HOW TO BID

Create an Account and Register to Bid:

In order to bid you will need to create an account with Cavalier Auctions and register to bid for a scheduled auction. We encourage you to register at least 24 hours before the start of the auction in which you wish to bid. If you need assistance with registration, please contact us by phone at (203) 869-3664 or by email at [email protected]

Using the “Place Bid” button you can enter a bid for the lowest available bid amount. This will either be at the opening bid, if applicable, or at the next bid based on the current bid increment. Alternatively, you can enter your “Maximum Bid” amount and the auction system will automatically bid the next, lowest possible bid on your behalf each time there is a competing bid on the lot unless the competing bid is greater than your Maximum Bid. Your Maximum Bid must be equal to, or greater than, the opening bid or current bid, whichever applies. Please note that entering a bid at the opening bid amount does not necessarily mean you have met the minimum acceptable bid (the reserve price), however, you will be notified if you are the leading bidder or have been outbid. Please note that we reserve the right to edit the opening bid prior to the start of a timed auction. You can enter new bids using the “Place Bid” or “Maximum Bid” buttons at any time during the auction if you are outbid or if you wish to raise your bid.

Reserve Prices or Opening Bids:

The reserve price is the minimum bid that will be accepted to sell a lot. The opening bid is the lowest possible bid amount that will be accepted to start bidding on a lot. Bidders will be notified if their bid has not met the reserve price.

Bidding Increments:

The Bid Increment is the amount by which a bid will be raised each time the current bid is outdone (see increment table below). If two or more parties leave identical bids, the first bid received will take precedence.

Minimum Bid Amount (USD)Maximum Bid Amount (USD)Bid Increment (USD)
$0$99$10
$100$1999$100
$2,000$4,999$200
$5,000$9,999$500
$10,000$19,999$1,000
$20,000$49,999$2,000
$50,000$99,999$5,000
$100,000$1,000,000$10,000

Extended Bidding:

Timed auctions will end at the time specified; however, in the case of competing bids, the auction house may implement extended bidding if additional bids are placed in the last two minutes of the auction to give all bidders a fair chance to raise their bids. Bidders will be notified of such extensions.

Buyer’s Premium:

A buyer’s premium of 22.5% of the hammer price will be applied to each winning bid. The buyer’s premium is a charge in addition to the hammer price of the auction lot and the buyer is responsible for payment of the total winning bid + buyer’s premium and any other applicable taxes or fees.  

Absentee Bids:

If you are unable to participate during the timed auction, we accept Absentee Bid forms in advance of the auction, or can enter a phone bid on your behalf.  Cavalier Auctions will enter bids on your behalf up to your maximum bid.  Please submit Absentee Bids at least 24 hours before the start of a sale using the Absentee Bid Form. If you need assistance with submitting an Absentee Bid, please contact us by phone at (203) 869-3664 or by using the contact form.

Payment:

Winning bidders will receive notification by email, followed by an invoice reflecting the hammer price and buyer’s premium plus any applicable taxes or shipping fees. Payments by credit card can be made through a secure payment link provided by Cavalier Auctions.  Payment by check or bank wire is also accepted, with details provided at your request.

Taxes and Fees:

Applicable Sales or Use Tax will be added to the Winning Bid + Buyer’s Premium, and any additional applicable fees.

Shipping & Pick-up:

Buyers must contact Cavalier Auctions following notification of a winning bid to arrange for pickup, delivery, or shipment of their purchases.

Quotes for shipping or delivery to all US states and territories, and worldwide to all countries and territories, is available at your request. Please let us know if you require white-glove delivery and installation. Please note that for international shipments, applicable VAT/Duties will be collected by customs, not by Cavalier Auctions.  

Handling time for shipments is 5-10 days for most purchases, and up to 3 weeks for works requiring specialized or oversized packaging.

Pick-up is available following the auctions, by appointment from our office at 175 Greenwich Avenue, Greenwich, CT 06830.