Buying Guide
How to Buy at Auction
Whether this is your first auction or your hundredth, here is everything you need to know about buying with Ageless Auctions.
Before the Auction
Every auction begins with a catalog preview period. During this time, you can browse available lots with titles, descriptions, photographs, and pre-sale estimates. We recommend taking the time to read through the catalog carefully and identifying the lots that interest you before bidding opens.
To participate, you will need to create a free account on our auction platform. Registration takes just a few minutes and requires a valid email address and payment method on file. We recommend registering at least 24 hours before the auction to ensure your account is approved and ready.
If you have questions about a specific lot, reach out to us before the sale. We no longer provide in person previews. However, we are happy to provide additional information, photographs, when available.
How Bidding Works
Our auctions are conducted online with timed bidding. Each lot has a countdown timer, and bids can be placed at any time during the open bidding period. If a bid is placed in the final minutes, the timer extends to give other bidders a chance to respond — this is sometimes called “soft close” or “extended bidding.”
You can place a maximum bid (also called a proxy bid) and the system will bid on your behalf up to that amount, increasing your bid only as needed to stay ahead. You can also place absentee bids in advance if you are unable to watch the auction live.
All bids are binding. Once you place a bid, you are committing to purchase the item at that price if no higher bid is received. Please bid carefully and only on items you intend to buy.
After You Win
Winning bidders receive an invoice by email within 24 hours of the auction closing. The invoice will include the hammer price for each lot, the buyer’s premium, applicable sales tax, and any shipping or handling fees.
Please review your invoice carefully and contact us promptly if you have any questions. Payment is due within five business days of receiving your invoice unless other arrangements have been made in advance.
Payment & Shipping
We accept payment by credit card, debit card, bank transfer, and other methods as noted on your invoice. All transactions are processed securely through our auction platform.
Most items can be shipped anywhere in the continental United States. Shipping costs vary by size, weight, and destination, and will be quoted on your invoice. Fragile items such as art glass and ceramics are professionally packed to ensure safe delivery. Large items such as furniture may require white-glove or freight shipping at additional cost.
Local pickup is available by appointment at the location listed on your invoice. We will coordinate a convenient pickup window once payment has been received.
Tips for New Bidders
Set a budget before you bid. It is easy to get caught up in the excitement. Decide on your maximum price for each lot ahead of time and stick to it.
Read the condition notes. Auction items are sold as described. We do our best to document every imperfection, but photographs and descriptions are your best tools for evaluating a lot.
Understand the buyer’s premium. A percentage is added on top of the hammer price. This is standard practice across the auction industry. The premium rate is published in our conditions of sale.
Ask questions early. If something is unclear about a lot, contact us before the auction closes. We are always happy to help.
Ready to Start Bidding?
Browse our current catalog or get in touch if you have questions about an upcoming sale.
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