Terms & Conditions

IMPORTANT: This document has been drafted with AI assistance for structural and informational purposes. It must be reviewed and approved by qualified legal counsel before publication. It does not constitute legal advice.

These Terms and Conditions govern the sale and purchase of goods at auction by Cooper Barrington LLP (Company No. OC353913, VAT No. GB102869028), trading as Cooper Barrington Auctioneers & Valuers, from The Old Methodist Chapel, Holyhead Road, Froncysyllte, Nr Llangollen, Wrexham, LL20 7RA.

Definitions

Cooper Barrington LLP, who act only as auctioneers and agents for the vendor, are called “The Auctioneers”. The representative conducting the auction is called “The Auctioneer”. “Hammer Price” means the level of bidding reached at or in excess of any reserve when the Auctioneer brings down the hammer.

Auction Lots

The auctioneer has absolute discretion to divide any lot, combine lots, withdraw any lot, refuse bids, regulate the bidding or cancel the sale without giving a reason and without notice. All catalogue images are the property of Cooper Barrington LLP.

Commission

Sale Type	Buyers / Vendors Premium	Entry Fee (per lot)
Antiques & Collectables	28% + VAT of hammer price	£4.00 + VAT
General Auctions	24% + VAT of hammer price	No entry fee

Catalogue & Viewing

The Auctioneers act as agents for the vendor, and as such are not responsible for any default by the vendor or the buyer. Whilst every effort is made to ensure catalogue accuracy, each lot is sold with any faults which may not have been noticed when cataloguing. It is the bidder’s responsibility to satisfy themselves fully before bidding by inspection or by requesting a condition report prior to the sale.

Valuations

For referencing and appraisal of lots there is a small fee of £5 per lot, but this service is free if the items are subsequently offered for sale in our auctions. Any lots withdrawn after being catalogued and placed on our website will incur a withdrawal fee based on the lower estimate. If an off-site verbal valuation is carried out and the items are not placed into sale, a charge of £40 per hour + VAT applies.

Storage

All purchases shall be paid for and removed at the buyer’s expense immediately at the end of the sale. Lots not removed in good time will be subject to a warehousing charge of £2.50 per lot per day. If any lot is not paid for and removed within seven days, the auctioneers may resell the lot without notice.

Any unsold item belonging to a vendor will be charged £2.50 per lot per day. If the vendor does not reply to a written request for removal within 7 days, the warehousing charge will begin. Return delivery, if required, will incur a variable charge depending on location.

Vendors

Prior to the fall of the hammer, lots remain the responsibility of the vendor, and thereafter the responsibility of the buyer. The vendor authorises the auctioneers to deduct commission and expenses at the agreed rates from the hammer price.

Vendor Payout

We pay out 21 days after the auction by bank transfer (preferred). Failure to provide bank details will incur a £4.00 cheque issuance fee.

Buyers & Payment

Buyers should satisfy themselves prior to the auction as to the condition of each lot. Each lot is offered subject to any reserve price. The purchaser shall pay the hammer price plus the premium as stated above. No purchase shall be claimed or removed until paid for. Legal title does not pass until the lot is paid in full. Each lot is at the sole risk of the buyer from the fall of the hammer.

Payment is accepted by cash, debit card or the bidder’s own cheque with guarantee card. Overseas bidders paying by bank transfer are responsible for ensuring correct funds are sent including any currency conversion fees.

Absentee Bidding

The auctioneers will execute absentee bids at no charge, purchasing lots as cheaply as allowed by other bids and reserves. Bids must be submitted in writing at least 24 hours before the sale commences. Whilst every care is taken, the auctioneers cannot be held responsible for errors in carrying out such bids.

Online Bidding

Any lots purchased online will be subject to an additional live fee + VAT (see the provider’s terms and conditions for the rates). Bidding on Cooper Barrington LLP’s own online bidding platform (powered by HiBid) is 3%.

Shipping

All purchases shipped at the client’s request that become lost by the courier after leaving Cooper Barrington’s premises are the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Cooper Barrington LLP will endeavour to recover any losses from the courier on the client’s behalf.

Refunds

Refunds will not be given unless a written condition report was obtained from the auctioneers prior to the sale. Claims must be received in writing within 7 days. The buyer has 14 days to return the item in the same condition as sold (not dismantled, cleaned, altered, repaired or damaged).

Non-Payment

Interest at 8% shall be charged on any unpaid lots after 48 hours from the sale. Goods not paid for within 14 days may be offered to the under-bidder or returned to the vendor. Any losses from commission will be charged to the purchaser. After 21 days, the matter may be passed to a third-party debt collection agency. Defaulting bidders will be banned from future auctions.

Health & Safety

Every person attending the auction premises does so at their own risk. Vendors must comply with all Health and Safety Acts. Purchasers should have second-hand goods checked by a competent person before use.

Governing Law

These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of England and Wales. Any disputes shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.

Cooper Barrington LLP | Company No. OC353913 | VAT No. GB102869028
The Old Methodist Chapel, Holyhead Road, Froncysyllte, Nr Llangollen, Wrexham, LL20 7RA
cooperbarringtonllp@gmail.com | 01691 774567