctions are on view at least two days prior to the sale and details can be found on our website. 

What if I am not able to attend a pre-auction viewing?

A condition report can be provided on the lot you are interested in if you are unable to attend pre-auction viewings. The relevant department will be pleased to give condition reports on any lot, where practical. All weights and measures given in the catalogue should be regarded as approximate. 

We provide excellent photography on the majority of items however the colours printed in the catalogue are not necessarily true.

How can I place a bid in a Bishop & Miller auction?

After viewing or requesting a condition report, and deciding you would like to bid on an item, you first need to register with us. This is quick and simple can be done online or over the telephone. To register in person you will be asked to provide your name, full address and proof of identification, either a driving license or passport. 

Why do I have to register before I can attend one of your auctions? 

Registration is required for VAT and invoicing purposes.

How does the bidding process work in the auction?

The bidding process is regulated by the auctioneer and each bid normally increases by anything from £10 to £1000 depending on the starting price. The selling price is determined by the reserve and any other bids that the auctioneer may have from other potential buyers in the auction room, telephone bids, or bidding via the internet. A bid may be made at any stage if you are in the auction room by attracting the attention of the auctioneer with a hand or head signal. The auctioneer’s decision is final and is a legally binding contract.

What are the bidding increments?

Bidding increments are as follows:

£5-£100 in £5
£100-200 in £10
£200-500 in £20
£500-1000 in £50
£1000-2000 in £100
£2000-5,000 in £200
£5000-10,000 in £500

When placing absentee bids please note that your bids will be rounded to the nearest value according to the increments above.

What if I can not attend the auction in person? 

There are a few different options to bid on the day if you are unable to attend the Sale itself, including, telephone bidding and online bidding. See details below for further  information on these methods. You can also bid on saleroom.com and invaluable.com which requires registration.

For more details on the buying process with Bishop & Miller click here: http://www.bishopandmillerauctions.co.uk/buying
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Sellers FAQs

How can I sell my goods at a Bishop & Miller auction?

To sell your goods at Bishop & Miller one of our specialist staff will need to see your item. There are a number of ways in which we are able to give you a valuation:

Visit a Bishop & Miller Friday Valuation Day at either their Stowmarket, Suffolk or Glandford, Norfolk locations. Our valuers will be available between 9.30am and 3.30pm every Friday.


Bring your items into Bishop & Miller at either Stowmarket, Suffolk or Glandford, Norfolk.

If you would like to receive an expert valuation from one of our specialists in person, we offer appointments and drop-in sessions at our office in Stowmarket or Glandford. Or you can send images. Please contact our office team for more information.

Bishop & Miller offer home visits whereby one of our expert valuers will come to your home to view and estimate the value of your item/s. Please contact our office team for more information. 

What are the different types of valuation I can expect to receive from Bishop & Miller?

When you bring your item into auction with Bishop & Miller or when one of our valuer visits you to appraise your collection, there are varying types of valuation that can be done. Below is a brief explanation of valuation terms and services all of which are offered at Bishop & Miller.

Auction Valuation

An auction valuation is an estimate, usually given as a range of prices, for example £60-£100, that our specialists believe an item will make at an auction. This price is based on a range of factors such as past sale results for similar items, market trends and trade/collectors’ interest. Valuations of this type are free at Bishop & Miller.

Insurance Valuation

Bishop & Miller offers a range of services to help you value your assets so they can be insured accurately and at the correct price level ensuring peace of mind in the event of a claim. Fees apply for this service, please contact our office for more information. 

Probate Valuation

A valuation for probate usually follows the death of the owner of valuables that need to be valued for legal purposes. The values given tend to be lower than for insurance valuations and not as much detail is required. Bishop & Miller does charge for this service. For more information please do not hesitate to contact us.

What is a reserve?

The reserve is the minimum sale price the seller is willing to accept. Goods will not be sold below the agreed reserve. Our Bishop & Miller specialists will advise clients on appropriate reserves, and may refuse to offer any item where too high a reserve is requested. Reserves will not be accepted on items with a bottom estimate less than £100.

The auctioneers also reserve the right not to accept items which they deem to be unsuitable for auction.

How long before an auction do I need to decide to include my item?

At Bishop & Miller we generally close entries from 2-4 weeks, depending on the auction type, to allow time for the item to be catalogued and photographed.

How will I know what lot numbers my items will be?

You will receive an email from us detailing your lot information approximately 2 to 4 weeks before the auction takes place. 

How much will it cost me to sell my goods through a Bishop & Miller auction?

The following charges will apply per lot:

Our vendor’s commission is charged per lot.

The commission will be 17% + VAT, which includes the photography and the insurance of the item.

There is a Lotting Fee charge of £7.50 (+VAT) per lot for the Fine Sales, and £3 (+VAT) per lot for all other auctions.

What if my item/s do not sell at a Bishop & Miller Sale?

When an item does not sell, we advise you to contact us to discuss re-offering your goods. To re-enter your goods in the next appropriate sale, we will recommend that the estimate and reserve is reduced.

Alternatively arrangements can be made for the item to be collected. When collecting we ask that you provide proof of identification i.e pre-sales advice document, or your receipt. We can also post your goods back to you free of charge (dependent on size, weight and volume of items).

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