SIMPSON AUCTIONS

ABSENTEE & TELEPHONE BID INSTRUCTIONS

GUARANTEE:  John Simpson Auctioneer has made every effort to accurately describe and catalogue the articles offered for auction.  Catalogue descriptions are guaranteed to be accurate in the matters of authenticity.  This is a limited guarantee against any major restoration or repair not described, against fakes, reproductions or major fabrications.  All lots are sold ‘AS IS’ with respect to condition and neither the Auctioneer nor the consignor makes any warranties or representations, express or implied with respect to such lots.  The Auctioneer reserves the right to make verbal corrections and provide additional information from the block at the time of the auction.  Absentee bids will not be executed on items that are found to be other than described in the catalogue. Since opinions can differ particularly in the matter of condition, the Auctioneer will be the sole judge in the matter of returns or refunds. For catalogue auctions, any intention of return must be expressed to the Auctioneer within 10 days after receipt of the purchased article(s), after which all guarantees are null and void.  It is expected that the articles for auction have been fully inspected for authenticity and condition by the prospective purchaser or his agent for absentee bids given on-site, and in this case no guarantees are provided.

ABSENTEE BIDS are a service provided to our customers free of charge.  Every effort is made to execute all absentee bids, however this is not a perfect system.  In the event of an error or omission, or failure to properly execute any absentee bid(s), the Auctioneer shall not be held liable.

ABSENTEE BIDDING: If you are unable to attend an auction, please contact the Auctioneer no less than 72 hours prior to the auction for information, registration, and intention to submit bids.

     Fill out the absentee bid form, listing the catalogue number and/or a description of the lot and your top bid price (not including the 10% buyer’s premium).  We normally require a good faith deposit by VISA or MASTERCARD equal to 20% of the maximum bid for new customers. 

     If present at the auction preview, register and present the appropriate bid form to the Clerk prior to the commencement of the auction.  We cannot guarantee that bids received after the auction has started will be executed.

     To avoid any confusion, particularly in uncatalogued auctions, clearly describe the article(s) to be bid on and preferably direct the staff member to each lot. Absentee bids are executed on your behalf by our staff in competition with bids from the audience at the auction, and from other absentee bidders.  In the event two identical absentee bids are received, the first received will be accepted.  In the event your maximum bid ties with a bid from the floor the normal policy is to bid one increment higher on your behalf to break the tie in your favour. If you want us to do so, PLEASE INDICATE +1 ON THE FORM.  IF NOT PLEASE INDICATE MAX.  Open bids or bids with no set top limit, or ‘buy’ orders cannot be accepted.

TELEPHONE BIDDING: If you want to bid on the telephone, through a member of Auctioneer’s staff during the auction, please contact the Auctioneer 72 hours before the auction for information and registration. Provide a phone number where a staff member can call you collect when it is time for you to bid. Telephone bidding is restricted due to our limited facilities and will be handled on first come, first serve basis.  Normally telephone bidding is accepted only for items valued at $500 or more.

BID INCREMENTS:  Minimum bid increments from the floor will be determined by the Auctioneer.  The minimum absentee bid increment is as follows:  Below $200 - $10; between $200 & $1000 - $25; between $1000 & $2000 - $50; above $2000 - $100; above $10,000 - $250.

ABSENTEE BIDDERS will be responsible to contact the auctioneer as soon as possible after the auction to determine their success.  Successful bidders will be charged for their purchases by credit card immediately after the auction unless other arrangements have been made by the auctioneer.  There is a handling charge for transport of furniture purchases from the auction hall to our warehouse.  There is a charge for shipping, labour, materials, and insurance, if shipping is required.  The auctioneer will not be liable for damage during shipment of glass, china, artwork, frames or other fragile items.  In any event the Auctioneer will not be liable for any amount above the purchase price of any article.  Please note any lots we might make arrangements for moving or storing are solely at the risk of the owner and any damage or loss occurring after the fall of the hammer becomes that of the buyer.

PAYMENT for absentee purchases is due immediately after the auction unless other arrangements have been made with the Auctioneer.  Visa and Mastercard are an accepted form of payment.  Payment can be made by cheque, however credit card, certified cheque or any other form of guaranteed funds will expedite release and/or shipping of the items.  Purchasers should notify our office of their desired method of shipping.  Shipping and handling costs will be added to the invoice.  Payment by cheque is due upon receipt of the invoice.  Interest will be charged on all balances not paid at the rate of 12% APR and assessed on any outstanding balances commencing 30 days after the invoice is sent.  The Auctioneer reserves the right to hold merchandise purchased by personal cheque until the cheque has cleared the bank, if the Auctioneer deems such action necessary to protect his interest.

 BIDDING on any article(s) in the auction indicates your acceptance of the above terms.