Participation
We offer several ways to participate in our auctions, whether you are bidding "by the clock", making an offer or submitting a pre-auction offer - from the United States or from anywhere in the world.

Absentee bids are also accepted by filling out a form, or by telephone, fax, or email prior to the auction.

Be a Smart Bidder

The Preview
All previews and auctions are open to the public and to dealers at no charge. Go to the Home Page for times and locations of upcoming auctions and submit your email address for updates and alerts to new auctions.

If you have not previewed an auction, we still will be able to answer questions during the auction by email, telephone, or fax - in some circumstances, but please do not rely on the timeliness of our response. Once an item is sold, it is sold.

What to Expect Step by Step

1. Attend the preview. If we have your valid email address we will notify you of each upcoming auction or special auctions, usually about a week in advance. This is the best time to email or phone us about specific conditions or additional photos or information. Once the auction begins there may be others poised to "Buy Now" or "Make Offer"
2. When the auction begins each item's Countdown Timer for that particular auction will commence.
3. Items may have a reserve (a preset lowest price determined by the item owner). When the reserve price is reached, the timers will automatically reset to the "Opening Price" and countdown again. If you view a particular item on one day and come back to the site and the price is higher, the reserve had been met and the timer had reset.
4. The auction proceeds until the time allotted expires for that auction.
5. The "Make Offer" button can be used at any time to make an offer, whether during a preshowing, during an auction or after the auction is over (if the item is still shown on the auction page). Making an offer does not guarantee you will get the item. The best way to purchase an item is by using the "Buy Now" button.
6. When you press the "Buy Now" button, it will take you to our Google, PayPal or other shopping cart for processing your purchase. These transactions are super secure and only Google or PayPal will have your credit card numbers, though we will receive your name and address for our records. When your purchase is processed successfully, you, us and our server is notified of your successful transaction and a "Sold" indicator will show up on the item photo in the auction. Both you and us will receive confirmation emails. All sales are final. There are no refunds, returns or exchanges.

Hammer Price and Price Realized
The "hammer price" is the winning bid amount. A "buyer's premium" and Massachusetts sales tax (if applicable) are then added to the hammer price. The hammer price plus the buyer's premium is known as the "price realized."

Buyer's Premium
We charge a buyer's premium of 4%.

Massachusetts Sales Tax
Massachusetts 6.25% sales tax is due on all purchases picked up from the location of the item or shipped via an agent. Buyers holding a valid U.S.-issued resale certificate are exempt from tax provided all the necessary paperwork is current and on file with us.

Bidders' Frequently Asked Questions

Where does the Antique Auction Store have its antiques?
The Antique Auction Store holds much of the merchandise in the Boston, MA area. Most items will show the zip code of the item location (generally within a few miles) on the "More Info" page.

Can anyone participate in an auction?
There is no charge, and everyone is welcome.

Is buying at auction affordable?
Buying at auction is more affordable than you might think and provides an opportunity to purchase quality items at competitive prices. The idea of a "bargain" also changes as expertise grows. Higher-priced items often prove to be excellent investments based on their period, style, provenance, and/or rarity.

Are condition reports available?
If you cannot view the item firsthand, we can answer specific queries on any item via email or phone. Our condition report may include details such as measurements and descriptions of damage or repairs.

What is a reserve?
A reserve agreement is a contract between the auction house and the seller, setting a minimum price at which an item can sell. Most property is offered with a reserve at our discretion.

What happens if the reserve price is not reached on an item?
The timer will "pass" or reset the price on the item and start counting down from the Opening Price until auction end. Note that the reserve price may go up or down during any given auction.

What is the Opening Price?
We estimate the Opening Price is based on what comparable items have sold for in the past. This price estimate is not a guarantee, but provides the buyer with an expected value for potential purchase.

Do we provide storage for the objects bought on the auction?
We request removal of purchased property within three business days. The buyer is responsible for transportation costs. Please see "Conditions of Sale" at the top of each page. If for some reason you have a problem meeting this time, please eamil us for your alternate plans.

How do I ship items that I purchase at auction to a desired location?
Items are paid for immediately via the website auction buttons and arranged to be picked up from the auction site within three business days. If you are unable to pick up purchased items within this time period, please email us for availability for pick-up. Shipping is the responsibility of the purchaser. Detailed information on options for shipping can be found on the Payment/Shipping tab at the top of each page.