Buying at Auction

The auction is an efficient way to buy almost anything! Popular auction items include antiques, fine art, automobiles, furniture, vintage items, antique dolls, coins, stamps, jewelry, books, toys, firearms, and collections of all kinds. Alderfer Auction & Appraisal often sells the contents of businesses as well, including equipment, furniture, and when appropriate, archives and records.

With more than 50 auctions each year, Alderfer Auction attracts buyers with a wide range of interests. On a first visit, bidders complete an interest form that helps us contact you about upcoming auctions in your areas of interest. Each week bidders register in person or over the telephone to bid on any item in the current auction. Auctions are available for preview in advance and absentee bids can be submitted for items in those auctions. We also welcome telephone bids, and on select auctions, we accept bidding via eBay Live Auctions. We also accept Absentee Bids.

Tips for First-Timers

• When you arrive, go to the front desk to register for a bidding number. You will give your name, address, phone number, and acceptable identification. Please show your bidding number to the auctioneer after each purchase you make.
  

• At most auctions, items are sold “as is - where is.” Therefore it is important to preview items before the auction and determine quality and condition so you will not be disappointed after buying.

• Auction bidding is not something to be afraid of. You will not buy accidentally by scratching your nose; the auctioneer knows when you are bidding seriously. On the other hand, don’t wait too long if you want an item – get your bid in early so the auctioneer has the bid before the item is sold.
  

• The highest bidder is the buyer. If any dispute arises between two or more bidders, the auctioneer will decide the buyer or immediately put the item up for sale again.

• The record of sale kept by the auctioneer and clerk will be taken as absolute and final in all disputes.
  

• A Buyer’s Premium of 10% of the “hammer price” for weekly auctions will be added to each purchase to reach the total sales price. Premier/Catalog Auctions will include a Buyer’s Premium of 15%. For eBay bidders, the Buyer’s Premium is 20%. The total sales price is subject to applicable sales tax.

When you are ready to leave the auction with your items, go to the front desk. Complete payment is required the day of the auction in cash, acceptable check, and select credit card or select debit cards. With your receipt you are allowed to load the items you’ve purchased. All items should be removed the day of auction.
(Online buyers can arrange for shipping through Alderfer Moving & Storage.)

Absentee Bids

For those who want to bid but are unable to attend the auction, Alderfer Auction & Appraisal offers an Absentee Bid service as a convenience to our patrons. We will not be held responsible for error or failure to execute the bid(s). The bid must be in writing and a $50 minimum bid is required per item.

Absentee Bid Forms

Absentee Bid forms can be downloaded by clicking the icon below. Please call us at
(215) 393-3000 for additional information.

Download Absentee Bid Form*

* requires Adobe Acrobat Reader