What should I expect when bidding with Bonhams?

New bidders must register to bid and get approved with Bonhams.

Bidding in person: On the day of the sale, please visit our Client Services desk at the auction house. Once your registration is complete, you will be given a paddle for bidding in the room.

Bidding by telephone: About three to five lots before your lot is announced, a Bonhams representative will call you directly from the saleroom to prepare you to bid in real time. We will talk you through the progress and place bids on your behalf until you are successful or tell us that you want to stop bidding. Find out more in our guide to telephone bidding.

Bidding online: Bonhams offers the option to place bids live via our website or app, as if you were in the room. Read our guide to online auctions.

Leaving an absentee bid: An absentee bid allows you to leave a maximum bid in advance, which the auctioneer will fulfil on your behalf. Read our guide to absentee bidding and how to bid in a live auction.

Before placing a bid, buyers should read through the Conditions of Sale specific to the auction. This information can be found on the auction page or printed catalogue.