Below are a few of the questions we are asked most often. If you do not see your question answered below, please contact us. We may add your question to our FAQ's. We will add new questions and answers periodically, so watch this page for updates to our FAQ's.
Questions on Consigning Items for Auction
  1. What items do you take on consignment for your auctions?

    Because we are multi-divisional and conduct various types of auction, we are able to handle items ranging from general household items to fine antiques.

  2. Do you accept one or two items for consignment or do I need to have an entire house full?

    We accept one item up to an entire house full of items.

  3. When do you accept Bring-In consignments?

    Normally, consignments for auction are taken in on Mondays. Due to limited storage space, you will need to e-mail us or call us at (540) 434-4260 to arrange a specific date.

  4. How do you keep consignments from different people separate?

    Every consignor is given a code letter(s) and their items are tagged. An inventory is made and updated as the items are sorted. All items are entered into the computer as they are sold. After the sale the computer report is matched to the inventory.

Questions on Bids & Bidding
  1. Do you accept absentee bids?

    We gladly accept absentee bids.

  2. How do you handle absentee bids?

    All absentee bids we handle are bid competitively. This means that if you leave a $500 bid on an item we will bid on your behalf up to that amount. Very often absentee bidders win their items at a lower price than they bid. We do not reveal to anyone the amount of an absentee bid that is left on an item. We do not accept buy bids. If your bid is successful we will then notify you by telephone the following Monday or Tuesday after the auction of your success.

  3. What if I want to do a "live" phone bid on an item?

    Normally we only allow live phone bidding on items that we believe will bring $1000 or more. You will need to contact us in advance to set this up. The auctioneer makes the final decision on whether or not phone bidding will be allowed on an item.


Questions on Registration & Payment
  1. When I attend an auction, what information do I need to bring to get a check approved?

    Always bring your driver's license with you. This will be needed to register you for the auction, and will also approve your check.

  2. Do you accept out-of-state checks?

    Yes, you just need to bring a valid driver's license with you to get your bidder number.

  3. Do you charge a buyer's premium?

    A 3% Buyer's Premium is charged at our Bi-Weekly Estate auctions. The Buyer's Premium is waived on cash/check purchases. A 13% Buyer's Premium is charged at our Specialty Cataloged auctions, discounted to 10% for cash/check purchases. We do NOT currently accept Discover or American Express.

  4. Do you charge sales tax on items?

    The state of Virginia requires that we charge 5 percent sales tax on items sold unless you present us with a valid tax exemption number. The state of Virginia currently accepts such numbers from all states, and we have blank forms on hand that you can fill out.


Questions on Miscellaneous Topics
  1. When are your auctions held?

    Our bi-weekly estate auctions are held on Fridays beginning at 12:30 p.m. Speciality and antique/decorative arts sales are normally held on Fridays and Saturdays.

  2. Where are the auctions held?

    The auctions are held in our multi-gallery complex located 1 1/2 miles east of Mt. Crawford, Virginia in the heart of the beautiful Shenandoah Valley. Use Exit 240 off I-81 and turn east.

  3. What is your average number of attending bidders at your auctions?

    At an average auction the number of attending bidders ranges from 400 to 600.

  4. Do you sell food at your auctions?

    We offer a delicious menu of soups, sandwiches and specials.