1818 Auctioneers’ Assistant Manager, Auctioneer, and Valuer Simon Thompson ASFAV has more than 20 years of experience in the industry. Here, he discusses the accreditations that give customers confidence and trust when they buy and sell at auction.
“You may have seen the Society of Fine Art Auctioneers (Sofaa) logo on our website, stationery and marketing. 1818 Auctioneers has been a member of this prestigious professional body for fifteen years. For some, it may only be a logo that’s displayed and forgotten, but for us, it represents how we choose to do business and the guarantees we proudly offer our customers.
“Sofaa play a vital role in our organisation, protecting both our customers and us as a business. The following is taken from their website: ‘to provide guidance to its members to ensure the highest possible standards of practice in all regards, and encouragement and reassurance to clients that their best interests will be served at all times’. The Society also provides an educational function to its members at both junior and senior levels.
“As 1818’s Sofaa representative, I can tell you that this is quite a modest statement and that I receive weekly guidance on such things as changes in legislation and our responsibilities, on things like Anti Money Laundering guidance, GDPR updates, artist re-sale rights, and market reports, alongside invitations to seminars and training programmes.
“Suffice to say they work tirelessly to help us stay at the forefront of our industry and for that we thank them by following and adopting the guidance where applicable. For example, we recently overhauled our terms and conditions in-line with their advice.
“This is in stark contrast to those who see our industry as an avenue to make a quick buck. You may see ‘auctions’ popping up in antique centres or on industrial estates with offers of reduced commissions. Or you may hear that you can jump the queue and secure a quick sale. Our advice is to look a little deeper and ask questions. Ask to see their terms and conditions, ask if they are following legislation, ask what you get in return for their commission share. Check if there is a conflict of interest. Check they provide a full service. Look for the Sofaa logo.
“As members, we have confidence that we are constantly moving in the right direction and following the code of ethics of the only organisation in the United Kingdom exclusively representing fine art auctioneers and valuers as a profession. This benefits all our customers, who know that all the legal and financial legislation, best practices, and consumer rights are being followed, that their money is ring-fenced and that purchases are protected.
“At 1818 Auctioneers, customers also get a dedicated team of twenty plus individuals working tirelessly on their behalf, purpose-built fantastic salerooms for treasured items to be housed in, and auctions promoted globally and hosted using the latest industry technologies. More than that, we provide a service tailored to each customer’s needs, and a personal touch.
“Not to mention the work we do with Antiques Trade Gazette, the-saleroom.com, Live Auctioneers and our marketing team Ten Stories to promote our auctions to keen buyers locally, nationally, and overseas.
“We are motivated by three things equally and this is really important to us: it’s our ethos! We work for three parties: the seller, the buyer and our company, and not one takes precedence over another. When we get these three fundamentals right, personal and professional development follows, which sets us apart from those whose incentives differ from ours.
“And remember, we are called 1818 Auctioneers for a reason. We can trace the business back to this date, proving we have the capabilities to stand the test of time. We also currently have well over 150 years of combined auctioneering experience within our team, which helps us serve our clients to the best of our abilities.
“All this is to say that a small logo can speak volumes. Buying and selling from or with an active and accredited auction house, wherever they may be situated in the country, offers peace of mind to the consumer. It ensures that customers will be dealt with professionally – and with compassion and respect.”