Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions

Last updated: [30/05/2025]

Important Notice: These Terms & Conditions govern your use of our online auction platform. By registering, bidding, or participating in any auction, you agree to be bound by these terms. Please read them carefully before participating.

1. Definitions

Auction: An online sale where goods are sold to the highest bidder
Auctioneer/We/Us: Lowies AAuctions and associated companies
Bidder: Any registered person placing bids
Buyer: The successful highest bidder for any lot
Seller/Vendor: The person or entity consigning goods for sale
Lot: Item(s) grouped together for sale
Buyer's Premium: 20%  (unless otherwise stated)
Reserve Price: Minimum price set by seller (if applicable)

2. Registration & Bidding

2.1 Account Registration

• You must register on one of our approved platforms:
  • bidbeacon.com
• Valid credit/debit card required for registration
• Full legal name required (no initials or nicknames)
• Overseas bidders may be required to pay a deposit before bidding

2.2 Bidding Rules

• All bids are binding offers to purchase
• We reserve the right to reject bids that don't reflect reasonable value
• You bid as principal unless we've acknowledged you as an agent in writing
• Account security is your responsibility

2.3 Viewing & Inquiries

• All lots available for viewing with 24 hours advance notice unless stated
• Contact: info@lowiesauctions.com
• Viewings not guaranteed in final 24 hours of auction
• All enquiries must be made before bidding - no post-sale inquiries accepted
• If unsure about an item, do not bid

3. Payment Terms

3.1 Payment Amounts

You must pay:

• Winning bid amount
• Buyer's Premium (20%)
• Payment fee (2%)
• Any applicable VAT
• All delivery/collection costs

3.2 Payment Methods & Deadlines

• Under £1,000: Credit/debit card or bank transfer
• £1,000 and over: Bank transfer only
• Deadline: 2 business days after auction ends (by 4:00 PM)
• Currency: Pounds Sterling (£) only

3.3 Late Payment Consequences

If payment is late, you'll be charged:

• Storage fees: £10 per lot per day (£50 for high-value items)
• Interest: 8% above Bank of England base rate
• All transportation costs
• Legal fees if proceedings are issued

4. Collection & Delivery

4.1 Collection Timeline

• Payment must clear before collection
• Items must be collected within 5 days of auction end
• Extensions may be granted at our discretion
• 48 hours notice required for collection after storage period

4.2 Collection Requirements

• Safe and lawful removal methods only
• Health & Safety plans may be required for large items
• Adequate insurance required
• You're responsible for all lifting/transportation costs
• Items released only when all invoices paid

4.3 Acceptance of Goods

• Items deemed acceptable once removed from seller's location
• Check items thoroughly before removal
• Any issues must be raised immediately at collection

5. Warranties & Liability

5.1 Condition of Goods

• All items sold "as seen" with all faults
• No warranties given by the auctioneer
• Descriptions take precedence over photographs
• Stock images may be used - actual items may vary

5.2 Our Liability

• We act as sales agent only
• No liability for delivery/collection costs
• All disputes should be raised with the vendor
• We cannot guarantee website accuracy or bid acceptance

5.3 Returns & Disputes

• Returns only if goods materially differ from description
• Disputes must be raised within 10 days of receipt
• Items not matching description should not be removed from collection point

6. Seller Warranties

Sellers warrant that they:

• Have clear legal title to sell the goods
• Have provided accurate descriptions
• Will not contact buyers directly during the sale process
• Will honor sales to successful bidders (subject to reserve prices)

7. VAT & Export

7.1 UK Buyers

• VAT charged at standard rates where applicable
• VAT invoices provided on request

7.2 Export Sales

• Additional VAT deposit required for export sales
• Refund available with proof of export within 28 days
• Buyer's Premium VAT non-refundable
• Export documentation required

7.3 Overseas Buyers

Must provide:

• Copy of passport
• Additional ID (driving license, etc.)
• Bank details and payment confirmation
• UK agent details (if applicable)

8. Default & Enforcement

8.1 Buyer Default

If you fail to pay or collect items:

• Sale may be rescinded
• Items may be resold
• You're liable for any loss on resale
• Legal proceedings may be issued after 28 days
• Account may be banned from all platforms

8.2 Recovery of Funds

• Outstanding amounts may be charged to registered payment card
• Failed payment attempts incur £5 charge per transaction
• Chargebacks result in £250 + VAT administrative fee plus storage costs
• All legal costs recoverable

8.3 Legal Costs

If legal action is required:

• Solicitor costs: £150-£250 + VAT
• Court fees: £90 + £165 hearing fee
• Legal attendance: £300 + VAT per hour
• Administration: £70 + VAT per hour

9. Data Protection

We collect and process personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy to:

• Facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers
• Maintain platform integrity and reputation
• Comply with legal requirements

Full details available in our Privacy Policy.

10. General Terms

10.1 Business Transactions

• All auctions are business-to-business transactions
• Consumer protection regulations do not apply
• All telephone calls are recorded

10.2 Contract Formation

• Contract is between seller and buyer
• We act as broker/agent only
• We're not liable for seller/buyer disputes

10.3 Dispute Resolution

• Disputes handled directly between seller and buyer initially
• We may mediate at our discretion
• Our decision is binding if mediation fails
• Refunds processed through seller's auction account where possible

11. Platform Access

Access our auctions through:

• www.lowiesauctions.co.uk
• www.bidbeacon.com

We're not liable for website errors or technical issues.

12. Professional Rates

Our standard rates for additional services:

• Manager: £280/hour (£1,500/day)
• Auctioneer: £75/hour (£600/day)
• Marketing Manager: £150/hour (£900/day)
• Support Staff: £50/hour (£400/day)

13. Legal & Jurisdiction

13.1 Governing Law

These terms are governed by:

• English and Welsh law (default)
• Scottish law (for Scottish auctions)
• Northern Irish law (for Northern Irish auctions)

13.2 Modifications

• Special conditions in auction catalogues override these general terms
• We reserve the right to update these terms
• Updated terms apply to all future auctions

Contact Information

General Inquiries: info@lowiesauctions.co.uk
Accounts: accounts@lowiesauctions.co.uk

Address

C1, Heywood Trading Estate, 

Halesowen, 

Birmingham 

B62 8EP

These terms are effective immediately and supersede all previous versions. We recommend reviewing these terms regularly as they may be updated to reflect changes in our services or legal requirements.