As an auctioneer, I sell on many occasions ‘subject to owner’s consent’, where the offer is short of the reserve price.
This gives an opportunity for both sides to ‘make a deal’, but that object cannot be offered elsewhere and the transaction must be completed within 48 hours.
It is not unusual in the sale of classic cars – where two minds do not quite meet as to value – for a sale to be ‘provisional’.
I see no problems provided that all parties including the auctioneer understands the very simple system.
However, to keep a possible buyer hanging on for months is totally unacceptable.
Barry L Hawkins
Downham Market
