I have not used their online bidding system as yet since a 100% reliable internet connection at your end is an absolute must.
Instead, if I can't be there in person (and nowadays I rarely bother to attend the actual auction - too distressing to see who beats you!), I leave a 'commission' bid.
The advantage of this is that you never bid more than you work out you can afford in the cold light of the viewing day. So far I have never lost a lot that has gone for my bid or less and although a surprising number go for exactly my maximum bid (!) Holts have never let me down on bidding this way.
The few times I have been involved in some way with a telephone bid from the USA, the line has been horrible and I have been terrified of losing the connection or misunderstanding the bidder's wishes.
I know that some US customers have been disatisfied with 'commission' bids but they work for me.
Best of luck (as long as you aren't after the same stuff as me!)
