Q: What is an auction?

A: An auction is a public sale either online or on location where items are sold to the highest bidder.

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Q: How does the auction process work?

A: The auction process typically begins with an item being presented for sale, followed by interested bidders offering increasingly higher bids until the highest bidder is determined and the item is sold.

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Q: How do I register to bid at an auction?

A: To register to bid at a live auction, you will need to provide identification and a deposit or proof of financing/credit card etc. This is to ensure that you are a serious bidder and can afford to pay for any items you win. For online auctions you can register online prior to the auction and completing the required information and provide payment details.

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Q: Can I bid online?

A: Yes, most of our auctions are online through our partnership with HiBid.

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Q: What forms of payment are accepted at auctions?

A: Payment options vary by auction type. For live auctions we accept cash, credit cards, and checks. For online personal property auctions, payment must be made by credit card. Real estate auctions require a deposit upon winning bid and may allow financing or other terms upon settlement.

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Q: What happens if I win an item at auction?

A: If you win an item at auction, you will be required to pay for the item and arrange for its pickup or delivery.

 

Q: Can I inspect the items before the auction?

A: Yes, in most cases we offer preview days where you can inspect the items up for auction. Each auction will post preview days, time and location on the auction page.

 

Q: What types of items are typically sold at auctions?

A: Auctions can sell a wide range of items, including antiques, artwork, furniture, collectibles, jewelry, real estate, and vehicles.

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Q: What are the fees associated with buying at an auction?

A: Auction companies charge a buyer's premium, which is a percentage of the final bid price. There may also be additional fees for shipping, handling, or storage. Please refer to the terms and conditions for each auction to see the buyer's premium and any other related fees where applicable.

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Q: How do I sell items through an auction?

A: To sell items through an auction, you will need to contact us and provide information about the items you wish to sell. The auction company will then provide you with information about the auction process and the fees associated with selling your items. You can also refer to our Seller Page for more details.

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Q: What is a reserve price?

A: A reserve price is the minimum price that a seller is willing to accept for an item. If the bidding does not reach the reserve price, the item may be withdrawn from the auction.

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Q: What is an absentee bid?

A: An absentee bid is a bid placed in advance of the auction by someone who cannot attend in person. The bidder provides their maximum bid, and the auctioneer bids on their behalf during the auction.

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Q: What is a live auction?

A: A live auction is an auction where the bidding takes place in person, typically with an auctioneer calling out bids and accepting bids from the audience.

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Q: What is a silent auction?

A: A silent auction is an auction where bids are submitted in writing, typically on a bid sheet placed next to the item being sold.

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Q: What is a reserve auction?

A: A reserve auction is an auction where the seller sets a reserve price for the item being sold. If the bidding does not reach the reserve price, the item may be withdrawn from the auction.

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Q: What is an absolute auction?

A: An absolute auction is an auction where the item being sold is sold to the highest bidder, with no reserve price set by the seller.

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Q: What is a buyer's premium?

A: A buyer's premium is a fee charged by the auction company to the buyer, typically a percentage of the final bid price.

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Q: Can I sell my items at auction without a reserve price?

A: Yes, you can sell your items at auction without a reserve price by setting an absolute auction.

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Q: What happens if I bid on an item by mistake?

A: If you bid on an item by mistake, you should notify the auctioneer immediately. In some cases, the bid may be retracted.