Two teams on BBC's Bargain Hunt have endured significant financial losses after their expert-chosen Bonus Buys failed to attract buyers at auction. In a 2021 episode, the Red team—Nick and Tena—lost £121 overall after their purchases, including a Whitby Jet memorial brooch, sold for less than they paid. The brooch, estimated at £30-50, fetched just £25, prompting expert Natasha Raskin Sharp to console the visibly shocked pair.
In another episode, the Blue team—Dave and Tina—relied on expert Mark Stacey for their Bonus Buy, a plique-a-jour enamel bowl purchased for £100. Despite Stacey's initial confidence, auctioneer Winterton announced there were no bids, and the bowl eventually sold for only £20 after a bidder shouted 'No!' to a £20 starting price. The team ended the day with a £120 deficit.
These losses are not uncommon on the show, where contestants typically see their purchases depreciate in value. While some episodes yield modest profits, substantial gains remain rare. The programme, which airs weekday afternoons, sees two teams competing to buy antiques and sell them at auction for a profit, with experts guiding their Bonus Buys using leftover funds.
