Frequently Asked Questions

Website FAQ’s

Question: I have assets that I need to liquidate. How do I start the process of an auction?

Answer: The first step is to call or email us. We will make an appointment to meet with you. At the initial consultation we will make an evaluation of the assets you want to sell, discuss your goals for the auction, what format we believe will be the most advantageous for your situation, and discuss commission rates and terms of an auction contract. There is no pressure to sign a contract at the initial consultation. If you decide to accept the contract terms and sign a contract with us, our team will begin itemizing and photographing the items and uploading all the information to our website. At this point we begin advertising and marketing your auction through various print and digital mediums. Whether the auction is online only or simulcast, bidding on your items can commence as soon as they are uploaded to our online bidding platform. In either format the auction will have a closing date with settlement to you soon after the auction closes.

Question: What do “absolute” and “reserve” mean at an auction?

Answer: “Absolute” means that the item will sell to the highest bidder regardless of price. “With Reserve” means that the seller will require a minimum bid for a sales transaction to be completed. Every auction should be assumed to be “with reserve” unless it is expressly announced or advertised to be “absolute”.

Question: Can I put a reserve price on the items I submit for an auction?

Answer: We do not accept reserves on items with a reasonable estimated value of less than $100. For higher value assets we do allow the seller to set a reserve price. However, items often achieve a higher price if bidders have full confidence that the item will indeed sell to the highest bidder.

Question: I’ve never participated in an auction before. How can I bid at your auction?

Answer: We offer several easy options for you to participate in our auctions. Our online bidding platform is built for your mobile device. Download our app and follow the instructions for registration. You will be able to submit a maximum bid and receive instant notification if you have been outbid. If the auction is simulcast, we would love to have you attend our event in person but you still have the convenience of staying at home and bidding online while listening to live audio of the auction. Be advised that once an item goes live for sale in a simulcast auction, the bidding pace may be quicker than an online only auction. If technology is not your thing but you can’t make it to the live event, you are welcome to leave an absentee bid with any of our qualified staff members.

Question: Do items that I buy at auction come with any guarantee or warranty?

Answer: We do not offer guarantees or warranties of condition, working order, or usefulness on anything we sell. We do our best to represent the items to the best of our knowledge and assessment, but the buyer is responsible for due diligence and inspection of the items they wish to bid on. There may be occasions where items will sell with a conveying warranty or partial warranty from the manufacturer or collectible or historical items that sell with official provenance documentation. In which case we announce these exceptions and the limits thereof.

Question: If I bid and buy something through the online bidding platform, will it be shipped to me?

Answer: In most cases we will ask you to pick up the items you have won and will provide you with dates and times to pick up your items. Each auction will have its own terms and conditions, including shipping and pick-up arrangements. Please check the details for the specific auction you wish to participate in before you bid and purchase.