BIDDER’S GUIDE

How to Buy at HeritageBids

Everything you need to know to register, bid and win — from your first auction to your hundredth.

THE PROCESS

Four Simple Steps to Your Next Great Find

REGISTER

Create your free account and register for the auction. Takes less than 5 minutes.

BROWSE

Explore the catalog, save favorites and request condition reports on lots you are interested in.

BID

Place an absentee bid in advance or bid live on auction day. We bid incrementally on your behalf.

WIN & COLLECT

Receive your invoice, pay securely online and we arrange white-glove shipping to your door.

IN DETAIL

The Complete Bidder's Guide

STEP 1 — Create Your Account

Creating an account at HeritageBids is free and takes less than five minutes.

Visit auctions.heritagebids.com and click Sign Up. You will need:

– Your full name
– A valid email address
– A password

Once registered, you will have access to browse all upcoming auction catalogs, save favorite lots and request condition reports.

STEP 2 — Register for an Auction

Each auction at HeritageBids requires separate registration. This allows us to verify bidders and maintain the integrity of every sale.

To register for an auction:
– Open the auction catalog page
– Click Register to Bid
– Complete the registration form
– Wait for approval (usually within 24 hours)

Once approved, you will receive your paddle number by email. Keep this — it identifies you as a registered bidder for that auction.

STEP 3 — Browse the Catalog

Our catalog opens approximately two weeks before each auction date. Take your time exploring — this is where great finds begin.

For each lot you will find:
– Professional photographs
– Full catalog description
– Estimated value range
– Starting bid
– Condition notes

CONDITION REPORTS
For any lot you are seriously considering, we strongly recommend requesting a condition report. This detailed document describes the item’s current state in full — including any wear, repairs or restoration.

Condition reports are available free of charge to all registered bidders. Simply click “Request Condition Report” on the lot page.

STEP 4 — Place Your Bid

HeritageBids offers two ways to bid:

ABSENTEE BIDDING (recommended for first-timers) Set your maximum bid before the auction. Our system bids on your behalf — incrementally and automatically — up to your maximum. You only pay what is needed to win, not necessarily your full maximum.

For example: if you set a maximum bid of $2,000 and the next competing bid is $1,200, our system places $1,300 on your behalf — not $2,000.

LIVE BIDDING
On auction day, log in and follow the action in real time. Place bids as the auctioneer progresses through the catalog. Live bidding allows you to react to competition and make decisions in the moment.

You can combine both methods — place an absentee bid in advance, then top it up with live bids on auction day if needed.

STEP 5 — Winning and Payment

If you win a lot, you will receive an invoice by email within 24 hours of the auction closing.

Your invoice will include:
– Hammer price (the final bid amount)
– Buyer’s premium (15% at HeritageBids)
– Any applicable shipping estimate
– Total amount due

Payment is processed securely through our platform. We accept all major credit cards and bank transfers.

Payment is due within 7 days of receiving your invoice.

STEP 6 — Shipping and Delivery

Once payment is confirmed, our team coordinates shipping and delivery.

We work with specialist art and antique shippers who handle every piece with the care it deserves — rolled, wrapped, crated or padded as appropriate.

All shipments are fully insured during transit.

Delivery timelines vary by location:
– Domestic (US): typically 5-10 business days
– International: typically 2-4 weeks

Our team keeps you informed at every stage. You will receive tracking information as soon as your item ships.

GLOSSARY

Key Terms Every Bidder Should Know

Hammer Price
The final price at which the auctioneer closes bidding on a lot. This is the price before buyer’s premium is added.

Buyer’s Premium
A percentage added to the hammer price, paid by the buyer to the auction house. At HeritageBids, the buyer’s premium is 15% — below the industry average of 20-25%.

Reserve Price
The minimum price a seller will accept. If bidding does not reach the reserve, the lot is passed unsold. Many lots at HeritageBids are offered with no reserve.

Estimate
The auction house’s opinion of the likely selling range, based on comparable recent sales. Use the estimate as a guide, not a guarantee.

Absentee Bid A maximum bid submitted before the auction. The system bids incrementally on your behalf up to your maximum. You can participate without being present on auction day. Lot Each individual item in an auction catalog is called a lot, identified by a lot number. Paddle Number Your unique bidder identification number, issued when you register for a specific auction. Passed / Unsold A lot that did not reach its reserve price and was not sold during the auction. Buy Now / Post-Sale Occasionally, unsold lots are offered for purchase after the auction at the reserve price. Contact us if you are interested in a passed lot.

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

Is registration free?

Yes. Creating an account and registering for auctions at HeritageBids is completely free. We charge no membership fees of any kind.

What is the buyer's premium?

HeritageBids charges a 15% buyer’s premium on all lots. This is added to the hammer price and included in your invoice. Our buyer’s premium is lower than the industry standard of 20-25%.

Can I bid if I am outside the United States?

Absolutely. HeritageBids is an online platform welcoming bidders from around the world. International shipping is available for all lots.

What happens if I win but cannot pay?

Payment is required within 7 days of receiving your invoice. Failure to pay may result in the cancellation of your bid and suspension of your bidding privileges.

Can I return a lot if I am not satisfied?

All sales are final. We strongly encourage bidders to review condition reports and ask any questions before bidding. Our team is available to answer questions about any lot before the auction.

What if the item arrives damaged?

All shipments are fully insured during transit. In the rare event of damage during shipping, contact us immediately with photographs and we will manage the insurance claim on your behalf.

Can I inspect items before bidding?

HeritageBids is an online-only platform. We do not have a physical showroom. However, we offer detailed condition reports with extensive photographs for all lots upon request.

How do I know if I have been outbid?

You will receive an automatic email notification if another bidder exceeds your maximum absentee bid. You can then log in and increase your bid if you wish.

OUR COMMITMENT

Bid With Confidence

Every auction at HeritageBids is built on three core principles.

CURATED QUALITY

Every lot is personally reviewed by our specialists before it enters the catalog. We do not accept items we cannot stand behind.

TRANSPARENT TERMS

No hidden fees, no surprises. Our buyer’s premium is clearly stated, our condition reports are honest, and our estimates are based on real market data.

PROTECTED SHIPPING

Every item ships fully insured with
specialist art and antique handlers.
We do not use standard couriers for
fragile or high-value pieces.

Ready to Place Your First Bid?

Browse our upcoming auction catalog and find something extraordinary.