Buyer FAQs
Getting Started
An online auction allows you to browse items, submit bids, and purchase property through our online bidding platform. Each auction is scheduled with a specific closing date and time. If bidding occurs near the close, the auction for that item may be extended to allow further bidding.
To participate, you will need to create an account with HiBid and/or LiveAuctioneers (not all auctions are listed on both platforms) and register for the specific auction you wish to join. Once your registration is approved, you may place bids on available lots.
A valid credit card on file is required in order to bid.
Yes, you need to register for each individual auction, depending on the requirements of our online bidding platform.
There is no fee to register or place a bid. However, winning bidders are responsible for the purchase price, buyer’s premium, applicable taxes, and any other charges outlined in the specific auction terms.
Bidding
After registering for an auction, select the item you are interested in and enter your maximum bid or follow the bidding instructions provided by the auction platform.
A maximum bid allows you to enter the highest amount you are willing to pay for an item. The bidding system may automatically increase your bid incrementally on your behalf when another bidder places a competing bid, up to your maximum amount.
Not necessarily. Some auctions may have reserves or other conditions. An item is considered sold to you only when the auction has officially closed and the bidding platform identifies you as the winning bidder.
No. All bids are binding. Please carefully review your bid before submitting it. Once a bid has been placed, it generally cannot be withdrawn.
You will receive a notification from the auction platform, depending on your account settings. You may place another bid before the lot closes if you wish to remain competitive.
A reserve is the minimum price at which the consignor has agreed to sell an item. If the reserve is not met, the item may not sell.
A no-reserve auction means the item will sell to the highest bidder, regardless of the final bid amount, subject to the published auction terms.
A soft close is a feature used in online auctions to prevent last-second bidding. If a bid is placed on an item shortly before its scheduled closing time, the auction for that specific lot will automatically extend for a short period of time. This extension allows other bidders a fair opportunity to respond and place additional bids. The process may repeat as long as bidding activity continues near the closing time.
The soft close ensures that all interested bidders have a reasonable chance to participate and helps prevent “sniping,” where a bid is placed at the very last second with no opportunity for others to respond.
Understanding Auction Items
Yes. We strongly encourage prospective bidders to carefully review all photographs, descriptions, condition information, and available inspection opportunities before placing a bid. If there is no listed preview date, you may schedule an appointment to view specific lots. Please have lot numbers ready upon arrival.
EDS Fine Estate Auctions makes every effort to provide accurate photographs and descriptions. However, photographs may not show every detail, flaw, imperfection, or variation in an item.
Descriptions are intended to provide helpful information but should not be considered a substitute for the bidder’s own examination and research.
Condition descriptions are provided as a general guide to the item’s condition. Normal signs of age, use, wear, restoration, repairs, and imperfections may be present, particularly with antiques, fine art, jewelry, collectibles, and estate property.
EDS makes every reasonable effort to accurately represent the property we offer; however, we cannot always guarantee authenticity. Where appropriate, items may be accompanied by certificates, appraisals, provenance, expert opinions, or other supporting documentation.
Please carefully review the individual lot description and auction terms for any specific guarantees or representations.
Provenance refers to the documented history of ownership or origin of an item. When provenance is available and can be responsibly documented, it may be included in the lot description.
Measurements and weights are provided as accurately as possible but may be approximate. Bidders should contact EDS with questions regarding any specific lot before bidding.
Jewelry & Fine Estate Items
Jewelry may be examined and evaluated by qualified professionals when appropriate. Some pieces may include gemological reports, appraisals, or other documentation. Please review the individual lot description for details.
When a diamond or gemstone is accompanied by a recognized laboratory report, the report information will generally be included in the listing. Not every gemstone or piece of jewelry will have an independent laboratory report. EDS conducts its own in-house evaluation and testing for most jewelry pieces.
Yes. We encourage bidders to ask questions before bidding. If you need additional photographs, measurements, documentation, or clarification about a lot, please contact EDS before the auction closes.
Viewing, Showroom Access & Live Auctions
Yes. EDS maintains an open showroom where buyers are welcome to preview items in person during scheduled preview hours or by appointment. This allows bidders to inspect property firsthand before placing bids.
Yes. In addition to online bidding, buyers may bid in person at our showroom during designated livestreamed auction times. Staff are available to assist with registration and bidding support.
Yes, but only for select events. EDS conducts live-streamed auctions for specialized sales only, such as high-value, curated, or specialty collections.
During these events:
- The auction is broadcast live in real time
- Online bidders can participate through the bidding platform
- In-person bidders in the showroom can bid simultaneously
- All bids are synchronized between in-room and online participants
For live-streamed specialized auctions:
- The auctioneer sells lots in real time
- Online bidders place bids through the platform
- In-person bidders participate from the showroom
- The system updates bids instantly across all channels
- The highest bid at the fall of the hammer wins the lot
No. Most EDS auctions are conducted as timed online auctions. Live streaming is reserved for select specialized auctions only.
Winning an Auction
Winning bidders will receive information regarding payment, pickup, shipping, or other fulfillment arrangements. Please review the specific auction terms because procedures may vary between auctions.
Yes, in many circumstances, another person may pick up your items on your behalf. Please contact EDS in advance and provide any authorization that may be required.
Payment
EDS accepts cash, check, certified funds, Zelle, wire transfer, and credit card payments. A 3% discount on the buyer’s premium is offered for cash or check payments made on the day of pickup only. Please review the auction-specific payment information before bidding.
Payment is due at the time of pickup. If shipping is requested, the card on file will be automatically charged the day after the auction closes. Please ensure the card on file has sufficient funds for processing. If you require alternative payment arrangements, please contact us prior to the close of the auction.
Winning bidders should not assume that payment terms are the same for every auction.
EDS may require a credit card authorization form or other payment authorization as part of the registration or purchasing process. This helps protect both the bidder and EDS against unauthorized transactions .
Payments of $1,000.00 or more from buyers without prior purchase history cannot be paid by credit or debit card.
The buyer’s premium is an additional percentage added to the winning bid. The applicable buyer’s premium will be clearly stated in the terms of the individual auction.
Applicable sales tax may be charged unless the purchaser provides valid documentation establishing an applicable exemption. Tax requirements may vary depending on the transaction and delivery location.
Pickup & Shipping
Pickup information, including the location, dates, and hours, will be provided with the auction details or after the auction closes.
Shipping Saint is a web-based software solution designed specifically for the Auction Industry to streamline the entire post-auction workflow. EDS uses this software to seamlessly integrate our online platforms, buyers, shipping carriers and insurers. Shipping Saint automates routine tasks and communications, saving valuable time, reducing costs, and improving customer satisfaction.
Yes. After the auction closes, winning bidders will receive an email and/or text message from Shipping Saint with instructions for scheduling their pickup. Follow the link provided to select an available pickup date and time.
If you do not receive a message from Shipping Saint, please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still cannot locate the message, contact EDS and we will be happy to assist you.
If you have multiple winning lots from the same auction, you only need to schedule one pickup appointment for all of your purchases.
Please contact EDS as soon as possible. Additional arrangements may be available, although storage, handling, or other fees may apply depending on the circumstances.
Shipping availability varies by auction and by item. Some items may be eligible for shipping, while others may require local pickup or specialized transportation.
Certain items may require specialized packing, freight, art handling, jewelry shipping, or another third-party shipping service. EDS will provide information about available options when applicable.
After the auction closes, please watch for an email and/or text message from Shipping Saint. The message will ask whether you prefer shipping or pickup.
- If you select pickup: You will be prompted to schedule an available pickup appointment.
- If you select shipping: Your card on file will be automatically charged for your winning items. A separate shipping invoice will be sent once your items have been packed and the shipping costs have been determined.
There is no need to call or email EDS to arrange shipping or pickup. Simply follow the instructions provided by Shipping Saint.
If you do not receive a message from Shipping Saint, please check your spam or junk folder first. If you still cannot locate the message, please contact EDS for assistance
The buyer is responsible for shipping, packing material, handling, insurance, boxes & supplies and other transportation-related charges unless otherwise stated.
No. After the items have been paid in full, your items will move to the shipping department. Once packed and ready to go, you will receive a separate invoice from Shipping Saints that can be paid online or over the phone.
Yes. Buyers may be permitted to arrange pickup through their own shipping provider, subject to EDS’s pickup requirements and schedule.
Important Things to Know Before You Bid
We recommend that every bidder:
- Carefully read the entire auction description and terms
- Review all photographs
- Read the condition report and lot description
- Ask questions before bidding
- Research the item independently when appropriate
- Confirm measurements, materials, dimensions, and other important details
- Understand the buyer’s premium, taxes, and other applicable charges
- Confirm pickup and shipping requirements
- Make sure you understand the payment deadline
- Bid only what you are prepared and authorized to pay
Yes. Unless specifically stated otherwise in the auction terms, all sales are final. Bidders are responsible for conducting their own due diligence before placing a bid.
Generally, no. Auction purchases are typically final and are not subject to returns simply because a buyer has changed their mind, misunderstood the description, or failed to inspect the item.
We encourage you to contact EDS before placing your bid. Our team is happy to provide additional information when available and help you make an informed bidding decision.
A Note to Our Bidders
At EDS Fine Estate Auctions, we believe informed buyers are confident buyers. We strive to provide detailed descriptions, quality photography, condition information, and relevant documentation whenever available.
Because auction property can include antiques, jewelry, fine art, collectibles, and other unique estate items, each piece may have its own characteristics, history, condition, and considerations.
Please do your research, ask questions, and carefully review the terms before bidding.
By placing a bid, you acknowledge that you have reviewed and agree to the applicable auction terms and conditions.
Thank you for choosing EDS Fine Estate Auctions and happy bidding!