Buy

Bidding at an auction is an exciting and unique way to purchase goods. At first it can seem a little daunting, but it is a lot easier than it looks. Hayward's staff are always willing to take the time to help everyone understand the ins and outs of bidding.

If you have any questions speak to the staff at the auction rooms or email us.

Timed auctions

A timed online only auction is automated and takes place solely online. The bidding for each lot is opened at a predetermined level set by the auctioneer, usually at a set time and stays open over an extended period of hours or days. During this period of open bidding you will be able to see the current highest bid on each lot.

You may place a higher bid at a defined bidding increment you choose. In timed only online auctions bidders are automatically informed by email if they are the highest bidder, or if they have been outbid by another competing bidder. At the end of the defined bidding period, if the highest bid offered meets the minimum price designated by the seller as acceptable, the lot is sold. Bidding on all lots in a timed online only sales begin to close at a specified time, with lots closing at regular intervals until the auction has ended.

Our timed auctions allow extended bidding. In such a case, if a bid is placed on a lot within a specified time before closing, the bidding may automatically be extended for 2 minutes of time.

While timed auctions are designed to be online only, we understand that some of our customers may still want to leave book bids in a traditional manner. If you do want to bid on items but don’t access the internet then please contact us and we will place the bids on your behalf.

Browse the catalogue

A catalogue and gallery is made available five days before each auction on this website and in the auction rooms. Notification of the this happens via email or facebook.

Art and Antique & Collectable auctions have online photographs of every lot to be included in the auction. General & other auctions only include photographs of a selection of the more interesting lots.

View the items

Check the website for viewing times for each auction.

It is best if you view the items in person but if this isn’t possible, don’t hesitate to contact the team and ask for a condition report or additional photos.

Bid on the items

Hayward’s Auction House has a number of different ways to bid at auction.

  1. Bidding live at the auction. If you can attend the auction, live bidding is a fun and exciting way to purchase items. All bidders need to register, which you can do during viewing or on the day of the auction.
  2. Absentee Bidding. If you aren’t able to attend the auction, you can leave absentee bids, where the auctioneer will bid on your behalf up to a specified amount. Either come in and register your bids at the auction rooms or place your bids online through the web catalogue. You will need to register if you want to bid online.

    Click here to find out more about absentee bidding works.
  3. Phone Bidding. If you request a phone bid, Hayward’s Auction House will give you call during the auction so that you can bid live on a particular lot. If you are interested in phone bidding, please contact the team for further details.

Payment and collection of items

You can pay for and collect your items on the day of the auction.

All successful absentee bidders will be contacted on the following day to the auction. Bidders can contact the auction house on the day of the auction to see if their bids have been successful. Unsuccessful bidders are not contacted. Successful bidders are required to arrange payment and pick up of the items within 48 hours of the auction.

Payments:

We accept cash, EFTPOS and credit card. Cheques can be accepted by prior arrangement with the auction house. There is a 3% surcharge for payments by credit card.

For out-of-town bidders, an invoice will be provided and this will need to be paid via internet banking. Please use your invoice number and name as a reference.

Collection of items:

Goods can be picked up from our rooms at 5 Carroll Street, weekdays from 9:00am - 5:00pm and Saturdays from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Goods that are not picked up in a timely manner may incur a storage fee.

Arrangements for goods to be shipped to out-of-town bidders can be made for a fee. Goods will be sent on confirmation of payment Please note that for larger items such as furniture it is up to the buyer to arrange for a freight company to pick up their items.

Click here for a full list of buyers terms & conditions