Online estate auctions are a great way to find unique items that may not be available in your local area. There are many great finds for bargain hunters and collectors alike. At Rare Auctions & Estates we ship every item directly to your door for a low flat rate.
Why do I have to register?
Just like an in person auctions, websites like eBay or anything you buy online we need a bit of personal details so we can ship out any items you win.
Why do I have to provide a credit card to bid?
Due to fraud and online scammers we need to make sure you are a real person. The $1 charge to your card is simply for verification you are a real person. It is refunded to you regardless of if you participate in the auction or not. If you’d like to register, but do not feel comfortable providing a credit card you can always Contact Us before the auction. With some additional verification questions, we can add you as a cash bidder.
How do I bid?
Simply register click the register button and follow the instructions. You will receive a confirmation email when you are approved. Navigate to the item you like, click on the picture and use the drop down menu to place a bid. If you place a bid higher than the current bid our system will place bids for you automatically up to your maximum bid!
Am I charged for every bid I place?
Absolutely not. You are only charged if your bid is the highest. Registering, viewing and placing bids is completely free. There are no extra fees or costs for simply placing a bid.
What is “Buyers Premium”?
Buyers Premium is a percentage added to the winning bid. It helps us cover costs of running the auction, being able to provide low-cost shipping and to pay our staff. Most auction houses charge 20-25%. For most of our auctions the premium is much lower. Especially if you bid direct on our secure website.
When is an auction over?
Each auction has a specified end time and date. Our auctions run on our website, BidSpirit, HiBid, and Live Auctioneers. Our bidding software combines all of these platforms into one soft-close. This is completely automated. We do not call bids. If you have a bid higher than the current bid the platform will automatically bid for you. Even if you are not online during the close. It is very similar to sites like eBay.
How will I know I won?
The platform you bid on will display if you won at the conclusion of the entire auction. If your total wins are less than $1500 your card will be charged within 48 hours of auction close. If your wins are over $1500 you will receive an invoice from us with instructions on how to pay.
How does shipping work?
Our flat rate shipping cost is added to your invoice. No need to pay two separate bills. We ship every item within 72 hours of payment. Typically, you will receive your items within 3-5 business days. All items are fully insured against damage and loss.
We thank you for choosing to bid with our family at Rare Auctions & Estates. Please be sure to review the Terms and Conditions of each auction for specific details. If you have any additional questions or concerns, please reach out to us anytime on the Contact Us link.