John Pye & Sons - Auctioneers and Valuers

New to Auctions? Here's a few common questions answered...

Q) Are John Pye & Sons auctions just for trade buyers?

A) No...not at all. John Pye & Sons auctions are open to the public, anyone over 16 can come and register to bid on a wide range of goods. There is no fee for viewing or parking.

Q) What do I have to do then to bid?

A) Well, all you need is a £100 cash deposit. You then fill in a registration form with your name and contact details and sign the terms and conditions of sale, which are auction industry standard. Our staff will provide you with a numbered bidding card. Whenever you want to bid just raise your card clearly to the auctioneer.

Q) I've never been to an auction before, I'm worried I'll buy something by accident.

A) That's a common fear but a misplaced one. It's only really in TV comedies where people scratch their nose and it's taken as a bid. You may see some people at John Pye & Sons auctions make subtle bids but this is because they are regulars and are easily recognisable by the auctioneer. You can blow your nose or cough without the fear of buying a car!

Q) Why does the Auctioneer have a hammer?

A) The Auctioneer will use that to announce the successful bid once he strikes that no more bids for that Lot are accepted. The Auctioneer's decision is final.

Q) What if I don't buy anything? Do I get my £100 cash deposit back.

A) Yes. Just hand in your bidding card at any time during the day and we'll refund you your cash.

Q) What if I buy something?

A) All goods have to be paid for by 4pm the following working day. The £100 deposit is offset against your balance if paying by cash.

Q) How long does an auction last for?

A) Normally the auctioneer will get through 250 lots in an hour, so a 1,200 lot auction will run until 4pm, but this can vary greatly depending on the nature of goods for sale.

Q) Can I leave a telephone bid?

A) Unfortunately not, no. We insist that all bidders must physically come and view the lots first. You can leave a commission bid if you cannot stay for the auction, as long as you have attended viewing first. A commission bid is a matter of filling in a form at the salerooms detailing the lot numbers you want to bid on, their descriptions and how high you want to bid. Just before the auction, the Auctioneer's assistant will take details of all the commission bids and will advise the Auctioneer when he gets to that Lot of any bids.

Auction Lots and Viewing

Q) What are Lots?

A) 'Lots' is the auction terms for a good or goods. A 'Lot' maybe a car, a radio or a box full of mp3 players. All lots are numbered and each number is announced along with the description of the Lot. You can also see a picture with the Lot number on a plasma screen above the auctioneer.

Q) Where do all the goods come from and why are they at auction?

A) For the last 40 years John Pye & Sons have served banks, finance companies, companies and insolvency practitioners by selling surplus goods at auction. We currently auction thousands of goods for well known high street retail companies who prefer to sell 'end of line products', 'ex-demo' and 'returned' stock away from their shops. Some items may have suffered damage and all bidders are advised to assess lots to there own satisfaction.

Q) How do I know if a particular lot is any good or is working?

A) All goods are sold as seen, which is why John Pye & Sons holds viewing for 2.5 hours (between 8.30am and 10.55am). During this time John Pye & Sons staff are on hand to assist with any items you may want to test and inspect. Staff cannot provide any guarantees regarding the nature of items, so we advise people traveling to our salerooms to make adequate time for viewing.

Q) How can I test them?

A) Vehicles can be started and there are electrical sockets throughout the saleroom to test electrical products. Staff also plug in plasma, LCD and widescreen TVs to show they work. Auctions are different from a shop because no items carry warranties or guarantees but on the flip side of the coin that's why people pick up bargains at auctions.

Payment and Collection of Lots

Q) How can I pay?

A) Invoices must be paid prior to removal of goods. Payment accepted by either Cash, Debit or Credit Card (chip and pin required). John Pye & Sons do not accept personal or business cheques.

Q) Can I park my car near the auction?

A) Yes, John Pye & Sons occupy one of the largest independent auction facilities in the UK and there is ample parking for hundreds of bidders.

Q) When can I pick goods up I have bought?

A) Goods must be collected either on the day or by 4pm the following working day.

Q) Do you deliver?

A) No, all successful bidders must make arrangements to remove lots from our premises.