Placement of a bid constitutes acceptance of all the following conditions:
1. All lots have an estimate which is an expression of the opinion of the auctioneer of the market value of the lot, and is merely a guide. Bidders may bid above or below the estimate, but bids below 80% of the estimate may not be accepted.
2. Bulk lots, collections and accumulations are to be accepted by the successful bidder with all faults and errors (if any) and returns cannot be accepted under any circumstances. Any lot containing more than 10 items (except sets of stamps) always is offered 'as is' and is not to be returned for any reason.
3. No lot is to be rejected if the buyer or his agent has inspected the lot prior to auction, irrespective of whether any item within the lot inadvertently has been described incorrectly.
4. Viewing of lots is by personal inspection at the times stated within this catalogue. We regret that lots cannot be sent out for viewing prior to the auction. However, photocopies may be available for singe items (not collections).
5. Bids are accepted in Australian dollars in the following steps: $2 up to $40; $5 from $40 to $100; $10 from $100 to $200; $20 from $200 to $500; $50 over $500; $100 over $1,000; $200 over $2,000; and $500 over $4,000. Bids 'out of step' may be rounded off.
6. Bids may be made in person in the auction room, or by telephone during the auction, or over the internet during the auction, or submitted by post, facsimile or telephone prior to the start of the auction. Bids submitted by telephone are to be confirmed in writing. Postal bids received after 4 pm on Thursday 10 October likely will not be processed.
7. All lots are sold to the highest bidder at one advance over the second highest bid, subject to any reserve price. The Auctioneer has absolute discretion to settle any dispute.
8. The Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse any bid. 'Buy' bids are not accepted. 'Limit' or 'or' bids can be made for bidders in the room by your agent. 'Or' bids may be accepted only for lots numbered close to one another. While every care is taken in the execution of bids, the Auctioneer is not responsible for any errors or omissions. Please check your bids carefully.
9. Any lot purchased is at the risk of the bidder at the fall of the hammer, but title passes only when payment in full is received by the Auctioneer. Successful room bidders are expected to pay for and collect their purchases on auction day. Internet, telephone and postal bidders are to pay for their purchases, including all postage, packing and insurance costs, and buyer's premium, immediately upon receipt of the invoice. When you employ an agent to bid on your behalf, the agent is liable for all purchases whether the purchaser is known or unknown to PHILAS. Accounts unpaid after 30 days may incur an interest charge on the outstanding amount.
10. A premium of 15% of the successful bid is to be added to all invoices by PHILAS. An additional 5% is to be added by Invaluable to successful bids submitted via its online service.
11. Successful bidders are not liable for the Goods and Services Tax.
12. Invoices including postage and packing charges are to be forwarded to successful internet, telephone and postal bidders within three days of the auction. Postage is to be by registered mail or 'signature on delivery' mail, plus insurance. Payment in full is due immediately on receipt of the invoice.
13. Internet, telephone and postal bidders intending to collect lots should enquire whether they have been successful and arrange a time for collection. This generally can be arranged in the week following the auction on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10 am to 3 pm. Please advise in advance whether lots are to be collected or posted.
14. Invoices unpaid within 30 days of the auction may result in forfeiture of the lot/s, which may be placed into a succeeding auction with payment of any resulting deficit in price being the responsibility of the original purchaser.
15. Internet, telephone and postal bidders who have not seen the lots they buy may reject any lot (with the exception of bulk lots, collections and accumulations) when the description does not accord with that provided in the catalogue. However, any such lots may be returned only after advice of the error to PHILAS within 48 hours of receipt, and in the condition received. No lot is to be rejected if, subsequent to the auction, it has been immersed in water or treated by any other process whatsoever, unless the express permission for such treatment first has been obtained in writing from PHILAS. Generally, lots that have been inspected prior to the auction are not returnable.
16. An extension for the purpose of obtaining an expert certificate is to be granted only when an application in writing has been received by the Auctioneer at least 24 hours prior to the auction. Payment for any purchase on extension is to be made in full in accordance with Clause 9 above. The onus is on the buyer to obtain such certificate and bear all related costs unless the item is proven not to be genuine, in which case the purchase price is to be refunded to the buyer. Compensation is limited to one-half of any costs incurred by the buyer.
17. Payment is to be made to vendors only after the result of any extension is known.
18. These Conditions of Sale are governed by and are to be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New South Wales.
Telephone bids are accepted on (02) 9264 8301 or (02) 9264 8406 answer-phone, to be confirmed in writing. Please phone to check if bids are successful after the auction (see Clause 13 above).
All postal communications with respect to the auction are to be directed to:
PHILAS STAMP AUCTIONS, P.O. BOX 220 DARLINGHURST N.S.W. 1300
Shipping Terms
Postage of items purchased by successful bidders is by registered mail at the expense of the bidder. Postage and registration/insurance costs are noted on the invoice.
Goods and Services Tax
A Goods and Services Tax of 10% of the purchase price is payable by the purchaser for lots marked with an asterix (*) in the catalogue.
