Buyer's premium, VAT & payment

A buyer's premium is added to the hammer price of every lot sold and forms part of the total payable to VALÉORINE. The premium is charged on a scale, so that the percentage applied may fall as the hammer price rises.

The premium scale in force will be published here, and in the Conditions of Sale of each catalogue, before our inaugural sale opens for bidding.

VAT may be chargeable on the buyer's premium and, for certain lots, on the hammer price. The treatment depends on the status of the lot, on where it is delivered, and on the VAT scheme applicable to it. Symbols in the catalogue identify the treatment of each lot.

The applicable VAT rates, catalogue symbols and their meanings will be published here before our inaugural sale. No rate is stated in advance of that publication.

Import duties, local sales taxes and any charges arising in the country of delivery are payable by the buyer. Certain manuscripts, books and photographs may require an export licence or be subject to cultural property controls; where we are aware that a licence may be required, the catalogue entry will say so.

Country-specific guidance and the licensing thresholds we apply will be published here before our inaugural sale.

Lots are dispatched from our London offices once payment has cleared in full. Packing is arranged by VALÉORINE or by a carrier of the buyer's choosing; works on paper, manuscripts and photographs are packed to archival standard. Shipping and insurance are charged at cost and are quoted before dispatch. Nothing is dispatched before written confirmation of the delivery address.

Standard shipping bands and insurance terms will be published here before our inaugural sale.

Invoices are issued through the client account and are payable in pounds sterling within the period stated on the invoice. Payment is accepted by bank transfer and by card, subject to identity and source-of-funds checks. Payment must be made by the registered bidder; payments from third parties are not accepted.

Accepted card schemes, transaction limits and the payment period in force will be published here before our inaugural sale.

Where an invoice remains unpaid after the period stated, VALÉORINE may charge interest, hold the lot at the buyer's risk and expense, or cancel the sale. The Conditions of Sale of the catalogue concerned govern in every case.