It may not be a catchy name but the Auction House of Schokman and Samerawickreme has caught the attention of visitors as it’s a fascinating place to experience the thrill of an auction, and perhaps purchase an unusual souvenir of this country
Schokman and Samerawickreme was founded 126 years ago and is run by Navinda and Arjuna, grandsons of the original founder, Edwin de Alwis Samerawickreme, who started it with Mr Schokman, a Burgher planter from Hatton. It is the only auction house in South East Asia to possess the ISO 9001:2008 System certificate for Auctioning, Valuing and Real Estate brokering.
Visitors are welcome at their auctions, whether held in the company’s Colombo showroom, in hill country bungalows or in hotels disposing of surplus furniture. The two auctioneer brothers have a technique that embraces eager bidders. I noticed that people who came with money to buy and were out-bid, stayed on to the end, anxious to buy something so as not to go home empty-handed.
Bidding is well orchestrated. On payment of an entrance fee, a card with a number is issued to every potential bidder registering their name and address. The bidder simply has to raise the card to make a bid. Woe betide bidders who hesitate, as once a lot is sold, that’s it; there is no second chance.
To be a successful bidder, it is best to arrive early, before the crowd, so there is not much competition. The atmosphere at the auctions is relaxed; when there is competition between bidders it is affable and strangers are soon talking to one another about the lots, happy at the bargains they have secured or amazed at high prices other people are prepared to pay.
Unlike auctions in the UK, there is no buyer’s premium so the price you bid is the price you pay, although the auctioneers charge the seller an agreed commission. For both buyer and seller, Schokman and Samerawickreme Ltd provide a transparent, efficient and exciting way to buy and sell.
Navinda told me, “We treasure the trust placed in us. Our unwavering commitment is to deliver quality and value to our customers.” I’ll bid on that.
Schokman & Samerawickreme, 63 Isipathana Mawatha, Colombo 5; www.sandslanka.com
