Terms & Conditions of Service

Antique Buying Collective Ltd.

1. Introduction

Welcome to Antique Buying Collective (ABC). Here’s how our service works:
  • Send us your items using our Free Selling Pack with Royal MailTracked 48 (pre-paid)
  • We appraise your items and give you a no-obligation Offer.
  • If you accept, we pay you quickly and take ownership.
  • If you decline, we return your items.
  • Important: Royal Mail Tracked 48 only covers up to £150 for loss/damage.
    • We offer optional higher insurance if your parcel is worth more. → [Insurance Options ↓]
  • You must legally own the items and ensure they’re not prohibited. → [What We Don’t Buy]
  • This contract is governed by English law.
  • If you decline our Offer → free return by Tracked 48 (£150 cover).
  • If items are fragile, unsafe to return, or on our “Do Not Buy” list:
    • We may donate to charity, or
    • You can pay for return postage.
  • We’ll notify you if this applies. If no response within 5 working days, we may proceed with donation.

2. Key Definitions

  • Items → antiques, collectibles, or goods you send us.
  • Free Selling Pack → packaging, postage label(s), and instructions we supply.
  • Offer → the price we propose to pay after appraisal.

3. Sending Items

  • Use the Free Selling Pack (or equivalent secure packaging).
  • Sent via Royal Mail Tracked 48, subject to their limits:
    • Up to £150 compensation (or item value if lower).
    • No cover for certain valuables (e.g. jewellery, money).
    • No cover for delays.
  • If items are worth over £150, contact us first → [Contact Us].

4. Insurance Options for Sending Items

Tier Service & Cover Compensation Limit Suitable For Cost
Tier 1 (Standard) Royal Mail Tracked 48 (default) Up to £150 Low-value or trial boxes ✅ Free
Tier 2 (Enhanced) Tracked 48 + Top-Up Insurance Up to £500 Mixed antiques, mid-value parcels 💷 Small surcharge
Tier 3 (Premium) Royal Mail Special Delivery Guaranteed Up to £2,500 (per Royal Mail limits) High-value items (jewellery, watches, gold, rare antiques) 💷 At Royal Mail’s rate (we arrange)

⚠ Notes:

  • Jewellery, precious metals, and cash are not covered under Tracked 48 → must use Tier 3.
  • Cover applies to loss or damage only (not delays).
  • Inadequate packaging = no compensation.
  • Claims are capped at the chosen tier limit.

5. Appraisal & Offer

  • We appraise items and send you a written Offer
  • Offers valid for 14 days.
  • If accepted → paid (usually within 24 hours by bank transfer). Ownership passes to us.
  • If declined or no response → items returned via Tracked 48 (£150 cover).

6. Risk, Insurance & Liability

  • While in Royal Mail’s possession, their rules apply.
  • Our liability = the amount actually recovered from Royal Mail, or your chosen insurance tier.
  • No cover for indirect or consequential losses.

7. Returns

  • If you decline our Offer → free return by Tracked 48 (£150 cover).
  • If items are fragile, unsafe to return, or on our “Do Not Buy” list:
    • We may donate to charity, or
    • You can pay for return postage.
  • We’ll notify you if this applies. If no response within 5 working days, we may proceed with donation.

8. Your Responsibilities

  • You legally own the items.
  • You don’t send prohibited goods (firearms, explosives, stolen goods, hazardous items).
  • You pack securely and follow Royal Mail’s rules.

9. Payment

  • Paid by bank transfer (or agreed method) within 24 hours of acceptance.
  • You provide accurate details.
  • You pack securely and follow Royal Mail’s rules.

10. Cancellations & Complaints

  • If you change your mind before accepting → we return your items.
  • Complaints: contact us first. If unresolved, you can escalate via ADR or courts of England & Wales.

11. Governing Law

These Terms are under English law, with non-exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England & Wales