Live auctions rivalling Vinted and eBay launch in Wiltshire

RWB Auctions typically holds specialist online auctions with expensive collector's items for buyers with niche interests, but the High Street auction house says it's now turning its attention to the general public.

The new Royal Wootton Bassett auctions will be a place where any member of the public can turn up to bid on antiques, jewellery, homeware and more, starting from just a fiver.

Organisers say they hope the thrill of a live public auction 'just like the olden days' will be an alternative to sites such as eBay or Vinted which cost time and postage money.

RWB Auctions is set to become a bustling place where everyone can get involved (Image: Dave Cox)

“We often meet people who want to sell their items fast and it’s a choice between consigning them to auction or dropping them at a charity shop," said Steve Bucknell, general manager at RWB Auctions.

“That’s where our new offline auctions come in.

"There is minimal waiting time, unlike with our specialist online sales which can take months to prepare, and you can expect to have cash in your pocket or donated to a local charity within two weeks.

"There’s no waiting around or trips to the Post Office, unlike with sites such as eBay.

“We’re keeping the process fast and exciting by only allowing bidding in the room, just like an old-fashioned auction, and doing away with reserves.

"We expect most items to sell for £50 or less but the bidding could go higher than that. Buyers will be able to take their new treasures home the same day.”

Steve Bucknell and Will Walter with some of the lots ready for September's charity auctions (Image: RWB Auctions)

The in-person public auctions will be held fortnightly on Wednesday mornings (starting between 9 and 10am) at RWB Auctions on Royal Wootton Bassett's High Street, and the first auction will kick off on Wednesday, September 11.

Sellers can also choose to donate their earnings to five charitable partners with the total raised divided and donated between those partners once a quarter.

This year, the five charities being supported by the public auctions are The Richard Jones Foundation, Julia's House, The Prospect Hospice, SSAFA and Stripey Stork.

“We have great relationships with local traders and bargain hunters so we’re confident we can get people great prices for their unwanted items while also fund-raising for charitable causes," added founder of the auction house, Jon White.

"We know that the energy in an auction room can be electric."