A collection of 19th century blue and white ceramics comprising a footed bowl, a meat platter, two

Martel Maides Auctions do not undertake either the packing or the despatch by post/courier/shipper of any purchased lots ourselves (with the exception of jewellery and small items bought by overseas [non-UK] buyers). This is due to very high postage prices from Guernsey and also the fact that items posted from Guernsey to the UK are subject to Import VAT (Guernsey is outside of the EU and is zero-rated for VAT). Guernsey Post do not have the reduced ‘antiques’ rate of 5% in their computer system, so can only charge the full 20% rate on items posted to the UK.

To ensure that clients are able to pay the correct 5% rate of Import VAT, we bulk ship all items purchased by UK bidders to Mail Boxes Etc. in Portsmouth. Inclusion in this bulk shipment is charged at a minimum of £10 per lot for all items, excluding furniture and large items, which will incur a higher charge.  5% Import VAT and the bulk shipment charge is therefore added to all invoices automatically on UK buyers’ purchases. The Portsmouth branch is a very good Mail Boxes franchise and their charges are reasonable. They can be contacted on 02392 823800 or at info@mbeportsmouth.co.uk.

The 5% Import VAT charge will be liable on the full invoice cost, including the buyers premium, the £10 per lot bulk shipping charge and the 5% fee for live bidding if applicable. The import VAT fee must be paid before export to the UK and will be added to your auction invoice automatically if you are a buyer registered with a UK address. This will allow us to pay the VAT due to UK customs upon import, clearing customs swiftly and with no additional administration fees from UK Customs.

If you wish to collect the goods yourself (or via an appointed third party) from Guernsey, please let us know within five days of the sale, so that we can ensure that your purchase is not sent to Mail Boxes and so that the Import VAT can be removed from your invoice before payment

Shipping

Martel Maides Auctions do not offer a postal service for any lots.

All lots, with the exception of furniture and large items, will be shipped to Mail Boxes Etc in Portsmouth, UK at a minimum charge of £10 per lot, dependant on lot size and number of lots purchased. Arrangements for onward delivery or collection from Mail Boxes Etc are the responsibility of the buyer and will incur additional delivery charges.

Purchasers of large items and furniture are required to make their own arrangements for shipping, but contact details for Guernsey based removal companies can be provided upon request. For any further information on shipping please call 01481 722700.