Frequently Asked Questions
FAQ
Your Auction Questions Answered
At Thomaston Place Auction Galleries, our goal is to make live auction bidding accessible and straightforward for everyone, whether you're stepping into an auction for the first time or you're a seasoned bidder. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything you ever wanted to know about participating in a live auction and doing business with us. Still have questions after browsing our FAQ? Looking for an 'auction near me'? Contact us and we’ll help.
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Yes, absolutely! You can participate in our live collectible and art auctions from anywhere. In fact, we’ve had bidders from 68 countries.
Online Bidding: Register on our website and join the live auction via our online platform. You'll be able to see and hear the auction in real-time and place your bids easily.
Phone Bidding: Arrange to bid over the phone during the auction. A member of our team will call you and place bids on your behalf as you instruct them in real-time.
Absentee Bidding: If you cannot attend the auction live, you can request an absentee bid form ahead of time. We will bid on your behalf up to your maximum specified amount. These options make it easy for you to be a part of the live auction, no matter where you are the day of the auction. -
Our auctions feature a wide range of items, including fine art, antiques, jewelry, collectibles, marine artifacts, books, rugs, silver, glass, Asian arts, photography, and modern design objects.
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Yes, preview days are scheduled before the auction. Check our website or contact us for specific times and dates. Online previews with detailed descriptions and high-resolution images are also available. If you need more information about an item up for bid, you can contact us for a condition report, additional photos or information. We will do our best to accommodate your request prior to the live auction.
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Contact us with any questions you have about a specific lot number. Our team is available to handle pre-auction condition requests. We strive to provide as much information as we can.
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Request a Phone/Absentee form from our website or call our team at 207-354-8141 to register for a phone or absentee bid. You'll need to have the lot numbers of the items you want to bid on, a credit card and your contact information to complete the process.
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No - auctions will have phone, absentee, and online bidding options, but only our feature and specialty auctions will include a live audience.
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Yes. We accept offers for up to 14 days post auction on items that passed (didn’t sell) during the auction.
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Please note the auction name, date, and the lot number you're interested in making an offer on. Afterward, fill out the form on our contact page.
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To have your post-auction offer considered, it must be at least 50% of the low estimate listed in the online catalog. Please keep in mind that some items may have reserves that must be met.
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A member of our staff will contact you by phone or email. The process often takes several days as we need to contact the consignor and wait for a response.
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We accept credit card, check, cash and wire transfer.
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In addition to the purchase price, there will be a buyer’s premium of 20%, applicable tax and shipping costs.
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Yes. Our shipping department is happy to help you arrange in house shipping or third party shipping as needed.
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Navigate to Past Auctions, select the auction and choose “Passed Lots” from the Display menu on the left. If you know the lot number, you can search by lot number in the upper left.
Live Auctions
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Live bidders can register at any time during the auction preview and the auction itself. If you haven't registered with us before, you will need to provide at least one form of valid state or government-issued identification. You will also need to sign to indicate your acceptance of the Conditions of Sale.
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There may be limits based on your bidding history and other factors. It's important to understand any limits before the auction begins, as they will impact your bidding strategy. For example, if you have a $1,000 limit, your total bids cannot exceed that amount, even if you're bidding on multiple items. Bidders with a history with us will likely not have a limit. If you need a higher bid limit, please ask about your options.
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You can register for telephone and absentee bidding in person, by fax, phone, or email. You will need to provide complete contact information, a valid credit card number or a cash deposit of 20% of the low estimate, and agree to the terms and conditions of the auction. All bids should be submitted by 5:00 PM the day prior to the auction. Telephone bids on auction day require prior approval from management.
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The item is sold to the person whose bid was received and accepted first. In the event of a disputed bid, the auctioneer will have sole and exclusive authority to resolve the dispute and determine the winning bidder. This ensures a fair process for all participants.
Bidding
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The "hammer price" is the final bid amount accepted by the auctioneer before the hammer is struck to indicate that the bidding is concluded for that item and the item is sold to the highest bidder. It is the price at which the bidding has ended, but it does not include any additional fees or buyer's premiums that may be charged by the auction house. These additional charges are added to the hammer price to determine the total amount the buyer will pay.
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Yes, buyers are subject to a buyer's premium, which is a percentage of the final bid price, plus applicable taxes.
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A buyer's premium at an auction is an additional fee on top of the winning bid amount that the buyer is required to pay. This premium is usually a percentage of the final bid price and is paid directly to the auction house. The purpose of the buyer's premium is to help cover the operational costs of the auction house, such as staff salaries, marketing, and venue hire. The percentage can vary depending on the auction house and sometimes the type of item being auctioned. It's important for bidders to be aware of the buyer's premium as it affects the total cost of their purchase.
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The buyer's premium is 20% for live in-house, absentee, and phone bidders. For internet bidders, the buyer's premium is 25%. The additional 5% for internet bidders helps to cover the costs associated with using online bidding platforms. These platforms provide a convenient way for bidders to participate remotely, however, they entail operational and administrative expenses to ensure a smooth and secure bidding experience. This fee helps to offset these costs, enabling Thomaston Place Auction Galleries to maintain the quality and accessibility of our online services.
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We accept cash, checks, major credit cards, and wire transfers. Wire transfers are required for invoices over $25,000.
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Returns at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries are considered under very specific conditions, primarily if a significant misattribution or disclosure error affects the item's value, which is quite rare. You must contact the auction house within 30 days of the auction if you believe there has been a significant error. Any claim for a return must be substantiated with a written report from a recognized expert in the relevant field. We strive to provide accurate descriptions and detailed condition reports to minimize any discrepancies and ensure satisfaction with every purchase.
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If you win an item in one of our live auctions, you are expected to pay the full amount, including the hammer price, buyer's premium, applicable taxes, and other charges, immediately following the auction. Please note that if no payment arrangements are made beforehand, we will automatically charge the credit card used during registration on the third day after the auction.
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Notifications are sent within 5 business days of the auction, with payment due within 15 days.
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All payments must be made in US Dollars. We accept several payment methods including cash, personal, business, bank or cashier’s checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and bank wire transfers. Please note, domestic buyers making payments over $25,000 must use wire transfers unless pre-approved otherwise. International buyers are required to use checks drawn from US banks or wire transfers.
Payment Policies
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Consignment is an arrangement where you provide your items to a third party (such as an auction house or consignment store) to sell on your behalf. You retain ownership of the items until they are sold. The third party takes responsibility for marketing and selling the items and then takes a commission from the sale price.
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In a regular sale, you would sell your items directly to a buyer and receive payment immediately. In consignment, the third party handles the sale process, which can sometimes result in a higher selling price due to their expertise and customer base, but payment is received later, only once the items are sold.
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homaston Place Auction Galleries primarily handles consignments, but we do make direct purchases in certain cases. For example, we often buy gold and silver directly unless our professional appraisers believe the consignor could achieve a better price at auction. There are exceptions, so it's best to discuss your item with us. Together, we can help you make the best decision for your needs.
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Consignment can offer several advantages:
Access to Expertise: Consignment providers often have extensive knowledge and resources to effectively market and sell items, which can help achieve a higher sale price.
Broader Audience: Auction houses and consignment shops typically have a wide network of potential buyers, increasing the chances of your items being sold at a competitive price.
Convenience: By consigning your items, you avoid the hassle of managing the sales process, including marketing, negotiations with buyers, and transaction handling.
Risk Reduction: The consignment process can be safer, as you don’t have to interact directly with buyers or handle payments. -
Let's schedule a House Call. We're on the road almost every day and will gladly stop by, take a look and give you our opinion. Contact us to get on our House Call schedule.
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After determining which items you wish to keep, contact us to discuss consignment. Our experienced team will guide you through the process, ensuring a smooth and thoughtful handling of your inherited items.
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When considering consignment, think about:
Commission and Fees: Understand the fees involved, including commission rates and any additional charges.
Contract Terms: Review the consignment agreement carefully for terms regarding pricing, duration of consignment, unsold items, and other responsibilities.
Reputation and Experience: Choose a reputable consignment provider with experience in selling items similar to yours to maximize your potential returns. -
We accept fine art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles of significant value.
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The consignment timeline can vary. Once your items are accepted, we will include them in the most suitable upcoming auction to maximize their exposure and potential value. Timing varies based on auction schedules and item suitability. We discuss expectations during consignment.
Consignment
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An appraisal is the process of evaluating an item to determine its current market value, often conducted by a qualified appraiser who examines the item's age, condition, rarity, and other characteristics. Appraisals are commonly used for insurance purposes, to set sale prices, for tax assessments, and for legal matters such as estate settlements.
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Appraisals are useful for insurance purposes, estate planning, charitable donations, or simply to know the market value of your items.
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The appraisal type given on the Free Appraisal Day is complimentary. We’ll provide you with a Fair Market Value of your item(s) in person at our gallery or by email when you contact us.
If your insurance company, or probate court requires you to have a formal written appraisal, we can provide this service for you. This is a paid service and the appraiser, accompanied by a recording assistant, will come to your location and document a single item or a line-by-line, room-by-room appraisal of your items. Contact us to schedule a House Call.
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We offer a verbal Fair Market Value appraisal at our Free Appraisal Day at Thomaston Place Auction Galleries. There is no cost or obligation.
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If you need an appraisal for insurance reasons, you will likely need a Formal Written Appraisal. If you are thinking of selling your items, we will happily verbally provide a Fair Market Value appraisal so you can understand their value. If you aren't sure which appraisal type is right for you, contact us for assistance.
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This type of appraisal estimates the price at which the property would change hands between a willing buyer and a willing seller, neither being under any compulsion to buy or sell and both having reasonable knowledge of the relevant facts. This is commonly used for determining the value of items for estate tax assessments, charitable donations, and resale.
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Free Appraisal Day takes place every Tuesday at Thomaston Place Auction Gallery, located at 51 Atlantic Highway, Thomaston, ME 04861. It's in the little house just to the side of the main building. The event runs in two sessions: from 10 AM to 12 PM and from 1:30 PM to 4 PM. Remember to check the event calendar to confirm availability as it is on a first-come, first-served basis.
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During Free Appraisal Day, you can bring one item or a car full of items to receive a verbal estimate of their fair market value. This service is offered at no charge, and it's a great opportunity to find out whether your items have more than just sentimental value. The assessments can help inform your decisions regarding estate planning, insurance, or selling.
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No appointment is necessary for Free Appraisal Day. Services are provided on a first-come, first-served basis. However, it's a good practice to contact us to confirm the specific details for the day you plan to attend.
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At Thomaston Place Auction Gallery, getting an appraisal does not obligate you to consign the appraised items for auction. We offer appraisals for various purposes such as insurance coverage, equitable division among heirs, or for personal knowledge before deciding whether to sell or gift items. This flexibility allows you to obtain a valuation without the pressure or requirement to sell through our auctions.
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In addition to the free verbal Fair Market Value appraisals provided on Free Appraisal Day, we also offer formal written appraisals for insurance or probate purposes, which is a paid service. Additionally, we can arrange to make house calls for appraisals, where an experienced appraiser will evaluate your items at your location.
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The cost depends on the type of forwal, written appraisal requested and the nature of the item. Please contact us for specific pricing. Verbal appraisals might be offered at a lower cost compared to written appraisals.
Appraisal
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Yes, we offer a variety of shipping options to suit the different kinds of items we sell at our live auctions. It's important to note, though, that we can't ship items containing mercury or other hazardous materials in the usual way; you'll need to either pick these up yourself or arrange for special shipping.
Once you've made a purchase, we'll help you figure out the best way to get your item to you, considering what it is and what you prefer. For regular-sized items that aren't too fragile, we can use standard shipping methods, which are usually more wallet-friendly. But if your item is especially valuable, fragile, large, or oddly shaped, we will use a specialized, third party shipping service. They specialize in handling and delivering delicate items carefully and securely, though this option tends to cost more than standard shipping.
It's important to consider the cost of shipping as you decide on your bidding strategy and budget. Contact our shipping department prior to auction if you have questions or need a quote on a specific item.
We're here to make sure you get flexible and clear shipping options that work best for your purchase and personal needs.
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No, shipping charges are separate and are determined by the item’s size, weight, destination, and shipping method. 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.
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Delivery times vary based on the shipping method and destination. We provide tracking details and estimated transit times post-dispatch.
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Yes, all shipments are insured for the full purchase price, unless requested otherwise.
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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.
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Call us in advance to arrange the details of your visit for a smooth pick-up process.
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Yes. To have someone else pick up your item(s), notify the front desk by phone for a verbal release with the name, date and time of pick up or send an email with the same details.