If you have a question about your collection, we’ve compiled a list of commonly asked questions…
…click HERE to read our expert advice.
Do you charge for valuations?
If you are looking to sell your collection, our valuation is free of charge. Valuations for insurance or probate purposes will incur a small cost, please contact us to discuss your requirements.
How do I send my collection to you for valuation?
If you would like to send your collection to us, please contact us first.
Although we can handle the vast majority of collections, sometimes there are more suitable options then sending it to us, or for very large/valuable collections we might need to make specific arrangements (including insurance arrangements).
For small collections (up to 2kg), Royal Mail Special Delivery will be suitable. For larger collections (ie. weight over 2kg or more than one box), we will arrange for a courier (such as DPD/UPS) to pick up the collection from your home/office. All you need to do is pack up the collection (see our Packing Guidelines) and we’ll arrange for the courier to collect on a weekday of your choosing. There is no cost for this service and it will be fully insured as soon as the courier collects the parcel(s), on the strict proviso you follow our Packing Guidelines.
COVID UPDATE – if you are unable to go to the Post Office, we’ll arrange for a courier to collect the parcel from you instead.
Can I arrange a home visit for valuation?
We only make home visits for particularly valuable collections. All other valuations are undertaken at our office in Northleach. You’re welcome to drop the collection off at our office, or we can arrange for a courier to collect from your house.
Do you value for insurance purposes?
We can offer valuations for insurance purposes, for a small fee. We advise that you obtain specific stamp insurance, rather than including your collection on your house insurance. We work closely with Stamp Insurance Services and always recommend them to our customers.
Do you offer probate valuations?
Yes, we are happy to complete probate valuations. There is a small fee for this service, however if you proceed to sell the collection to us then this will be waived.
Do you sell on commission?
We offer a tailored service based on your collection and requirements. We will either offer to buy your collection outright or, depending on value, offer to sell on a commission basis. Commission rates vary depending on the material, this is something we can discuss with you once we know more about the collection.
Is my collection insured during valuation?
Your collection will be fully insured (at no extra cost) whilst in our care, this includes whilst in transit to our office as well as return shipping (if your collection is returned to you after valuation).
Do you purchase collections from overseas customers?
We do purchase collections from overseas, however this is not always the most cost effective solution and you may find it is more suitable to contact a dealer in your own country first. However, we are more than happy to discuss your collection and advise the best options.
Can I bring my collection for a face-to-face valuation appointment?
We can offer a face-to-face appoint to discuss your collection and provide an initial valuation either during the appointment or later in the day, although larger collections will require more work and we may need to keep the collection at our office whilst we complete a full valuation. Alternatively, you are welcome to drop off the collection at our office for a receipt, and we will be in touch as soon as the valuation is complete.
Please note: although Covid restrictions have been reduced, we are continuing to only offer courier uplift and drop-off appointments (until further notice).
What if I don’t agree to with your valuation outcome?
We offer a no-obligation valuation service, therefore if our valuation outcome does not meet your expectations, we are happy to return the collection to you (at our expense, unless otherwise advised).
How long does valuation take?
Every collection is different in terms of material and size, therefore it is impossible to provide a time frame. There are some factors that may affect how quickly we can complete valuation (such as the auction cycle and number of valuations received ahead of yours), however we will complete the valuation as soon as we can and contact you to discuss the next steps. If you have specific timeframe needs/requirements, please let us know and we will do our best to meet your request.
Can you value my collection from photographs?
Whilst photographs are a great way to initially view your collection and give an indication of value, the only way to complete an accurate valuation is to physically assess the collection. You are welcome to send us photos ahead of sending the collection to us; please send a representative selection of images to info@upastampauctions.co.uk, along with any details you have about the collection. If it’s something we can handle, we will contact you to arrange next steps. If we don’t think we can handle the collection, we will always advise alternative options. For guidelines on sending us images, click HERE and scroll down to read How to send us images of your collection.