Before you go spending money at auctions, it's well worth knowing how you're protected by consumer law – or even if it protects you at all. Depending on the type of auction, your rights vary greatly, so it can be a little confusing. In many ways, you can be better off doing your auction buying online, with modern alternatives like eBay, Bidspotter, and Invaluable offering similar experiences.

In Person Auctions

The 1979 Sale of Goods Act (now superseded by the Consumer Rights Act 2015) gives the consumer certain rights. When you buy something, it must match its description, be of satisfactory quality, and fit for its purpose. If you buy something new at auction, or buy something second-hand at an auction you could not attend, you still have these rights, and if the goods don't meet these standards, you have every right to return them for a repair, replacement, or refund.

However, if the goods are second-hand, you attended the auction, and you were informed that the Consumer Rights Act didn't apply, and the auctioneer can show this was reasonable and you still bought the item, then you lose your rights. Note that as of 2024, the Consumer Rights Act has been updated to provide stronger protections for consumers, even in second-hand sales.

Your contract is with the buyer, not the auction house, and they're not obliged to give you any details on the seller (the auction house does have some responsibilities in the sale, such as making no false statements about items, and these responsibilities should be posted and visible). If the Consumer Rights Act does apply to the lot you bought, then you might get restitution if the seller is a trader. If it's a private individual, your rights alter.

If the description proved false, you might have a claim – contact the auction house. Beware of guarantees, since they may not transfer to a new owner. In the case where the item proved to be unsafe, caused damage, or if the auction house has been negligent or made a false statement about the item, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the auction house, showing your proof of purchase. With damage caused or unsafe goods, talk to a lawyer.

If you buy a vehicle at auction, you may find that you have no rights. If you do have a complaint, it might be best to start by consulting the Citizens Advice Bureau or checking the latest vehicle sale regulations.

Internet Auctions

When it comes to Internet auctions, things become a little more complex. If the seller is a private individual, then as long as the goods are as described, you have no recourse – the rest of the Consumer Rights Act doesn't apply. However, some sales on auction sites aren't auctions at all. If the item is "Buy It Now," it's not an auction, but a sale, and your rights depend on whether the seller is a private individual or a trader.

If it's a trader, then your rights under the Consumer Rights Act apply. Additionally, because it's classed as distance selling, in most cases you'll have the right to a cooling-off period of 14 days (increased from 7 days in 2022), and the trader should inform you of this. You can cancel your order in writing, and the trader must return your money within 14 days.

Remember, however, that the basic rule of buying at auction is caveat emptor – let the buyer beware. Consumer rights can help protect you, but ultimately the responsibility lies with you. In the current market conditions, it's important to research prices and alternatives carefully before making any auction purchases.