Frequently Asked Question
Auctions
What is an Assiter Auctioneers auction? Auctions on Assiter Auctioneers are not like auctions on Ebay. They're authentic auction experiences that often take place in real time as well as online. Just like you have probably seen on television, people arrive at the auction's location, browse the lots or property, and place their bids. The difference is that with Assiter Auctioneers, the auction action takes place online as well as on location.
Some Assiter Auctioneers auctions are online-only. These auctions are not taking place live, and all bids are accepted online.
Some Assiter Auctioneers auctions are live only. These auctions do not accept any online bidding, but prospective bidders can view details about the auction online such as the auction location, catalog, and details surrounding the auction.
How do I register for an auction? Creating your Assiter Auctioneers account is fast and easy. You can register to bid online for any auction on our website. If you want to bid in person at any of our live auctions, you will need to register at the auction location. In addition, some of our auctions will allow bidding on our mobile app.
Where can I find the terms and conditions for an auction? Terms and Conditions are located both on the main auction event page and on individual lot pages.
How does an auction end? An auction only ends when bidding has stopped. The auction company hosting the auction will specify the amount of time that must pass before an auction is considered closed. Some auction companies allow time extensions on individual lots if bidding is still active (called "staggered closings") and some auction companies elect to have all lots within their entire auction go in to extended bidding if any of the auction's lots are still being bid on.
Auctions close in a few different ways. Some auctions close at a set time, pre-determined by the auctioneer. Some auctions have a staggered closing. This will be specified in the auction terms with a start time. The first lot or group of lots will close at the specified time and subsequent lots will close after a certain amount of time has passed, either one by one or in defined groups of lots.
Either of these two types of auctions can also have dynamic or extended bidding. The auction will close only when bidding has stopped for a specified amount of time. If dynamic/extended bidding is active it will be mentioned in the terms and conditions along with the amount of time between bids necessary for an auction to close.
How do I know I if I've won an auction? You will receive an invoice via email when you are the winning bidder. .
How do I pay for my items? Payment terms are specified in the auction's terms and conditions.
Can items be shipped? Shipping is available on many auctions, but not all auctions that offer shipping will ship all items. Check in the Auction's Terms & Conditions for shipping costs and availability. Shipping is always at the expense of the buyer. Directions for arranging shipping can usually be found in the Auction Terms & Conditions. Questions can be directed to the Auctioneer or to Assiter Auctioneers.
Shipping insurance is recommended for all shipped items and must be arranged by the buyer. Assiter Auctioneers is not responsible for items damaged during the shipping and handling process.
How can I contact the auction company?
How can I search for a specific item? Use the search bar at the top of the page to find a specific item in all Assiter Auctioneers auctions. You can narrow your search by category or view all lots that match your keyword in all categories.
How do I print an auction's documentation? On the auction event page under the "Documents" tab there are links to download PDF files of the auction's brochure and packet.
Bidding
Are there fees for bidding on an auction? There are no charges to bid. Charges are only incurred if you are the winning bidder. Some auctions may be subject to a buyer's premium charge, which will be outlined in the terms & conditions of the auction.
How can I see the status of the items I've placed a bid on? Click on "My Account" in the top right of every bidding page when logged in with your bidding account. That will bring up a list of the items you've placed bids on. Each item will list the time left in the auction, the current bid, your maximum bid and the status of the auction.
Can I raise my maximum bid (even if no one has outbid me)? You may increase your maximum bid at any time before the auction has ended. If you decide to increase your bid while you are still the high bidder, the current bid will not increase (you will not be bidding against yourself).
How can I make sure I'm seeing the most up-to-date bids? Lots will update in real time. You can also click the refresh button on your browser to reload the bidding application to make sure it up to date.
Why can't I place a bid? To place a bid, you must be registered and approved for the auction. See how to register for an auction for a video on registering for online bidding.
How do I remove a bid? Once a bid has been placed, there is absolutely no way to cancel it under any circumstances.
What does it mean to "Force a bid"? "Forced Bid" is a bidding strategy by which a bidder increases the bid by more than the next accepted bid (placing your bid at $150 when the next accepted bid is $125). This practice is used by some bidders to discourage others from bidding in hopes of acquiring an item at a lower price. There are many theories on the effectiveness of this practice and a bidder who wishes to apply it does so at their own discretion. The auction company will not lower the price of an item that has been won by a "forced" bid with no other competing bids.