What can I do if I suspect ‘shill bidding’?

Shill bidding is when anyone bids on an item with the intent of driving the price up and not for the purpose of buying the lot. 

We always want to hear if you think ‘shill bidding’ is going on – after all, we want our auctions to be fair and compliant.

This is why we always conform to the Sale of Goods Act 1979 for Auctions in the UK, which states in section 57: “where, in respect of a sale by auction, a right to bid is expressly reserved (but not otherwise) the seller or any one person on his behalf may bid at the auction.”

Basically, that means the seller or their representative (i.e. their auctioneer) can bid up to the reserve price, without it being considered ‘shill bidding’

If you still think shill bidding is happening, contact us using 'Submit a request' below.