Buying with LONDON CAMERA & ANTIQUE AUCTION LTD
At LONDON CAMERA & ANTIQUE AUCTION LTD, we want to make the process of buying at auction as simple and enjoyable as possible. Whether you are new to auctions or an experienced collector, our step-by-step guide will help you understand the different ways to bid.
London Camera Live
We are proud to offer our own free online bidding platform, London Camera Live.
With London Camera Live, you can take part in auctions in real time without being present in the saleroom. The live HD video and audio feed lets you follow every detail from anywhere in the world. Best of all, there are no additional online bidding fees when using this platform.
When a sale goes live, a “Bid Live” button will appear on our homepage. Simply click, sign in or register, and you’ll be ready to join the auction. If you are new, you will need to create an account and register card details before being approved to bid.
Absentee Bidding
If you cannot take part in the live auction, you can leave absentee bids with us directly. Our team will execute these bids during the sale and try to secure the lot for you at the lowest possible price, taking into account other bids and reserves.
Absentee bids can be placed through your London Camera Live account, by email to contact@carshaltonauction.co.uk, or by telephone on 07777309430. Please include your full name, postal address, and contact number when emailing. We will always confirm receipt of your bids—if you do not hear back, please follow up with us.
Absentee bids must be received at least one hour before the sale starts. Later bids may not be processed. If two identical bids are received, the earliest one will take priority.
Telephone Bidding
We offer a free telephone bidding service, allowing you to speak directly with a member of our team during the sale. They will relay what is happening and place bids on your instruction.
This service is usually offered for lots with a low estimate above £100, but exceptions can be made. We ask for a backup bid, which will only be used if we cannot reach you or if the line is disconnected.
Requests for telephone bidding must be made by 3pm on the day before the sale.
Room Bidding
At present, public attendance on sale days is suspended, and all auctions are conducted online. To ensure buyers can still examine lots in person, we have extended our viewing days.
Things to Consider Before Bidding
Condition Reports
We recommend that buyers gather as much information as possible before bidding. You can book a viewing, request extra photographs, or ask for detailed descriptions by emailing contact@carshaltonauction.co.uk or using the “Condition Report” button in our catalogue.
Buyer’s Premium
All purchases are subject to a buyer’s premium of 25% + VAT (30% inclusive). If you bid via external platforms, an additional 5% + VAT (6% inclusive) will apply.
Photographic Condition Grading
To assist buyers, we grade cameras, lenses, and accessories with condition ratings, along with written notes where necessary. These represent our opinion at cataloguing and are subject to our Terms & Conditions.
Cosmetic condition
Excellent – As new, unused appearance Very Good – Minimal wear Good – Light marks or wear Fair – Noticeable wear or moderate marks Poor – Heavy wear or damage
Mechanical
Shutters are noted as working or not at the time of testing. Battery-dependent shutters may not be tested. As they are delicate, shutter condition cannot be guaranteed after sale.
Lenses & optics
Excellent – Clean, as new Very Good – Minimal marks, slight dust possible Good – Light marks, possible cleaning marks Fair – Noticeable marks or imperfections Poor – Heavy wear or defects
Import Duty
Lots consigned from outside the UK may be subject to import duty. Items under Temporary Admission are liable to 5% UK import VAT on the hammer price, with buyer’s premium subject to 20% VAT under UK Margin Scheme rules. These lots are marked in the catalogue.
CITES Regulations
Lots containing ivory, exotic woods, or other restricted materials are subject to CITES export regulations. Details are available at www.ukcites.gov.uk. Such lots will be clearly marked.
Payment, Shipping & Collection
Invoices must be paid in full within seven days of issue so that we can pay our vendors promptly.
Our in-house shipping department provides worldwide delivery, and shipping costs will be included on your invoice. Full details are available in our Shipping & Collection Guide.
All items must be collected or shipping arranged within 14 days to avoid storage charges.