1. How do I bid on items?

To bid, you first need to register. You may attend the sale, bid by absentee, bid by telephone (subject to staff availability), and online (for most auctions). For details, see the "How to Bid" page by selecting it from the menu (left) or by clicking here.

2. Will I be able to understand the auctioneer?

Many shy away from auctions because they fear that they will not be able to know how much they are bidding. Our style of bid-calling is more suitable to a wide audience who may or may not be accustomed to buying at auction. The auctioneer will generally begin calling for bids at the lowest price for which the item may be sold.

3. Are items sold without reserve?

Our auctions are reserve auctions. Reserves are the price below which we cannot sell an item. In most cases, the reserve will be ½ of the lower estimate. However, for low value items, reserves may be much lower, and some items may be subject to a higher reserve. In any case, reserves are never higher than the lower estimate.

4. How do you arrive at estimates?

Estimates reflect a professional opinion as to the price at which a lot will be knocked down at auction. A bid placed within the estimate range has, in our opinion, a reasonable chance of success. Retail prices are typically much higher than auction estimates, and thus, estimates do not reflect any sort of retail value. Estimates are arrived at by searching auction sales records for similar or identical items which have sold in an auction setting.

5. When is payment due and how may I pay?

Payment is due immediately following the auction. Floor bidders are required to pay for lots before they leave. For absentee, online, or phone bidders, an invoice will be sent and payment is due within 5 days. Payment may be made by cash, cashier’s check, bank wire, credit card, or debit card.  Personal checks must clear our bank before property is released to the buyer.

6. Can my items be shipped, and how long does delivery take?

We will ship items to buyers upon payment for the lots and the shipping fees. Shipping is at the buyer’s risk though we will purchase insurance on your behalf from the shipper up to the sale price of the item or the maximum allowable by the shipper.   To fully insure shipments, we suggest contacting a third party shipper such as Mail Boxes Etc. to collect and ship your items to you.  Bulk lots such as "shelf-lots" of books are pick-up only.  Shipping is via UPS or FedEx only.

7. Can I return items?

Items are sold “As Is” and “Where Is” and sold not subject to return. Items are available for inspection prior to the auction, and bidders are encouraged to inspect items prior to bidding. Descriptions for items, in print or online, are offered as a courtesy to bidders but should not be viewed as a substitute for physical inspection.