Hi,
Hoping someone form the USA has had experience bidding at auction in the UK from the USA and could tell me what is entailed and costs associated in getting the item shipped to the USA (importation?)

m4220

I don't know about US importation, but,

Be careful if you're not one of the "old boys" in the loop.
Auction houses here will screw you at the drop of a hat.
Make SURE you know what you are trying to buy, and what happens if you are not happy with your purchase.
Good stuff can be found, but it also can be a minefield.

Your question is too open ended to give an accurate reply.

A lot will depend on what you want to buy (in the UK or elsewhere) and import into the USA and also who (if anyone) you have act as your agent at the auction.

I'd slightly disagree with the answer that 'The Specialist' gave. Auction houses offer goods at auction and it's not their business to offer guarantees etc. (pretty much) All auctions are on the basis of 'buyer beware' and a lot depends on your having a good, honest reliable agent, who knows his business but of course, his services will cost you extra. - He is right however, in saying you can be 'caught' when you buy something at auction. - But that's more about you're buying a duff item or paying too much for something........ which goes back to your makinng sure you use a good agent who in honest and knows what he's doing.