How to bid (telephone)
You can bid in a live auction by telephone from anywhere in the world. Here's how to register and what to expect on the day
Register to telephone bid
1. Complete a bidder registration form. Even if you already have an account with Bonhams, we need extra information to ensure we call you for the right lots and on the right telephone number.
Choose the bid form of the location where the auction is taking place, e.g. if you wish to bid in a Los Angeles-based auction, download the 'United States: Los Angeles' form. Please note that you cannot telephone bid in an online-only auction.
2. Email your completed form to the auction's local Client Services team
For auctions in Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Monaco, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, email [email protected]
For auctions in the United States, email [email protected]
For auctions in Australia, email [email protected]
For auctions in Hong Kong, email [email protected]
3. Our team will reply within 24 hours with the next steps for your registration
If you're bidding for the first time with Bonhams, we'll ask for ID documents to verify your identity. Otherwise, we'll email a confirmation PDF with details of your telephone bid registration.
Bidding by telephone
4. On the day of the auction, your assigned Bonhams staff will call you 10 minutes before the sale begins to introduce themselves and test the phone line
Please note that all our telephone bid calls are recorded.
5. We'll call you from the saleroom about 3-5 lots ahead of your lot to prepare you for bidding
While we're unable to confirm a specific time as each sale is unique, our auctions go through around 40 lots an hour on average. You can follow your auction live on the Bonhams website by clicking the 'Watch Live' button on the auction's page.
6. When it's time to start bidding, we'll talk you through the progress and pass your bids to the auctioneer until you win the lot or tell us you want to stop bidding
Here are some things we may say:
"The auctioneer has opened the bidding at £1,200. Would you like to bid £1,300?"
"The auctioneer has £2,000, would you like to bid £2,200?"
"The bid is with you at £2,500."
What happens when I lose?
We'll confirm over the telephone that the lot has been sold to another bidder. You do not need to take any further action.
What happens when I win?
We'll confirm over the phone that you have won the lot. Please note that the hammer price does not include buyer's premium or taxes. You'll be emailed an invoice within three hours of the auction ending, containing next steps for after a Bonhams auction.
Frequently asked questions
Can I telephone bid from any country in the world?
Yes, we can call a landline or cell phone number in any country.
What happens if there's a problem with my phone on the day?
We recommend you leave an emergency absentee bid in advance in your bid form, which we'll carry out only if we're unable to reach you on any of the telephone numbers you provided. This way, if we cannot contact you, we'll bid on your behalf as stated on your bid form.
What if there are connectivity issues during the auction?
We recommend you leave an emergency absentee bid in advance in your bid form, which we'll carry out only if we're unable to reach you. This way, if we face connectivity issues during the sale and cannot communicate with you, we'll bid on your behalf as stated on your bid form.
Can I bid online and over the telephone in the same auction?
Yes, if you are registered to telephone bid, you can also bid online or on the Bonhams app in the same auction - but take care not to bid against yourself on the same lot.
Related guides
How to bid in an online auction