Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Auctions But Didn’t Know To Ask
Questions About Auctions
-
A live auction happens in real-time, either in person or online, with an auctioneer leading the bidding item by item. A timed auction has a set start and end time, and bidding takes place online at your convenience, with the highest bid when time runs out winning the item. Both offer unique ways to find treasures with us.
-
At Vintage Accents Auctions, you can bid on a wide range of items that cater to various interests and collectors. Our auctions typically feature:
Fine Art: Including paintings, sculptures, and prints from various time periods and styles.
Antiques: A broad selection of items such as furniture, decorative arts, and rare collectibles from different eras and origins.
Jewelry and Watches: High-quality pieces ranging from antique to contemporary fine jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and luxury watches.
Collectibles: This can include coins, stamps, toys, sports memorabilia, and other niche items that attract specific collectors.
Marine and Nautical Artifacts: Items with maritime history, including ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime paintings.
Books and Ephemera: Rare books, manuscripts, maps, and historical documents.
Oriental Rugs and Textiles: A selection of hand-knotted rugs and textiles from around the world.
Silver and Glass: Fine silverware and glassware, including serving pieces, silver flatware sets, and decorative glass items.
Asian Arts: Works including ceramics, sculptures, and paintings from various Asian cultures.
Photography and Modern Design: Vintage and contemporary photographs, along with modern furniture and design objects.
Pottery and Porcelain: A variety of ceramic and porcelain pieces, from everyday items to decorative and collectible works.
These auctions provide an exciting opportunity for collectors, dealers, and enthusiasts to add unique and valuable items to their collections. Each auction is unique, so it is advisable to review the specific auction catalog available prior to the event.
-
When attending a country auction in person, you can preview the items on the same day as the sale. Doors open a few hours early to give you time to browse and bid with confidence. Check the Auction Calendar for details.
-
You can register for phone or absentee bids for all auctions other than timed auctions.
-
For timed auctions, setting your maximum bid early and actively monitoring the auction as it nears closing can improve your chances of winning. This allows you to adjust your strategy based on other bidders' activity.
For online auctions, participating live gives you the best opportunity to respond instantly and secure the items you want.
For country auctions, attending in person is the most effective way to bid in real time, with phone bidding as a strong alternative. If you choose absentee bidding, you won’t be able to respond during the auction, but selecting the “plus one” option can help increase your chances of winning.
-
For in-person gallery auctions, you can register at the event by arriving early to sign up and receive your bidder number. Our registration process is quick and easy.
-
For telephone bidding, you’ll need to pre-register by contacting Vintage Accents ahead of the auction. Provide your contact information, the lot numbers you're interested in, and confirm your payment method. During the auction, a representative will call you to relay the bidding in real time.
For absentee bidding, you must submit your maximum bid at least 24 hours before the auction begins. This can be done through our contact form or by contacting our team by phone. You'll also need to provide payment information and confirm the lot numbers you're bidding on. The auctioneer will bid on your behalf up to your set maximum during the live auction.
-
In absentee bidding, "plus one" means that the auction house will automatically increase your bid by one additional increment if another bidder matches your maximum bid. This gives you a slight advantage and increases your chances of winning in competitive bidding situations.
-
When identical absentee bids are submitted, Vintage Accents gives priority to the bid that was received first. This ensures fairness and transparency in the bidding process. If you’re concerned about competition, consider using the "plus one" option to increase your chances of winning.
-
Winning bidders are notified via email shortly after the auction ends. The notification will include details about the items won, the final bid amounts, and instructions for payment and item pickup or shipping. If you don’t receive an email, you can always check your account on our website or app for updates.
Questions About Payments
-
Congratulations on your win! Vintage Accents accepts various forms of payment, including credit and debit cards, checks, and wire transfers. Specific details on accepted payment methods will be provided in your invoice email. Be sure to review the instructions and contact us if you have any questions!
-
The "hammer price" is the final bid amount accepted by the auctioneer when the gavel falls (or the auction ends in a timed auction). It does not include additional fees such as the buyer's premium, taxes, or shipping costs, which are added to the hammer price to calculate the total amount owed.
-
When you win an item at Vintage Accents Auctions, you can expect to pay the following in addition to the hammer price:
1. Buyer’s Premium: A percentage of the hammer price added to your total. This fee is listed in the auction terms.
2. Sales Tax: Applicable based on your location, unless you provide a valid resale certificate.
3. Shipping and Handling Fees: If you need your items shipped, these costs will depend on the size, weight, and destination of your purchase.
All applicable fees and taxes will be detailed in your invoice after the auction. If you have questions, our team is happy to assist!
-
A buyer’s premium is a custommary fee charged by auction houses. This fee is typically a percentage of the final hammer price and is paid by the buyer as part of the total cost for the item.
The buyer’s premium helps cover the auction house's operational costs, such as staffing, facilities, catalog production, and marketing. Rates vary between auction houses and may differ based on the sale format (e.g., live, online) or the item’s value. Always check the conditions of sale to understand the specific buyer’s premium rate.
-
The buyer's premium at Vintage Accents Auctions is 18% for in-person auctions and 20% for online auctions. This percentage is added to the hammer price to determine your total cost. Be sure to factor this into your bidding strategy!
-
For Vintage Accents auctions, sales tax is determined based on the shipping address of the buyer. If you don’t live in Maine, the applicable sales tax rate for your state will be applied, provided the item is being shipped to you. If you’re picking up your purchase in Maine, Maine's state sales tax rate will apply.
If you have a valid resale certificate, you can provide it to us before the auction or during registration to avoid being charged sales tax. Be sure to reach out with any questions or for assistance in submitting your resale certificate.
-
At Vintage Accents Auctions, all sales are final, and returns are not accepted.
Questions About Pick Up and Shipping
-
At Vintage Accents Auctions, you can take possession of your purchased items after full payment has been received and processed. Once payment is confirmed, you have two options:
1. Shipping: If you require shipping assistance, please contact us via our website.
2. Local Pickup: If you live locally and would like to pick up your auction item, please call 207-354-8141 to schedule an appointment.
All items must be picked up from the auction facility within 30 days of the sale unless prior arrangements have been made. For items unclaimed after 30 days, storage fees may apply.
-
Yes, we provide a range of shipping options tailored to the variety of items sold at our live auctions. However, items containing mercury or other hazardous materials cannot be shipped through standard methods. These must either be picked up in person or shipped through a specialized service.
After your purchase, we’ll work with you to determine the best shipping solution based on your item and preferences. For standard-sized items that aren’t too fragile, we typically use regular shipping methods, which are more budget-friendly. For items that are valuable, fragile, oversized, or uniquely shaped, we partner with specialized third-party shippers. These professionals ensure your items are handled and delivered with the utmost care, although this option can be more expensive.
Keep in mind the cost of shipping when planning your bidding strategy and budget. If you have questions or need a shipping estimate for a specific item, feel free to contact our shipping department before the auction.
We’re here to provide clear and flexible shipping options that suit your needs and ensure your purchases arrive safely.
-
FAQ: Are There Any Additional Costs or Responsibilities for International Buyers?
Yes, international buyers may incur additional costs and responsibilities when purchasing items. Here are the key factors to consider:
1. Customs Duties and Taxes:
Depending on your country, you may need to pay import duties, VAT, or other taxes upon receiving your items. These charges are determined by your local customs authority and are the buyer’s responsibility.
2. Shipping Costs:
International shipping can be more expensive than domestic shipping, especially for large, fragile, or valuable items. We work with reliable shipping partners to ensure safe delivery, but costs will vary based on the destination and item specifics.
3. Customs Clearance:
It’s the buyer’s responsibility to ensure that the purchased items comply with the import regulations of their country. Certain items, like those containing hazardous materials or restricted substances, may face shipping limitations or require special arrangements.
4. Delays in Transit:
International shipments may take longer due to customs processing or other logistical factors.
We recommend contacting our shipping department prior to bidding for guidance on international shipping costs and any restrictions that may apply to the items you’re interested in. Understanding these responsibilities will help you plan your purchases with confidence.
-
Shipping charges are determined by the item’s size, weight, destination, and shipping method. These rates are determined by the shipper, not Vintage Accents. It's important to consider the cost of shipping prior to bidding so you are prepared and can budget appropriately. Contact our shipping department prior to auction if you have questions or need a quote on a specific item.
-
Item description
-
Delivery times vary based on the shipping method and destination. We provide tracking details and estimated transit times post-dispatch.
-
Yes, all shipments are insured for the purchase price, unless requested otherwise.
-
Items won by online bidders are available for pick-up starting the second business day after the auction. Please call ahead to schedule your pick-up. Without an appointment, your item may not be ready, and you might need to return on another day.
-
Call us at least 24 hours in advance to arrange the details of your visit for a smooth pick-up process.
-
Yes. To have someone else pick up your item(s), notify us via our contact form of the name, date, and time of pick. Include your name and invoice number. Payment must be cleared before the item may be picked up.