FAQs
General Questions
An auction estimate is a professional valuation of an item's potential sale price, based on market trends and previous sales. Please note that the final sale price may be higher or lower than the estimate.
A reserve price is the confidential minimum amount the seller is willing to accept for an item.
Sign up for our mailing list in the footer section to stay informed about upcoming auctions and new inventory.
Log in to your account, navigate to the 'My Account' section, and update your details as needed.
We host live auctions (in-person or online) and timed online auctions with set closing dates.
Live auctions take place in real-time with an auctioneer. You can watch and bid before the Auction as well as on the day in the Auction room or via our online bidding platform. Timed auctions are online only, have a set closing time, and the highest bid placed before the deadline wins.
Our customer service team is available Monday to Friday, from 9:00 am to 5:00pm.
Buyer
Yes, items can be viewed during scheduled viewing times listed in the auction catalogue. Private viewings can also be arranged by contacting us at auctions@sgbaldwins.com
All items are carefully authenticated by our team of experts. Additionally, you have the option to purchase an item "on extension," which means it will be sent to a recognised expertisation body for certification.
Our terms and conditions are available on our website. Please click here to review them before participating.
Yes, you need an account to bid. For assistance in setting up an account, please contact us at auctions@sgbaldwins.com
You can register as a bidder on the related auction and lot pages, where you’ll find details of upcoming auctions and the registration process.
If you are a new customer to us we reserve the right to request a reference from another Auction house in order to accept your bids.
You can place bids via our website, by phone, email, post, or live during the auction using our online bidding platform.
This happens when another bidder has already placed a higher maximum bid than your current bid.
You can place another bid at the next bidding increment. The bidding increments are listed in the auction catalogue.
Yes, a 20% buyer’s premium is applied to all lots. VAT may also be applicable depending on the location of the lot.
For live auctions, the auctioneer will announce the winning paddle number. Invoices for winning bidders are sent within 3 hours of the auction’s conclusion.
A max bid is the highest amount you’re willing to pay. Our bidding platform will automatically increase your bid incrementally up to this amount if competing bids are placed.
We accept payments via bank transfer and Stripe. Unfortunately, we do not accept American Express or cheques.
Payment is required within 7 days of receiving your invoice. Failure to pay within 30 days may result in the cancellation of the sale and restriction from future auctions.
Yes, we accept international bank transfers and most major credit cards, excluding American Express.
Yes, items are shipped within 48 hours of payment. Standard shipping is via Royal Mail Special Delivery, with costs outlined in the auction catalogue. For custom shipping arrangements, please contact auctions@sgbaldwins.com.
Seller
The process begins with a free valuation. After your item is valued, we’ll advise on the most suitable auction and prepare your item for sale, ensuring it receives the attention it deserves. Our team will handle all aspects, from cataloging to marketing.
You can email us at valuations@sgbaldwins.com to schedule a valuation appointment. Alternatively, visit our shop on The Strand, Monday to Friday, between 10:30 am and 12:30 pm, where our specialists can provide an in-person valuation.
Yes, we provide formal insurance valuations starting from £250. This service includes a comprehensive written report detailing the value of your item, accepted by most insurance companies.
Our commission rates are tailored to each seller and discussed during the consignment process. Rates are competitive and aligned with industry standards.
Auction valuations are free of charge. Insurance valuations, which include a formal letter, incur a fee of £250.
Appraisals are conducted often within a few days of receiving your item. You will be notified promptly once the valuation is complete.
To ensure maximum visibility, we also list items on third-party platforms and marketplaces when appropriate. This strategy helps reach a wider audience and maximise the sale price.
Our valuations are conducted by world-renowned experts with years of experience in stamps, coins, and collectables. Backed by the trusted legacies of Stanley Gibbons and Baldwin's, our team combines market knowledge with historical expertise.
We strive to include your items in the next suitable auction. The consignment process typically begins several months before the auction date to allow sufficient time for cataloging and promotion.
Payments are processed 35 days after the auction concludes, provided the buyer has completed payment. We ensure timely payouts while adhering to standard auction practices.
Post-Sale Advice is sent within 3 hours of the auction’s conclusion, providing a detailed report of hammer prices for your items. Settlement occurs 28 days after the sale, outlining your payment after deducting any applicable fees and commissions.