Auctions / Bidding

How do your auctions work?

Our auctions begin as soon as they are posted on our website. Clients can bid with us directly online or via phone, fax, mail and email from the time the auction starts until the stated auction end date. More detailed information about bidding in our auctions can be found in our Auction Instructions.

Do I need to register to place a bid?

The first time you bid with us, we will need to receive a current address (non P.O. Box), contact phone number, and a fax or email in order to send auction confirmations, invoices, and communications. Once we have this information, and have done business with you, you need only leave us a message with the lots and amounts you are bidding to participate in our auctions. We do not assign bidder numbers to our customers.

How do I know how my bid is doing?

Please refer to the My Account page to check the status of your bids.

Should I wait until the last day to bid?

In the event of a tie bid, the first person who bids secures the item; for that reason and to avoid forgetting about the auction, we advise clients to place bids early. Clients can use the Max Bid functionality to respond to bidding activity; in this scenario, the system will only bid in increments according to other clients' bids.

What is the best way to place a bid?

Whatever is most convenient for you is the best way to place a bid. We accept bids 24 hours a day via phone, fax, and email. Most clients bid directly through our website.

How do I know if I won?

Within 48 hours of the end of our auction, we will notify all winning bidders of their auction wins and amounts. At that time, we will calculate the full amount, including premium, applicable taxes, and shipping charges.

Do you do private sales?

We do many private sales, often purchasing pieces specifically for our clients. Please contact us directly if there is a specific item you're looking for.

Consignments

Do you accept consignments?

We accept a wide range of consignment pieces for our auction. If you have a piece you are considering consigning, please visit our Consign Page or contact us at Auction@NateDSanders.com

What happens after submit my item?

Our experts will begin our review process. We'll reach out to you if we need more information, and provide an estimate within 3 business days

Is it free to request an estimate online?

Absolutely! Feel free to send us photos and a description of your item(s) either through our online form or by emailing us at Auction@NateDSanders.com, and we will provide you with an estimated value, with no obligation to sell with us.

May I request an estimate if I'm not ready to sell my item?

Sure thing! When you are ready, don't hesitate to reach out.

How are estimates determined?

Our estimates are based on our years of experience buying and selling and are based on current market trends. We thoroughly research the item and recent sale prices of comparable pieces in order to determine a fair estimate.

What are the consignment terms?

At Nate D. Sanders, each consignment receives individual attention from our specialists, from cataloguing your property to reaching our global community of buyers. Our consignment terms and fees are transparent and include commission, damage and liability fees, marketing, and other promotional costs. We are committed to working closely with you to ensure a successful sale and delighted to answer any questions you may have throughout the consignment process.

If you have submitted an item and have questions about your consignment terms, you can contact our specialists ussing our message function on the seller portal.

When will I receive the proceeds for the sale of my item?

We issue payment by check no later than forty five (45) business days after an auction has ended, provided the buyer has paid.

What happens if my item doesn't sell?

If an item doesn't sell at auction, we offer several different options for next steps. You have the option of re-listing the item with a lower reserve, or of having the item returned to you.

Other

Have a question we haven't answered?

Please don't hesitate to contact us for any questions we haven't yet answered for you here!