FAQ

GENERAL

What are your hours of operation?

Saturday: CLOSED
Sunday: CLOSED

Please note that we are closed from 1pm to 2pm daily, and all day on bank holidays.

How often are your auctions held?
We have an auction every week! In addition to our regular interior sales, we also conduct auctions for antiques, modern and contemporary art, collectables, and many other specialties.

Do you conduct valuations?
We conduct all valuations to European Valuations Standard for multiple purposes including probate, insurance, family division and investment. We also offer complimentary valuations for items intended for sale at auction.

Why sell with us?
As one of Ireland’s foremost auction houses, Herman’s has been a trusted name in the industry since 1928. With decades of expertise and a team of dedicated professionals, we have the experience and resources to maximise the value of your items.

BUYERS

How do I bid on your auctions?
All of our auctions are conducted online. To register and place bids, you must have an account with us. You can create your account at www.herman.ie or by downloading our app.

Can I view the items in person?
We currently do not offer in-person viewings. However, each lot includes a detailed description, including a condition report. We encourage you to review this information carefully to assess the current state of the item before placing a bid. Please note that viewings may be offered for certain specialised sales, and these viewings will be advertised in advance.

Can I cancel a bid after placing it?
Once a bid has been submitted, it cannot be cancelled or retracted. We encourage all participants to carefully review their bids before confirming submission. Please ensure you are satisfied with your bid amount before placing it, as all bids are considered final and binding. The winning bid for each lot will be the highest offer received at the close of the auction.

What does “Max Bid” mean?
When you place a max bid, the system will automatically bid for you in response to competing bids, up to your maximum amount. However, it will only bid if another participant places a higher bid. Please note, this does not mean you will be charged your maximum bid right away. We recommend monitoring your bids, as the system will stop bidding on your behalf once your maximum bid is reached.

I placed a bid, but I’m not the highest bidder. What does this mean?
A bidding tie occurs when a competing bidder places a bid that matches the initial bidder’s maximum bid, surpassing the current leading bid. The system uses three terms during the auction to indicate the status:

Winning: You are the current highest bidder.
Current: The bid has not met the reserve price or is tied with the highest bid.
Outbid: Your bid is lower than the leading bid.

What are your buyer’s fees?
Lots are subject to 20% commission and an online bidding fee of 5%, both of which are subject to VAT at the standard rate (currently 23%). Please note that VAT is only applied to the commission price and online bidding fee, and not the overall hammer price.

How do I pay?
If you are the successful bidder on an item(s), the payment will be automatically processed using your registered credit card once the auction concludes. To avoid any disruptions, please ensure that your payment details are up to date in our system and all expired cards are removed from your account. If we are unable to successfully process your payment due to insufficient funds or an expired card on more than one occasion, your ability to bid in future auctions may be restricted.

If you bid through The Saleroom, please be advised that we do not have access to your payment details. All invoices should be paid by Wire Transfer using the bank details listed on your invoice, as per the Terms and Conditions of sale.

When can I collect the item(s) I purchased at auction?
Items can be collected from our premises in Rathmines during the collection times below. Please note that items should be collected no later than one week following the close of an auction. For specialist or on-site auctions, items will need to be picked up directly from the auction location. Collection details will be specified in the auction information, so be sure to watch for any updates. Please note that collection times for on-site auctions may vary.

Monday: 10:30 AM–1:00 PM & 2:00 PM–5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM–1:00 PM & 2:00 PM–5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM–1:00 PM & 2:00 PM–5:30 PM

What happens if I don’t collect my item on time?
Failure to collect your items on time may result in storage fees, disposal, or resale of the item(s), as per the Terms and Conditions of sale.

Do you offer shipping services?
At present, we offer shipping within Ireland for smaller items via DPD. Please note that we are unable to ship items internationally, fragile items, or furniture that cannot be accommodated in a box. We are unable to ship items internationally. For international shipping, many of our overseas customers have found Mail Boxes Etc to be a reliable solution. You can contact them directly for assistance via their website or by phone at +353 1 6710400.

SELLERS

How can I consign items for auction?
All items must be deemed suitable for sale by the auctioneer. To arrange a call with our auctioneer for consignment approval, please contact us at +353 1 497 2245. Once your consignment has been approved, a drop-off slot will be scheduled for you. Please note that it is your responsibility to drop off the items personally or to arrange for a courier service to deliver them on your behalf.

Do you offer collection services for auction items?
If you require assistance with delivery, we can provide details of courier companies that other customers have used. Please note that these are independent services, and they charge separately.

What happens if I include items that the auctioneer has not approved?
Items that arrive without prior approval from the auctioneer may be rejected upon arrival, and a disposal fee will be charged to your account.

What are your seller’s fees?
All items sold are subject to 20% commission plus VAT at the standard rate (currently 23%). Please note that VAT is only applied to the commission price, and not the overall hammer price. In certain cases, the auctioneers may exercise discretion to reduce the standard commission rate for specific collections and consignments. Lots consigned to specialised auctions are subject to an illustration charge per lot, currently €5 plus VAT at the standard rate.

What types of items do you accept for auction?
We accept all different types of furniture, art, jewellery and curiosities. As well as our interior sales, we also operate Fine Art and Antique auctions, Modern & Contemporary Art auctions, Stamp and Coin auctions, and many other specialty auctions.

When can I expect to receive my payment?
Payment is issued approximately 4 weeks from the date of sale. Please note that not all items may be included in the same sale, and you may receive several payments for a single consignment. This is to ensure that your items are placed in the most appropriate auctions and achieve the best possible results.

Why are some items missing from my seller settlement?
Please be advised that items are selected for sale at the auctioneer’s discretion, and you may receive multiple seller settlements for one consignment over several weeks. A separate seller settlement will be sent out for each additional sale, typically 3-4 weeks after each individual auction closes.

What happens if my items do not sell at auction?
If your items do not sell at auction, they may be removed at the auctioneer’s discretion. Please note that dumping fees will be charged to your account in this case.

Can I set a reserve price for my items?
Ordinarily, we do not accept reserves. However, in certain circumstances, a reserve may be arranged in consultation with the auctioneer.

Do you clear whole houses?
Yes, we specialise in this! If you have contents of a house you wish to consign for auction, please contact us at (01) 497 2245 or via email at info@herman.ie to arrange a call-out with the auctioneer.