The Terms and Conditions of the Service

This Agreement is made between Antique Buying Collective and you, the Customer. You must accept the terms and conditions of this Agreement before using the Services, and your continued use of the Services and Website is conditional on your acceptance of and compliance with these terms.

Welcome to Antique Buying Collective (ABC).
Here’s how our service works:

1. Send us your items using our Free Selling Pack with Royal Mail Tracked 48 (pre-paid).
2. We appraise your items and give you a no-obligation Offer.
3. If you accept, we pay you quickly and take ownership
4.  If you decline, we return your items.
5.  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 ↓]
6. You must legally own the items and ensure they’re not prohibited. → [What We Don’t Buy]

This contract is governed by English law.

Definitions

- “Appraise”: An assessment by Antique Buying Collective of an Item’s condition and market value, resulting in an Offer or Rejection. 

- “Box”: A cardboard box for sending your Items. 

- “Contract”: A legally binding agreement for us to purchase your Items at the offered price. 

- “Customer/You”: Any individual using the Services. 

- “Force Majeure Event”: Circumstances beyond control, such as natural disasters, war, or government actions. 

- “Free Selling Pack”: Materials provided for sending Items to us after requesting via the Website. 

- “Higher Insurance Tier”: Insurance levels based on Box value: Tier 1 (up to £300), Tier 2 (£300.01 - £1,000), Tier 3 (£1,000.01 - £10,000). 

- “Item”: Goods you wish to sell to us. 

- “Offer”: A price proposal for your Items. 

- “Reject”: Decision by Antique Buying Collective not to purchase your Item. 

- “Services”: The services offered by Antique Buying Collective as described on the Website. 

- “Settlement”: Payment for a successful insurance claim. 

- “User”: Anyone accessing the Website. 

- “Antique Buying Collective/We”: Antique Buying Collective, operated by The Antique Buying Collective Ltd. Company Registered Address: Avaland House, 110 London Road, Apsley, Hemel Hempstead, HP3 9SD.

- “Website”: antiquebuyingcollective.com and associated applications.

1. General Terms and Conditions

1.1 Updates to this Agreement
We may update these terms from time to time. By using our Services, you agree to review the Agreement each time to ensure you are familiar with the current version. We recommend keeping a copy of the Agreement for your records.

1.2 Scope of Agreement
This Agreement applies to individual consumers acting in a private capacity. It does not apply to businesses, charity shops, or other commercial or non-commercial entities.

1.3 Eligibility and Warranties
By using our Services, you confirm that:
1.3.1 You are legally capable of entering into binding contracts;
1.3.2 You are the legal owner of the items you send to us or have the legal owner’s permission to transfer them;
1.3.3 You are at least 18 years of age, or if under 18, have obtained consent from a parent or guardian;
1.3.4 You are resident in the United Kingdom; and
1.3.5 You are accessing our Website from within the United Kingdom.

1.4 Key Clauses to Note
Please pay particular attention to the following clauses:

• Clause 3 – Items we do not accept;
• Clause 4.1.2.7 – Our standard insurance coverage of £150 per Box while in our possession. If you require additional insurance, please contact us as set out in this clause.
• Clause 8 – Registered stolen, lost, or counterfeit items and crime prevention measures;
• Clause 9 – Anti-money laundering checks;
• Clause 13 – Limitations of liability.

1.5 Account Usage
Each person may only register one account. We reserve the right to immediately suspend or delete any duplicate or unauthorised accounts without notice. In such cases, we may cancel any outstanding offers to purchase items associated with those accounts and return your items as outlined in Clause 6.3.

1.6 Privacy Policy
Our Privacy Policy, available at https://www.antiquebuyingcollective.co.uk/privacy-policy, forms part of this Agreement. It explains how we collect, use, and store your personal data. By using our Website, you acknowledge and agree to our data practices as outlined in that policy.

1.7 Call Recording
Phone calls to and from us may be recorded for training and monitoring purposes. These recordings will be stored and handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

2. Acceptable Items
   2.1 We will evaluate items that fall within the categories specified in Schedule 2 ("Acceptable Categories").
   2.2 At our sole discretion, we may also evaluate items that do not fall within the Acceptable Categories. If such items are received, we may:
   (a) include them as part of the Box for evaluation; or
   (b) treat them separately from the Box and, if applicable:
   (i) return them to you; or
   (ii) handle them in accordance with clauses 3.

Acceptable Categories

We will Appraise Items which fall into the following categories (each an ‘Acceptable Category’ and together the ‘Acceptable Categories’):

1. Antiques;
2. Jewellery;
3. Costume jewellery;
4. Watches, & timepieces;
5. Medals & militaria;
6. Coins and currency;
7. Silver and silver plate;
8. Gold and gold plate;
9. Masonic regalia;
10. Writing instruments;
11. Smoking items;
12. Gemstones;
13. Vintage collectables;
14. Amber;
15. Pewter;
16. Brass.

 

3. Unacceptable Items

3.1 We do not appraise items listed in Schedule 3 (“Restricted Categories”).

3.2 Any Restricted Category item sent to us is excluded from insurance cover and will void insurance for the entire Box, even if other items in that Box fall within Acceptable Categories. We accept no liability for loss or damage to any Restricted Category item or to any other item contained in a Box that also includes a Restricted Category item.

3.3 We reserve the sole and absolute discretion to reject any submission that does not meet our minimum diversity and quality requirements.

Submissions must contain at least ten (10) qualifying items across a minimum of four (4) distinct and substantially different collectable categories.

For clarity, multiple identical or substantially similar items (including, without limitation, coins, silver-plated items, or other like items) will be counted as a single category and may be deemed insufficient in our sole discretion.

We further reserve the right to reject any submission that, in our judgment, lacks adequate variety, collectable merit, resale value, or overall suitability for our program, regardless of item count.

3.4 We reserve the right to reject any box that has a resale value of less than £10.00 or only contains modern coinage, foreign or domestic. 50p coins.

3.5 We reserve the right to reject any box that contains broken items, single items and items from our restricted categories. 

3.6 Any box found to violate the above points, we will have a return fee applied of £15.00. This can be changed at the discretion of ABC. 

3.7 You will be notified by email if your box is deemed to violate our Terms, as laid out in Section 3, and will be given 21 days to reply. Several attempts will be made to contact you via email and SMS. 

3.8 If no contact is made after 21 days and no payment of £15 is received, your box will be deemed as abandoned and fall in line with Section 6.

4. Sending Your Items to Us

4.1 You may send your Items by:

4.1.1 Post Office Drop-off
(a) Affix the pre-paid postage label from your Free Postage Pack to your Box.
(b) Record the tracking number (printed below the barcode) by taking a photo.
(c) Take the Box to a Post Office and obtain proof of postage.
(d) Claims for lost Boxes can only be made if you have the tracking number.

4.1.2 Home Collection
(a) Book a collection slot by telephone.
(b) A Royal Mail driver will collect your Box(es) and affix pre-paid postage labels if you don’t already have your own.
(c) Record the tracking number from the label(s).
(d) Restrictions apply: maximum weight 20kg; maximum size 1m³.
(e) Package Items securely; Items are appraised on an “as is” basis. Packaging guidance is available at ParcelForce Guidelines.
(f) Each Box is insured up to £150 while in our possession. Higher cover (up to £10,000) is available on request.
4.1.3 Pre-paid labels are provided for both methods. We will not reimburse alternative postage costs.
4.1.4 Lost Box claims must follow our complaints procedure (see clause 12).

4.2 We follow the Royal Mail insurance policy as laid out in the table below. If you require further insurance please contact ABC PRIOR to posting and ensure you have written agreement and acknowledgement.

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)

4.3 For all insurance claims evidence will be needed to submit the claim. This will be in the form of Photographs, proof of postage and evidence of the items in the box. Without this we cannot guarantee a claim will be successful.

4.4 ABC is not liable for any damage to items while in transit and the responsibility lies with you to ensure items are well packaged and secured in the box. 

4.5 We will record the condition of the box when it arrives at our shop, but if the box has been damaged we are unable to know if any items are missing. It is the responsibility of the sender to ensure the box arrives to us in one piece to the best of their ability. 

5. Appraisals and Offers

5.1 Upon receiving your Box, we will:
(a) record any visible external damage (see clause 4.1.2.6 – we accept no liability for damage occurring before or during postage);
(b) inspect the contents for visible damage; and
(c) appraise your Items within 14 days, then notify you of the result.

5.2 If we choose to make an Offer, it will remain valid for 28 days. If we cannot reach you by phone or you do not respond to our email or SMS within 7 days, we may send a letter requesting you contact us. This will be a very last resort. 

5.3 You are deemed to have accepted an Offer if, within 28 days, you confirm acceptance by phone, SMS, or email.

5.4 If you do not respond within 28  days, the Offer is deemed rejected and your Items will be returned in accordance with clause 6.

5.5 Acceptance of an Offer creates a binding contract for the purchase of all Items listed in that Offer (unless stated otherwise). Ownership passes to us on acceptance, and we will pay you the sum stated in the Offer.

5.6 Title passes only when a contract is concluded under clause 5.3 or the Items are deemed abandoned under clause 5.4.

5.7 Items are at our risk from the moment we accept delivery from the postage provider. We are not liable for damage during transit or for broken/damaged contents on arrival. Visible damage to the Box will be treated as evidence of in-transit damage.

5.8 If you reject our Offer by phone, SMS, or email, your Items will be returned in accordance with clause 6.

5.9 Payment will be made as set out in clause 9.

5.10 You have a right to cancel under clause 7; however, once you accept an Offer, cancellation rights lapse as goods are prepared for sale immediately. Acceptance is final.

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6. Rejection of Goods

6.1 We may reject any Item or Box at our sole discretion, without obligation to provide reasons.

6.2 If we reject Items before or after appraisal, we will notify you by email.

6.3 Rejected Items will be returned to your registered address at no cost to you unless rejected under clause 3.

6.4 Where a Box is rejected, it will be returned within 5–10 Business Days.

6.5 If returned Items are sent back to us after a failed delivery, we will attempt one further delivery and contact you. If unsuccessful, we will hold the Items for 30 days, after which they will be deemed abandoned and disposed of at our discretion.

6.6 If we receive a Box without sender details and no ownership is verified within 60 days, the Items will be deemed abandoned and disposed of at our discretion.

8. Stolen, Lost, or Counterfeit Items & Crime Prevention

8.1 If we reasonably believe any Item you send is lost, stolen or counterfeit, we will notify you by email and quarantine the Item while we contact the relevant authorities. If confirmed as stolen or counterfeit, it will be treated as a Restricted Item under clause 10.

8.2 If you have been paid for an Item and we later discover an ownership issue, you must reimburse us in full within three (3) Business Days of our written request, pending investigation by us or law enforcement.

8.3 We may set off any amounts owed to us under this or any other contract with you against sums we owe you, and will notify you in writing of any such set-off.

8.4 If we become aware of any ownership dispute, you agree to fully cooperate with us and any law enforcement authorities.

8.5 We may share your details with the police or other authorised bodies (including network operators and insurers) for the purposes of crime prevention, detection, prosecution, or recovery of stolen property.

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9. Money Laundering Checks

9.1 We comply with the Money Laundering Regulations 2017 and may require proof of identity and address.

9.2 To meet anti-money laundering and anti-terrorist financing obligations, we may require you to complete our “Know Your Customer” (KYC) process, which may include automatic checks and additional document verification.

9.3 Additional KYC may require evidence of:
(a) your identity;
(b) your proof of address; and
(c) the source of high-value Items.

9.4 Documents may be reviewed manually and/or via fraud detection software. We may request further documents depending on your circumstances.

9.5 Acceptable identity documents will be provided on request.

LIST A – IDENTITY DOCUMENT

9.5.1 Current signed passport;

9.5.2 Valid UK driving licence; or

9.5.3 EEA member state identity card.

LIST B – PROOF OF ADDRESS

9.5.4 UK/EU/EEA Driver's Licence (if UK Driver's Licence not used as ID) – Must be valid, not expired. Photo only. Full or provisional.

9.5.5 Bank, Building Society or Credit Union Statement – Dated with 3 months. Must include account number and show recent activity. No general correspondence.

9.5.6 Credit Card Statement – Dated within 3 months. Must include account number and show recent activity. No general correspondence.

9.5.7 UK, EU, EEA Mortgage statement – Dated within 12 months. Must show account number. No general correspondence.

9.5.8 Utility Bill – Dated within 6 months E.g. Gas, electricity, water. Must show address for service and/or account number. No general correspondence.

9.5.9 Telephone Bill – Dated within 6 months E.g. Landline or mobile pay monthly (excluding pay as you go). Must show address for service and/or account number. No general correspondence.

9.5.10 Tenancy Agreement – Dated with 12 months. Must state full name and full property address. Issued by local council, housing association, solicitor or reputable letting agent.

9.5.11 Home or Motor Insurance Certificate – Dated within 12 months. Must state insured address or registered address for vehicle and policy number. No general correspondence.

9.5.12 Council Tax – Dated within 12 months. Must show address for service and/or account number. No general correspondence.

9.5.13 Benefits Entitlement Letter – Dated within 12 months. Issued by DWP or Jobcentre plus. Must confirm benefit payable at time of issue. E.g. Pension, disability, single parent, housing etc.

9.5.14 HMRC Tax Notification – Dated with 6 months. Must state national insurance number and tax calculation. No general correspondence.

9.5.15 UK solicitors letter confirming house purchase/land registration – Dated with three months. Must state full name of new proprietor and full property address.

9.5.16 NHS Medical Card or letter from GP confirming registration – Dated within three months. Must state individual’s date of birth and NHS number. No general correspondence.

9.5.17 Official confirmation of Electoral Register entry or official poll card – Dated within 12 months. Must state full name and full address. No general correspondence.

9.5.18 Police Registration Certificate – Dated within 12 months. Must state the full residential address of the individual.

9.6 If we have any doubts at all about your identity, we will not continue to deal with you until we are completely satisfied of your identity and, if we have reason to, we will report you to the appropriate regulatory authorities.

9.7 We will apply further due diligence measures on you when:

9.7.1 A transaction takes places or is due to take place over £5,000;

9.7.2 There is a suspicion or high risk of money laundering;

9.7.3 There are doubts or suspicions about your identification.

9.7.4 If your circumstances change, or

9.7.5 If you are a politically exposed person.

10. Restrictions

10.1 You must not send us any item that is illegal to post, sell, or store, or that our chosen carrier is prohibited from handling. This includes (without limitation) counterfeit or stolen goods, firearms or other offensive weapons, hazardous chemicals, and any items listed as restricted on our postage partner’s website: ParcelForce Prohibitions & Restrictions.

10.2 Breaching clause 10.1 may constitute a criminal offence. We are legally prohibited from carrying or accepting for carriage items classified as “Dangerous Goods” or “Dangerous Substances” under applicable UK regulations, including the Packaging and Labelling of Dangerous Substances Regulations 1984, Classification and Labelling of Explosives Regulations 1983, Radioactive Material (Road Transport) (Great Britain) Regulations 1996, and the Carriage of Explosives by Road Regulations 1996. If we suspect a breach, we will report it to the relevant authorities without notice.

10.3 If you breach clause 10.1, we may dispose of, return, or deliver such items to the police without payment to you and without notice. We operate a zero-tolerance policy on stolen goods and will report all suspected stolen items to law enforcement.

10.4 You agree to indemnify us for any loss, damage, cost, or liability we incur as a result of your breach of clause 10.1, including any costs arising from our breach of statutory obligations caused by your unlawful item.

10.5 We, and our agents, do not take any liability to you for any loss, damage, or prosecution caused by your breach of clause 10.1.

10.6 Items may only be sent to us for the purpose of appraisal. We do not provide storage or other services, and we reserve the right to charge you for any costs incurred as a result of your breach of this clause.

11. Payments to Customers

11.1 Payments to Customers who enter into Contracts will be made only by bank transfer. Unless otherwise stated on the website or in direct communication from us, the payment will be made to the bank account details provided by you when accepting the Offer.

11.2 When you enter into a Contract with us, we will initiate payment by bank transfer within 48 hours of your acceptance of the Offer, using the account details you have supplied via telephone, message, or through our website. We do not make payments to third parties.

11.3 Bank transfers may take up to two business days to clear after authorisation. Please note that most banks do not process payments on weekends or bank holidays. If your payment has not arrived within the expected timeframe, please contact us.

11.4 We accept no liability for any delay, loss, or error in payment resulting from incorrect or incomplete bank details provided by you. It is your responsibility to ensure that all payment information is accurate.

11.5 All quoted payment timescales are estimates and may vary, particularly during busy periods or public holidays. We will not be liable for any losses you may suffer if payment is delayed for any reason beyond the stated timescales.

12. Liability

12.1 Claims for missing or damaged Items must be made within 28 days of posting to us or 10 days of receiving from us.
12.2 A valid postage receipt is required for claims.
12.3 We are only liable for foreseeable losses caused by our breach of contract.
12.4 We are not liable for delays outside our control, avoidable losses, business losses, or consequential losses.
12.5 We are not responsible for Boxes in transit; claims must be made against the courier.
12.6 Liability is excluded for restricted items.
12.7 Our total liability is limited to the amount set out in clause 10.

13. General Provisions

13.1 Governing Law: These Terms are governed by the laws of England and Wales.
13.2 Jurisdiction: The courts of England and Wales have exclusive jurisdiction.
13.3 Severability: If any provision is held invalid, the remaining provisions remain in full force.
13.4 Waiver: No waiver of any breach shall be deemed a waiver of any subsequent breach.
13.5 Notices: All notices must be in writing and delivered by email or recorded post to the addresses specified by each party.
13.6 Entire Agreement: These Terms constitute the entire agreement between the parties and supersede any prior communications.

Schedule 2 – Acceptable Categories

The following item categories are generally accepted for appraisal and potential purchase by Antique Buying Collective, subject to the conditions in these Terms:

1. Antique jewellery (gold, silver, platinum, gemstones), including rings, necklaces and bracelets in any condition. 
2. Vintage and antique watches.
3. Gold, silver, and other precious metal items, in any condition
4. Antique silverware and flatware, including silverplate.
5. Collectable coins and currency (subject to legality).
6. Vintage costume jewellery (signed or notable pieces)..
7. Antique and collectable militaria (non-prohibited).
8. Antique timepieces.
9. Vintage pens and writing instruments.
10. Medals and military memorabilia 
11. Masonic regalia
12. Cigarette cases, lighters and vestas
13. Brass, pewter and copper antique items
14. Antique camera’s, scientific equipment, binoculars and boxes.

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Schedule 3 – Restricted Categories

We do not accept, appraise, insure, or purchase any of the following:

1. Vintage and modern toys.
2. Modern Coinage including 50ps and £2 coins.
3. Any breakables including glassware, ceramics and porcelain.
4. Modern electric items including video game consoles, laptops, mobile phones and small electrical goods.
5. Modern clocks and timepieces.
6. Fabrics, handbags, purses or other such items of any age, including buttons and other haberdashery items.
7. Biro’s and plastic pens
8. Books and comics.
9. DVDs, CDs and VHS. 
10. Furniture of any age.
11. Firearms, ammunition, or other offensive weapons.
12. Items that are counterfeit, stolen, or suspected to be unlawfully obtained.
13. Hazardous materials or chemicals.
14. “Dangerous Goods” or “Dangerous Substances” under UK transport regulations.
15. Explosives, fireworks, or pyrotechnic materials.
16. Radioactive materials.
17. Drugs or controlled substances.
18. Perishable goods or items requiring specific storage conditions.
19. Live animals or animal products are prohibited under UK law.
20. Pornographic material or obscene items.
21. Items prohibited by our postal or courier partners (full list available at: ParcelForce Prohibitions & Restrictions).
22. Any item whose possession, sale, or transport is illegal under UK law.