Frequently Asked Questions
Submit and sell at our auction
For many people who do not have often material in any kind of auction, it is a process that can raise a number of questions. We have included the most common questions (and answers) in this overview. Much, if not all, depends on the complexity, value, and size of your collections. Usually we will be happy to discuss this with you in order to make the best possible personal proposal for your consignment. Consignments are restricted by a few conditions you can find below.
More questions?
By clicking on the question you can read the corresponding answer. More questions? If you nevertheless still have questions, please do not hesitate to contact us. We like to help you!
What is the purchase commission?
The purchase costs at our auction are the same for all buyers. Traders, commission agents, trading houses, collectors, investors, private individuals, all pay the same purchase commission at the auction. The current auction commission is communicated in the auction conditions and consists of a percentage of the surcharge price (purchase commission) and a fixed amount per lot (the lot fee).
Delivery is in the margin, it is not possible to reclaim the VAT.
N.B.: Delivery: special arrangement – objects for collections or antiquities.
What is the sales commission?
The selling costs for the entrants depend on two things, the value and the laboriousness of what you put up for auction. In general, the higher the value of the collection, the lower the commission, the higher the laboriousness (how much effort it takes to get the collection auction ready), the higher the commission. In fact, it is a coordination between the auction house and the submitter and always in consultation.
Pay attention:
Commission percentages on receipts EXCLUD VAT. VAT is only levied on the auction service (the commission).
Is the commission on my purchase or sales invoice correct?
Lot money:
The lot fee is a fixed amount per lot. Both the contributor (contributor) and the buyer pay a fixed amount per sold or purchased lot.
Commission:
consigners
Commission percentages can vary and are always exclusive of VAT. You do not pay VAT on the goods (delivery in the margin) but you do pay on the service (the auctioning of goods). Therefore, VAT is levied on the commission charged for sold lots.:
- 10% then becomes 12.1% including VAT
- 12.5% then becomes 15.125% including VAT
- 15% then becomes 18.15% including VAT
- 20% then becomes 24.2% including VAT
Commission percentages are EXCLUDING VAT on the receipts.
Buyers:
For buyers the indicated commission percentage is INCLUDING VAT
How long does an average appraisal take?
The duration of a valuation depends on the content of the collection. On average, a valuation takes about an hour. Then the appraiser has a good idea of the possibilities of your collection. The size of such a collection is then between 10 and 30 albums (approx. 2/3 moving boxes).
How do I deliver my material?
Consignments can be made in different ways. Material can be submitted daily (Mon/Fri 9am-5pm) at our office at Noordeinde in The Hague. An appraiser is always present. It is wise to announce your arrival in advance, this prevents you from having to wait and the reception room/consultation room is immediately available. We often make multiple appointments for 1 day. If you take the trouble to submit a few things, we will take the trouble to assess what you have brought with you without obligation.
We also collect large, large and valuable lots. Of course you will receive an estimate from us in advance when we assess material on location and then the valuation conditions apply, valuations on location are not without obligation.
If of any value, we will explain the procedure and discuss the further coordination before the auction with you.
Can I cancel my insurance once I have consigned?
Yes you can. As soon as material is handed over to the auction house, this material is insured, often an insured value (a replacement value) that is slightly higher than the auction estimate is noted on the receipt. Transport from location as well as presence of the material at the auction house is insured.
When will I receive the proceeds after the auction?
In the 5th week after the auction, all paper statements are made and sent by post.
This has to do with the advertising period (guarantee period on purchases) of 4 weeks and the payment period of the buyers (28 days/1 month), in this way we can supervise the money flows responsibly.
Making all settlements takes about 1 week so that all entrants have the proceeds at the latest in the 6th week after the auction.
In exceptional cases, the inspection of material can cause certain lots to be settled later because the results are only final after the judge’s judgment. We will often try to have material inspected before the auction, but that is not always possible. The other lots will of course be settled within the period of 6 weeks.
How can I participate in the auction?
There are several ways to participate in the auction;
Room bidding
The auction is organized in a room where the lots are auctioned under the control of a bailiff. The lots are called 1 by 1 and you can purchase lots in the room using a bid number. The bidding numbers will be issued half an hour before the session, accompanied by identification and address details.
Bidding by phone
In exceptional cases. You can bid at the same time as the live auction. Consult the current auction catalogs for this. Telephone bids are only possible on special lots.
Bidding in writing
Written bids can be made using the bidding slip which can be found in any auction catalog or downloaded from our website. Please ensure that written bids are submitted to the auction house in good time! In the case of identical bids, the first bid received takes precedence. Written bids can be made using the aforementioned bid slip, but also by e-mail. It is wise to check correct receipt of your bid after sending.
Online bidding (via RietdijkLive)
Via the special bidding website RietdijkLive it is possible to bid on the offered lots in real time during the auction. You participate in the auction remotely using a telephone, tablet, laptop or PC. You do need a RietdijkLive account for this, which you can have created no later than 24 hours before the start of the auction.
Pre-bidding (via RietdijkLive)
Via the special bidding website Rietdijklive it is possible to bid on the offered lots for the live auction. These are written bids that you can provide via Rietdijklive, the auctioneer will perform these bids for you. In this way you already have insight in advance into the options in terms of allotment of lots, because several written bids have been made for the auction on various lots and you can therefore possibly adjust your tactics accordingly. Pre-bids are confirmed by RietdijkLive, you will receive an e-mail of receipt of your pre-bids.
What are the shipping options for the purchased lots?
You can pick up lots, but we can of course also send them to you. All lots will be shipped registered and insured. The shipping costs will be added to the invoice. Do not forget to indicate on your bid slip or in RietdijkLive whether you wish to collect the won lots or whether you will come and collect them.
That way we know whether you prefer shipping or collection.
Immediately after the auction, we make the invoices that we match to your wish to collect or send. Please note: large and heavy lots can become a costly affair, especially abroad. We will pass on the costs charged to us.
When and how can I pick up my purchased lots?
After the auction you can pick up purchased lots at our office. This is possible during office hours Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm. Please note that our office is closed on some holidays, consult the website for current opening times.
Can you do an appraisal at my home?
We appraise stamps and coins at any desired location. For valuations at a location other than our office, you should take note of the valuation conditions. Valuations on location are free of charge if you are actually going to auction. If you are not going to auction at Rietdijk, we will charge the costs of a valuation on location. These depend on the duration and distance (costs incurred). You will of course receive a valuation report of our findings that you can (also) use for insurance purposes, for example.
Is it also possible to sell my collection directly?
That is possible, in the end an auction will yield a better net result (even after deduction of modest auction costs). A cash offer does provide immediate money and certainty about the amount. The auction will require patience and a degree of uncertainty about the final amount. However, a cash bid is often significantly lower than an auction proceeds. Identification in cash is required when selling and larger amounts are usually paid by bank.
Is an advance possible?
Advance payments are possible for larger and more valuable entries. These are always in consultation and very dependent on the nature of the material that you give up for auction as well as its value. Advances are interest-free and are ultimately settled with the final proceeds. An advance can also be shared by the various stakeholders in an entry.
What are the rules about privacy?
All information from the auction house is shared with the actual submitter of the material. These are the contact details as recorded on the receipt when the material is handed in. A lesser month before the auction, the auction catalog and entry list will be sent to the contact address. Six weeks after the auction, the settlement will be sent to the same contact address. In case of dissemination of information at the contact address. The auction house only corresponds to the entry address; being the contact person on the receipt.
What are the facilities during the viewing days and the auction?
Coffee, tea and soft drinks are available for free during the auction. At the office we also have internet connections for guests.
Are your office and auction room also accessible for the disabled?
Our office is located at Noordeinde 41 in The Hague, where a staircase of 6 steps has been made to the bottom and to the first floor. Our office is therefore not suitable for disabled or wheelchair users. The auction room is located on the first floor. This is accessible via a stair lift for the disabled.
Do you also auction other material than stamps/coins?
Rietdijk organizes 4 auctions a year in the field of philately and numismatics. In addition to stamps, this auction also includes postcards, postal items and stamps. In addition to coins, the coin auction also contains paper money, tokens, silver, gold, old stocks and awards. Everything in the field of Philately and Numismatics can be part of our bi-annual auctions.
Where is the Rietdijk Auctions office?
Noordeinde 41
2514 GC Den Haag
+31(0)70-3647957
info@rietdijkveilingen.nl
Where is the auction room of Rietdijk auctions?
Rietdijk auctions
Noordeinde 41
2514 GC The Hague
The Netherlands
070-364 79 57
06-20 47 95 85
info@rietdijkveilingen.nl
What are the bank details for Rietdijk auctions?
IBAN NL77 INGB 0000 4208 75 BIC INGBNL2A
What is the auction procedure for Rietdijk B.V.?
Auction procedure
Below you will find step-by-step all information that may be useful to (prospect) contributors to our stamp or coin auction.
Rietdijk auctions everything in the field of philately (stamps) and numismatics (coins). If you have a collection, a batch or better individual items to offer, please feel free to contact us. You can contact us – in any composition and size! – with:
- Stamps, postal items, postcards, etc.
- Coins, banknotes, tokens, gold, silver, tokens, etc.
- Collections, estates, parties, investment items, store stocks, etc.
Appointment for an appraisal
An appointment with one of our appraisers is quickly made. You can call us from Monday to Friday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on 070-3647957 and outside office hours on 06-20479585. You can also email us to make an appointment. This appointment can take place at our office or, if the value of your submission is significant, at your home if desired.
Review of your consignment
Our appraiser will review your potential auction entry in your presence and immediately report back on his findings. He will also give you a reliable indication of the auction proceeds, after which you can give Rietdijk the final auction order. The possibilities after an appraisal of your collection
Prefer not to auction but a cash offer? That is of course also possible. The appraiser will be happy to advise you as best as possible so that you can make a well-considered decision. You often have to wait a while at an auction, but the net result is usually better. Selling in cash is of course faster, but usually gives a somewhat less net result. There is always the option of an interest-free advance as an intermediate form. Ultimately, we want your collection to achieve the highest possible result in the interests of both parties!
Delivery Confirmation
The material that you give us for auction is then described on a confirmation of receipt. In addition to your details, the agreements about the commission and the method of settlement are also recorded. As long as your submission is under the care of Rietdijk, it is automatically and free of charge all-risk insured.
After completion and signing you will receive the original receipt. The copy will remain with the entry and will serve as a guideline for later processing into auction lots. Until then, your submission will be kept strictly separate from the others.
The latest submission dates for the submission of material can be found on the overview page of the stamp auction as well as the coin auction.
Allocate
A good presentation of your entry is very important for a successful sale. Dividing a collection or lot, with a view to maximum yield, is called lotting. More expensive pieces, accompanied by a photo, are auctioned separately. For example, the rest of an entry can be auctioned per album, in parts of albums, or with several albums at the same time. Often parts are split, sometimes joined together. In short, allocating is highly specialized work, which three of our experienced team members are involved in. After all, at Rietdijk we have known since 1919 that an expert allotment is an important basis for a good yield from your entry.
Administration
The yellow copy of the acknowledgment of receipt, the original of which you received, is the accompanying document for your entry. After allotment, this copy will indicate how many and what type of lots (single, folder, collection, box) have been made of this. Whether it is a few lots or hundreds: they are all provided with the assigned entry number. Thanks to this number, it is easy to check which entry a lot belongs to during the entire auction process. The auction of your entry will take place on an anonymity basis, unless expressly agreed otherwise. Names and addresses appearing in the entry will be removed as much as possible during allotment.
Auction Catalog & Photo Attachment
After all entries have been parceled out, the auction will be closed six to eight weeks before it will take place. Now you can start creating the auction catalog. This includes all lots of all entrants in a specific order. This order, which depends on many factors, should ensure optimal accessibility of the catalog and the material offered therein.
All lots, which were administered and stored under a provisional number, will receive a definitive number after determining the order, with which they are eventually put up for auction. The lots submitted by you can now be traced on the basis of both the submission and the lot number.
We regard the auction catalog as our calling card, not only for the entrants, but especially for the national and international buyers. In addition to the text section, you will also find many photos of the better material. As a supplement and a foretaste of this, the online catalog also allows you to view sections of many important collections well before the paper version comes out in print.
Consigner list
Prior to the viewing days and the auction, all entrants will receive an auction catalog and a list of all lot numbers that belong to the entry. The entry number is also stated on this entry list.
Dispatch
After the auction catalogs are printed, they are rushed to all our customers. Because our auctions are international, a large number of catalogs have a foreign destination.
Viewing days
From two weeks before the auction up to and including the auction days themselves, our customers are given extensive opportunities to view the material on offer. We deliberately keep this period very wide, many prospective buyers need several days to subject the lots of their possible liking to a personal inspection. The individual issues can also be viewed in color on our website, as well as the full text of the auction catalogue. As an extra, you will also find images of parts from important lots that are being auctioned as a collection.
Auction
The auctions take place at our office. As a contributor or interested person, you are cordially invited to visit it. The exact dates of the auctions and the starting times of the sessions can be found in the auction catalogs and on our website.
Settlement
You will receive an invoice six to eight weeks after the auction. This is comparable to the entry list, except that the realized amounts are now stated after the lot numbers. The moment you receive this statement, the total proceeds minus our commission have already been transferred to the bank or giro account you specified. Our sales percentages are very high. If, nevertheless, one or more lots are not sold, they will be included again in the next auction. Unless it concerns an insignificant remainder, in which case we will make you a settlement proposal.
What are the appraisal conditions for Rietdijk B.V.?
Appraisal conditions
Auctions
We organize semi-annual stamp and coin auctions. For this we are continuously looking for material that can be placed in these auctions. The appraisals are merely a means of collecting material for our auctions. We value at market or auction value and, if desired, also at insurance or replacement value.
Valuations at the office
When the collection is assessed at our office, the valuation is without obligation and free of charge. This is possible from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm by appointment. If you take the trouble to present the collection to us, we will take the trouble to assess it free of charge. If a valuation report is required, the valuation rates below apply as if the collection had been valued on location.
Valuations at your home or elsewhere on location
Valuations at home are in principle possible for collections with an expected realizable value of at least € 3,000. The appraiser will consult with you before coming to you to assess whether this might be possible. Valuations at your location are possible from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 5 pm.
Appraisal rates
€ 125 per hour excluding VAT (21%) Travel costs 29 cents per kilometer, The Hague vise versa. Always with a minimum of € 200,- plus VAT (21%) and travel costs 19 cents per kilometer, The Hague (vise versa). No costs at auction: When the (entire) valued collection is presented for auction by Rietdijk, the valuation costs (excl. VAT and travel costs) will be credited. This will then be refunded with the settlement of the auction entry. If you decide to hand in for the auction during the valuation moment, we will of course not prepare a valuation note. We will then pay the costs of the valuation with the auction commission.
What are the consignment conditions of Rietdijk B.V.?
Consignment conditions
Value of the material
Everything in the field of philately (stamps) of numismatics (coins) of which it is expected that the whole will have a minimum realizable value of ± € 500,- can be offered at our auctions. The appraiser will look at the material along with it to be able to assess from that to the possibilities.
Jurisdiction
The offeror (consignor) must be the owner or have decision-making authority to be allowed to offer the goods.
Agreement
At the time of the offer, an agreement is drawn up between the offer and the sender (acknowledgment of receipt) at which time and under which conditions the goods will be sold by Rietdijk auctions B.V. will be offered at its auctions. Both the sender and the auction house provide a copy of that receipt. This receipt includes the submitted details of the entrant, a () signed confirmation by the sender and a signature by a representative of the auction.
Allotment
The entry is then prepared by the employees of the auction house. This includes layout, description, photography and proper labelling. The lots can be made to present them as well as possible during the viewing days, based on the actual auction moment. Allotments are made in a published manner that, in our opinion, can expect the highest yield. The auctioneer reserves the right to split the collection from collections to be merged, to compress (low volume books) and not to auction empty albums, stock books of other material that does not represent value. Rietdijk reserves the right to strike unsold lots at the stake (starting price) within a period of 2 weeks after the auction.
Inspections
Stamps and coins that are dubious, if they are provided with a hallmark, will be applied by us and presented to a recognized expert for inspection. The costs charged to us will be passed on to the sender. the inspection results are not yet known by ten at the time of settlement, the settlement of those lots in question will be postponed before the inspection results are properly known, which can take quite some time in sudden cases.
Confidentiality
We will never disclose information about entrants to third parties.
Limit prices
Limits can only be accepted in very special cases and must be considered reasonable by us. If the limit is not reached when selling, 5% of that limit is due. No limits can be accepted on entries for which an advance has been made.
Auction order
An auction order is irrevocable. In exceptional cases, unless the auction has been published, it can be revoked against payment of costs and 5% of the set limit or of the sales value after the auctioneer’s appraisal, with a minimum of € 100 per total entry.
Catalog and entry list
About a month before the auction, the entrant receives an auction catalog and an entry list stating the division of the material, as well as the viewing days and the auction time.
Insurance
As long as it is present at our office or transported by us, your entry is protected against fire and burglary. All shipments addressed to us are, if registered, automatically insured against transport damage or loss under the usual conditions. No additional costs will be charged for this.
Settlement and payout
According to the auction conditions, the buyers have a right to complain for 14 days after the auction. This term can be extended in connection with expertise of the lots in question on the condition that the auctioneer has been informed in advance of the inspection. As a rule, settlement with entrants takes place from 6 weeks after the auction, until 8 weeks after the auction.
The result minus the auction commission is transferred to the specified account number. In the (exceptional) case of return lots, the sender will receive a proposal on how to deal with this at the time of settlement. Part of that proposal is always either a cash transaction or reinstatement in the auction against adjustment of the allotment and starting price. You will not receive any leftovers from us if you do not wish this.
Communication
Communication from the auction house regarding the entry will only take place with the entrant as stated on the receipt or its legal representatives.
In summary
The consignment conditions for our auctions summarized.
What are the current auction fees for sellers
Consign
If you decide to submit material for our upcoming auctions, we will charge you an auction commission which will depend on the value and complexity of the entry. This is of course always in consultation between the submitter and the appraiser. The commission is always in the form of a percentage.
Tuning
The higher the value of your entry and the lower the laboriousness; the lower the commission. The lower the value of your entry and the higher the laboriousness; the higher the commission. Always somewhere between 3% and 30%.
Regular commission
We auction average entries at a 15% commission, excluding. VAT. (18.13% including VAT). As soon as we have been able to make an estimate of the value and the amount of work, we will always be happy to make you a sharp proposal. Auction commission is therefore always in consultation.
VAT
All commission rates are excluding VAT
In summary:
- A small fixed amount of lot money is also charged for each lot (sales unit).
- A commission percentage is charged on the value (final result) of the entire consignment.
- The total auction costs therefore consist of an auction commission percentage (excluding VAT) and a fixed amount per lot (including VAT).
- The auction commission depends on the complexity and value of your consignment and is always in consultation.
What are the current auction fees for buyers
Both the seller and the buyer pay an auction commission. This commission covers the costs of the auction. The purchase commission is the same for every buyer, in order to create a fair playing field. There are some differences between the rules on the stamp auction and the coin auction. The current conditions can be found in the links below:
- The auction conditions for buying at the stamp auction can be found here.
- The auction conditions for buying the coin auction can be found here.
My question is not included in this list!
Your question is not included in this list? Do not hesitate to contact us either by phone +31-70-364 79 57 or via e-mail info@rietdijkveilingen.nl. We will get back to you ASAP.
Bid and buy at our auction
Sometimes there are still uncertainties for buyers. They will also find answers to most questions here as well. It is important that as a bidder/buyer you are well aware of the applicable rules regarding public auctions.
Conditions of sale:
Offce and postal address
Rietdijk B.V.
Stamp & Coin auctions
Noordeinde 41
2514 GC Den Haag
Tel .: +31 (0) 70 – 36 47 957
Fax .: +31 (0) 70 – 36 32 893
Email: info@rietdijkveilingen.nl
