Auction Terminology
Often the jargon of the Auction industry can get confusing, especially if you are new to the concept of an auction. Therefore, we have compiled a list of the most common terms used by Kerleys Auctions. If you have any queries, don’t hesitate to call or email us anytime.
Antique
Any item that is a minimum 100 years old.
Absentee Bid
A method of bidding for buyers who are unable or not wishing to attend an auction in person. This is completed by filling out and submitting an Absentee Bid Form in-store, or online.
Appraisal
An evaluation of the fair market and/or insurance value of any property conducted by our appraiser/auctioneer. Fair market value represents what Kerleys believes an item would bring at auction. Insurance value reflects what it would cost to replace the item in question and retail value is what an item may fetch in a store environment. We provide appraisals by comparing an item with similar, recently sold pieces.
As Is
All lots for sale at Kerleys Auctions are offered “as is,” meaning that all items are sold with all existing conditions, whether that be with or without defects. It is up to the buyer to examine each lot thoroughly or seek a condition report prior to bidding. We may also include the letters “A/F” in a catalogue listing which means “As found”.
Bid Increment
The amount by which the auctioneer increases the bidding.
Buyers Premium
The percentage amount charged by Kerleys, that is paid on-top of the purchase price.
Commission
The percentage that the Auction House takes for selling an item on a vendor’s behalf.
Consignment
An arrangement in which goods are left in the possession of an authorised Auction House to sell.
Estimate
Each lot at Kerleys is given a low and high estimate, which represents the professional opinion of our appraiser about the range in which the lot might sell at auction.
Lot
An individual item or a group of items offered for sale at auction as a single unit.
Reserve or Reserve Price
The confidential minimum price agreed upon between Kerleys and the vendor. Reserves must be set at or below the low estimate, and if bidding ends before the reserve is reached, the lot will not be sold.
Sellers Premium or Commission
A commission paid by the vendor/seller to Kerleys for selling on their behalf, which is deducted as a percentage from the hammer price.
Vendor
Another term used for “seller”.
Vintage
Any item that is less than a 100 years old, but pre the year 1990.
Natural
When referring to gemstones, “natural” refers to any stone that was produced in the natural world without the influence of human activity. This means any stone that was mined from the earth as well as those discovered naturally occurring in the water (such as pearls and coral). These stones are not synthetic, or lab grown.