Registering for an auction
Having an account lets you browse. To actually bid in a particular sale, you register for that auction and accept its terms. It's a separate, one-time step for each sale — and it's quick.
How to register for a sale
- Open the auction or any lot in it. If you're signed in and not yet registered, you'll see Register to bid on this auction.
- That page shows the sale's own terms of sale, plus the headline figures — the buyer's premium, the sales tax rate, and how the anti-snipe extension works for this sale.
- Read the terms, then tick I've read and accept the terms of sale. Ticking that box is the acceptance — items are sold as-is, and the buyer's premium and sales tax are added to your winning bid.
- Press Register to bid. That's it — you're cleared for the sale and can start bidding.
Your acceptance is recorded with the date, time and your IP address against that exact version of the terms, so there's a clear record of what you agreed to. You can re-read it any time under My auctions.
Deposits and approval
Some sales add one extra step:
- A refundable deposit. A few sales ask for a deposit before you can bid. Nothing is charged when you register — a staff member will be in touch to arrange it, and your registration stays pending until it's settled.
- Staff approval. Some sales are reviewed by a staff member. You'll be able to bid once your registration is approved.
If either applies, the page tells you plainly when you register, and you'll see the status under My auctions.
One account, many sales
You only need one account. Register separately for each sale you want to bid in — you'll accept that sale's terms each time, because every auction's terms can differ.