What should I expect when bidding with Bonhams?

Bonhams offers two types of auctions: ‘Live Auction’ and ‘Online Only’. Each type has different ways to bid, so we recommend confirming the auction type before you start bidding.

You can find the auction type at the top of the auction page and on the Upcoming Auctions page. If you have any questions on how to bid, Client Services is available to assist.

All bidders must register to bid and get approved by Bonhams. Upon registration and before placing a bid, buyers must accept and agree to Bonhams’ Conditions of Sale. This can be found on the auction page or in the printed catalogue.

Bidding in a live auction:

Bidding in person: On the day of the sale, please visit our Client Services desk at the auction house and be prepared to present your identification. If you are bidding for the first time, our team will set up your account. If you have bid with us before, we will register you through your existing account. Then, you will be provided with a paddle for bidding live in the auction room. Client Services is available on site at every live auction to assist and answer questions.

Placing an absentee bid: An absentee bid allows you to leave a maximum bid in advance, which the auctioneer will execute on your behalf – until you are outbid or you have won the lot. You can place an absentee bid through the sale page, via the Bonhams app, or by sending a completed registration form to the Client Services team at the sale location. For more information on placing an absentee bid for a live auction, read our guide to absentee bidding and how to bid in a live auction.

Bidding by telephone: If you are unable to attend a live auction, you can bid by telephone through a Bonhams representative. You can register for telephone bidding by sending a completed registration form to the Client Services team at the sale location. On the day of the auction, a Bonhams representative will call you from the saleroom and talk you through the bidding process, placing bids on your behalf until you are successful or until you let them know that you have reached your maximum bid amount. If you are unreachable during the auction time, you can leave an emergency bid that Bonhams will execute on your behalf. For step-by-step instructions, read our guide to telephone bidding.

Bidding online (live auction): You can place bids for a live auction through the Bonhams.com website or Bonhams app, as if you were in the auction room. For step-by-step instructions, read our guide on how to bid in a live auction.

Bidding in an online-only auction:

Bidding online (online-only auction): For online-only auctions, bids are placed exclusively through the Bonhams.com website or the Bonhams app. You can leave a maximum bid in advance or increase your maximum bid amounts as the auction progresses. For step-by-step instructions, read our guide to online auctions.