Buying with Brompton's - Frequently Asked Questions

Learn How to Buy Fine Musical Instruments at Auction.

Buying at auction couldn’t be simpler. We have put together a selection of commonly asked questions and their answers.  These are separated into categories to quickly find the information you need.

General Questions 

What must I do to Bid in Person?
If you plan to bid in person, please bring identification and arrive20-30 minutes before the auction to complete bidder registration andreceive your bidding paddle.  

How can I bid if I can't come to the auction in person? 
You can submit a written absentee bid, bid on-line or request to bid bytelephone. Also, with your prior written authorization submitted to theBids Office, an agent can bid on your behalf. 

How can I contact the Bids Office? 
Telephone +44 (0)20 7563 4051 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   

What is the latest time that I can arrange to bid? 
Many of our salerooms have a deadline of 24 hours before the auction toarrange telephone or absentee bids. Please contact the Bids Office fordetails.  

When will the auctioneer offer my lot for sale? 
It is impossible to know the exact time when a lot will be offeredduring the auction. The usual speed of our auctioneers is 60-100 lotsper hour, but rates may vary.  

How can I learn about the terms for buying at Brompton's Auctioneers? 
It is important that bidders read our Terms and Conditions which arepresent in both printed and online formats of the auction catalogues.  

What is the buyer's premium? 
The buyer's premium is a percentage of the final bid price of a lotthat the buyer pays to Brompton's Auctioneers in addition to the finalbid price. The buyer’s premium at Brompton's Auctioneers is 20%. 

Will shipping charges be included in the purchase price? 
No, shipping is a separate charge. We encourage prospective buyers torequest shipping estimates from their own carriers or from Brompton'sAuctioneers’s shipping department in advance of the sale.  Learningmore about property in an auction 

What is the best way to learn about a lot that interests me? 
We would always recommend that you examine property in person wherepossible. Pre-auction viewings, which are free and open to the public,usually begin three days prior to the auction and provide anopportunity to personally inspect the property. Brompton'sAuctioneers’s specialists are available to discuss the property withyou then or by appointment.