Information for Buyers
Viewing
Every sale is open for viewing prior to the auction and we recommend that prospective buyers inspect the goods prior to purchase. Our staff will assist buyers with information on items being offered and are happy to advise on auction procedures. Each auction catalogue with viewing times is posted on this site prior to the viewing and auction.
The usual viewing time (unless otherwise stated) for Lawsons auctions is every Thursday morning from 8am.
Pre-Sale Estimates
Pre-sale estimates are intended as a guide to prospective purchasers as to the likely range within which bids may be successful, dependant on the competition for each lot. Reserves if any are always at or below the lower estimate as is company policy.
Buyer Registration
All intending purchasers are required to register their name, address and telephone contact details to obtain a bidding number for each sale. Post Office boxes and mobile phones are not sufficient for registration. New buyers may be asked for further identification such as a driving licence or passport details. Buyer's may request a permanent bidding number at the discretion of management.
Absentee or Commission Bids
Lawsons will execute bids on behalf of clients who are unable to attend the auction. There is no charge for this service. Lots will be purchased as reasonably as possible, subject to other bids and reserve prices. In the event of identical bids being submitted, the first received will take precedence.
Telephone Bidding
You may use the absentee bid form to participate in our auction via the telephone. A member of staff will telephone you during the auction a few lots in advance, to enable you to bid. Phone bids are only acceptable for items valued at over $100 and are a subject to availability of lines.
All absentee bids must be made on our absentee bid form, which is available online or in pdf format. For online bidding sign in and press the 'bid now' button on the catalogue then follow the steps for either absentee or telephone bidding. Alternatively you can print the pdf, fill in and sign and scan back leaving the amount for maximum bid column free if you wish to make a telephone bid during the sale. (Absentee Bid requests must be received at least half an hour prior to the commencement of the auction session. No responsibility is taken for bids received after this deadline) A minimum lot value of $20 applies to absentee bids.
►Click here to register for online bidding
►Click here to download a pdf absentee bid form
Forms are available as an Acrobat PDF file. You will need Acrobat Reader to be able to view and print these files. You can download Acrobat Reader by clicking here. Once you have downloaded the file you will need to minimise your browser, install Acrobat, then restore your browser and return to this page by using your browser's Back button.
Print the Absentee Bid Form, fill it out and fax (61 2 9566 2388) to Lawsons. Scanned forms can be emailed to info@lawsons.com.au at least one hour before the start of the auction and must be signed by the bidder.
Online bidding
You must register and sign in to the website prior to making any internet bids. Registration will also enable you to request information about a lot and send lot information to a third party. Internet bids will be confirmed and successful bids will be invoiced by email following the auction. It remains the responsibility of the buyer to determine whether their bid has been successful.
On occasion our sales are streamed live through www.artfact.com enabling our clients to absentee bid in real time whilst watching the auction through their PC. Please check with the department for further details.
Buyer's Premium
Unless otherwise stated, Lawson's sales will attract a buyer's premium of 22% (GST inclusive).
Condition
Buyers should carefully inspect items and satisfy themselves as to the condition of each lot, as this is not necessarily stated in the catalogue. Attention is drawn to the Terms and Conditions of Auction Sale. All items are sold subject to the terms and conditions printed in the auction catalogues, displayed in the saleroom and in the information below. For full terms and conditions click here.
Delivery & Payment
After an auction in our rooms, all goods must be paid for by noon and collected by 4pm on the Monday following the sale. Delivery of goods is subject to full payment, clearance of anycheques accepted, and confirmation of any licence or export requirements. Cash, Bank Cheque, Eftpos or Major Credit Cards accepted. Goods must be paid for in full by 5pm on the Monday following the auction. An automatic processing fee of $10 per lot per day will be added to late invoices.
Offsite Sales
Lawsons conducts sales on the premises of clients and payment and collection times are site specific. Details of payment and collection for these sales will be printed in the catalogue for each sale or avaliable by contacting the office on 02 9566 2377.
Cultural Heritage Act
Australia operates a Cultural Heritage Act to control the export of works thought to have or be of cultural significance. It is the responsibility of the purchaser to obtain the necessary permit prior to exportation.
Hours of Operation:
Monday 8.00am-4.30pm: Consignments & Collections
Tuesday 8.00am-4.30pm: Consignments Only
Thursday 8:00am Open for Valuations, Viewing and Auction
Friday 8.00am - 5pm open for Viewing and Auction
Saturday & Sunday: Closed