AUCTIONS, HOW-TO

Welcome to the fun, educational and exciting world of auctions. Auctions provide buyers and collectors a unique opportunity to find everything from rare artifacts, popular collectibles and just downright great deals on usable, practical household furniture, rugs, lighting and accessories.

Here is a quick step-by-step guide to buying from Pacific Galleries:

1. First, check the schedule of upcoming auctions. Check our auction calendar or call our auction house at 206.441.9990. There are several ways to buy: live, on the auction floor during the auction; online bidding via Artfact.com (Premier auctions only) or by absentee bidding (call us at 206.441.9990 or fill out the form).
2. Preview the items up for auction. Check for the days and times to come to the auction house to walk around and get a close-up look at the items. This allows you to know the condition, dimensions, and any details concerning the item BEFORE you bid. When you come to preview, pick up a catalog (also accessible on our website) that lists all lots (items) and the order in which they will be sold. Premier Auctions can be previewed online through our catalog, which has colored pictures and descriptions. Remember that except under certain circumstances, all auction sales are final, and the principle of caveat emptor (let the buyer beware) applies; the burden of proof is on the bidder to ensure for themselves that the item is something they want to buy.
3. Register. If you decide you want to bid on an item you must register to bid. You can register at our reception desk when you come to preview or the night of the auction. Don't wait until the last minute. You will need to bring your driver’s license for I.D. For all the legal fine print, conditions and terminology, download the Bidder’s Registration Agreement. The day of the of the auction, pick up your paddle (bidder’s card) so you are ready to bid. Now you are ready for the action!
4. Absentee and live online bidding. If you can't be here in person (always preferable), and you'd like to leave an absentee bid, use the Absentee Bid Form. You can also bid live online from the comfort of home by registering to bid through Artfact.com by clicking the red "Bid Live Online" button at the top right-hand side of our web site.
5. Payment. The price you pay is the amount at which the auctioneer’s hammer falls (the hammer price) plus the buyer’s premium. The Bidder Registration Agreement has a breakdown of these cost elements. Please note that if you pay via cash or check and remove your won items by 5 pm the day after the auction, you will receive a 3% discount on the buyer’s premium. Pacific Galleries accepts Visa, Mastercard, Amerian Express and Discover, or pay via PayPal by sending funds to pacificgalleries@pacgal.com. Send us an email to receive wire transfer instructions.
6. Pick-up. Item removal deadlines and unpaid items are detailed in the Bidder Registration Agreement. We make every effort to give you adequate time to remove your merchandise. It is important to pick up your won items by the deadline to avoid incurring a storage fee. And, aren’t you excited to get your new treasures home? Pacific Galleries also offers pick up and delivery services for a fee, call 206.441.9990 to get details or to schedule a delivery.

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Pacific Galleries Auction House
241 South Lander Street, Seattle, WA 98134
206.441.9990
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