Whether you’re new to auctions or an old hand, it’s very important that you are clear on how to buy at auction. The Theodore Bruce team has decades of experience in auctioning fine art, antiques & collectables, and we can guide you through the process – from registration right through to shipping.

Traditionally, we held all of our fine art & antique auctions live in the showroom. With COVID came a new era & all auctions are now Timed Online. We publish all auction catalogues on our Upcoming Auctions page – and you can bid online as soon as an auction catalogue is live.

We’re also excited to be an Art Money partner, enabling you to buy the art you love and pay over time, instead of upfront (more below).

For full details on the three steps to buy at auction, payments & tips for auction buyers, please read on – and scroll down to sign up to our newsletter.

 

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“Couldn’t have been easier. Very easy process from initial bid through to delivery of goods.”
Review by Danny M. on 25 Sep 2022

Antique pocket watch | Photo Unsplash Andrik Langfield

Timed Online

Timed Online is exactly as it sounds. Auctions take place online & you can leave a bid as soon as the catalogue is live. Bidding on the first lot closes a minute after the listed auction time, with subsequent lots closing a minute apart.

Close up of women using mobile phone, dressed in black and wearing silver rings | Photo Unsplash Priscilla du Preez

Bidding Freedom

Bid from your desktop or on our App, available on the App Store or Google Play. Keep an eye on Upcoming Auctions to view catalogues and bid online. We also publish a selection of auction previews on our home page.

Three Steps to Buy at Auction

Variety of lamps and pendant lights in shop | Photo Unsplash Hjalte Gregersen

View

We publish all auction catalogues online. Please contact the listed specialist for condition reports or to make an appointment to view items. Always read the Auction Details section and lot descriptions fully.

 

A wooden hand with finger pointing up on yellow background

Register

All bidders need to register, and you can do this quickly and easily by clicking the ‘Register to Bid’ link at the base of any lot description in the online auction catalogue. You only need to register once to bid in all future auctions.

 

 

Women working at laptop

Bid

You can bid as soon as we publish the auction catalogue, right up until the listed auction time, with bidding on each lot closing a minute apart. Always remember to factor in the buyer’s premium fee (in lot description) & shipping.

 

Payment

Close up of an old fashioned brass cash register in golden light | Photo Unsplash Ramiro Mendes

Invoices

We send all successful bidders a tax invoice shortly after the auction closes. This includes the hammer price, buyers premium & GST plus details on payment options. While we require credit card details for registration, we never automatically deduct payments. Please pay invoices within two working days.

View of gmail inbox on laptop | Photo Unsplash Stephen Phillips

Lost Invoices

No invoice? Please check your spam or junk email folder & add us to your address book. If you don’t receive your invoice, please call or email us with the auction details and lot number to hand.

A hand holding a credit card on orange table top | Photo Unsplash Towfiqu Barbhuiya

Payment Options

You can pay via direct deposit & all major credit cards. See your invoice for payment details.

EFTPOS, Visa & Mastercard Debit: 1%
Visa Credit & Mastercard Credit: 1.6%
American Express: 1.6%
International Visa Credit & Mastercard: 2.6%
AUD $25 International Fee
AUD $3000 Limit on Telephone Payments

Art Money Logo

Pay Over Time with Art Money Buyer's Premium

Buy the art you love and pay over time, for a flat monthly fee.

How it works:

  1. Find an artwork you love
  2. Apply for Art Money online
  3. Approved collectors sign in to their Art Money account and create a Buyer’s Premium purchase. A minimum 10% deposit is paid to Art Money.
  4. Enjoy! The remaining balance will be automatically processed, including a flat monthly fee.

Learn more

Row of painting on storage shelf

Tips for Auction Buyers

Click – the Auction Details art frame icon (the first lot in every auction). This is where you find all terms & conditions including buyer fees.
Read – the lot description carefully for details on item condition and dimensions.
Look – at all photos. These may show the items/s from several directions and include any important markings.
Consider – shipping costs. Our shipping department can provide quotes for small item postage and recommend carriers for larger items.
Contact – the auction specialists with any questions or to book a viewing.