Terms and Conditions
Altair Auctions: Terms & Conditions
All property offered and sold through Altair Auctions shall be offered and sold on the terms and conditions set forth below. By bidding at the auction, whether present in person or by agent, by absentee bid, telephone, internet or other means, the buyer agrees to be bound by these terms and conditions.
1. ALL SALES ARE FINAL. ALL PROPERTIES SOLD AS IS. NO RETURNS. NO EXCEPTIONS.
2. An 20% buyer's premium will be added to the hammer price of each lot for floor and phone bidders, a 25% buyer's premium for online platforms.
3. All purchases (including buyer's premium) will be subject to a Massachusetts State Sales Tax of 6.25%, unless the buyer is an out-of-state resident and lots are being shipped out of Massachusetts, or if the purchaser has a valid Tax Exempt Certificate (an actual resale certificate must be presented and on file with Altair Auctions).
4. All properties are sold as is, and all sales are final. Though all description and commentary are believed to be correct, neither the auctioneer nor the consignor makes any warranties or representations of any kind with respect to merchandise. Buyer shall not rely on the auctioneer, employees, the catalog description, or advertisements in any part, and must rely only on his own inspection and opinions of all items: we offer a preview and high resolution photos for potential buyers to review and make their own conclusions about the piece. No employee is authorized to make any warranties, expressed or implied, on behalf of Altair Auctions. NO GUARANTEE OF PROVENANCE: Altair Auctions is not responsible for the research and provenance of each item. Altair Auction is not responsible for authenticity, genuineness of, estimated selling price of, or defects in any lot, and makes no warranty in connection therewith. No allowance will be made or sale set aside on account of any incorrectness, error in cataloging or any imperfection not noted. No deduction will be allowed on damaged articles as all goods being exposed for public exhibition are sold "as is" and without recourse. NO GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR JADE: Altair Auctions does not guarantee the authenticity of the color or age of any jade. All jade will be sold as is, without any warranties. All sales are final in jade purchases, no returns will be accepted. Judgment of such qualities is at the sole discretion of the buyer. NO GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR CHINESE PAINTINGS: Altair Auctions does not guarantee any of the lot number descriptions concerning Chinese paintings including authentication, originator, and the date of execution. NO GUARANTEE OF AUTHENTICITY FOR CHINESE STAMPS, COIN, AND/OR PAPER CURRENCY: Altair Auctions cannot guarantee any of the lot number descriptions, illustrations, and conditions are provided as reference. All items sold as, no returns.
5. All bidders shall obtain a bidding number tag/pad at least 30 minutes before the start of the auction by presenting his/her ID or valid passport. All bidders shall keep the number tag/pad under his/her safe custody. The tag/pad shall not be lent to any other person(s). Otherwise, he/she shall bear all the responsibilities associated with the use of his/her number tag/pad for bidding or any other use.
6. All buyers must provide a credit card in order to approve requests in case of default by the buyer. If you are the high bidder on an item, you will receive an invoice by email within 24-48 hours with instructions regarding payment and shipment of your item. You will be given the opportunity at that time to contact us and let us know your preferred method of making payment (credit card, check, or wire transfer). By providing Altair Auctions with this information, you allow us to charge and immediately refund $100 USD to ensure validity of the credit card. Altair reserves the right to charge up to 30% deposit fee to customers who make purchases in excess of $10,000, or 10 lots.
7. We accept credit cards (Master Card, Visa, and Discover), checks, cash, and wire transfers. Payments over $1000.00 will be charged an additional 3%, if payment is made by credit card. If payment is made by cash, wire transfer or check there is 1.5% DISCOUNT. All payments or settlements shall be made in US Dollars. Buyers can only collect the lots after full payments are made. Should payments be made by check or draft, lots will only be released after bank clearance. Should payments be made by check or draft, lots will only be released after bank clearance which should be five business days after we receive the check. Should payments be made by Wire Transfer please be advised that there may be an additional charge from the bank that receives the transfer. Wire transfers can take up to five to ten business days to clear in order for your invoice to be paid. PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED WITHIN 20 DAYS OF THE AUCTION. If you fail to pay within 30 days, we will charge your credit card the total amount on your invoice. All property purchased from Altair Auctions must be removed within 60 days after the auction date. Altair Auctions is not responsible for paid items left for over 60 days after the auction date (unless a prior agreement has been made). Items left after 60 days will incur a $10/day storage fee per item. Once storage fees have exceeded the actual purchase price of the item(s) Altair Auctions can exercise the right to re-auction.
8. All items are sold to the highest bidder as acknowledged by the auctioneer. The auctioneer has the right to reject any bid! The auctioneer is the arbiter of any disputed bid. He may reopen bidding at his discretion and reject bids deemed inappropriate. The auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any item and to reoffer the item at another time. Every effort is made by the auctioneer to execute all bids, including floor, absentee, and telephone and internet bids. We are not responsible for any missed bids. Altair Auctions reserves the right to cancel any sale or bid before, during, and after the auction.
9. Some property that is sold at auction can be subject to laws governing export from the United States, such as items that include material from some endangered species. Import restrictions from foreign countries are subject to these same governing laws. Granting of licensing for import or export of goods from local authorities is the sole responsibility of the buyer. Denial or delay of licensing will not constitute cancellation or delay in payment for the total purchase price of these lots.
Payment
1. Condition of Goods: In publishing this catalog, Farmer Auctions has endeavored to accurately describe all items being sold but all property being offered is to be sold "as is". No statement in this catalog, bill of sale, invoice, or elsewhere by any representative of, or person in the employ of Farmer Auctions shall be deemed to be a warranty, representation, or assumption of liability with respect to age, condition, size, quality, variety, importance, provenance, or historical relevance of any of these items. Please note that photographs may have had size modifications for display purposes, or been trimmed to exclude framing, matting, and wide blank margins. Also, variations in color may occur due to digital processing.
Any condition statement, written or verbal, is given as a courtesy to the client, and is only an opinion. It should not be treated as a statement of fact. Farmer Auctions shall have no responsibility for any error or omission. The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear, imperfections or aging.
2. Disputes: The Auctioneer will be the final judge as to who is the successful bidder. In the event of any dispute, the Auctioneer shall, at his discretion, decide whether or not to reopen the bidding. Not all submitted bids are able to be recognized as high bids when multiple bidders bid at the same increment.
3. Title to Goods: Title to all merchandise shall pass to the successful bidder at the fall of the Auctioneer's "hammer". The purchaser shall assume full responsibility for the lot purchased once title has passed.
4. Removal of Goods: Delivery and storage shall be available at purchaser's expense and risk. We can recommend several competent shippers and make arrangements for long-term storage or worldwide shipping (please see shipping below). Otherwise, all property must be removed from the premises within five (5) days of the sale conclusion.
5. Shipping: Farmer Auctions does not have a shipping department. If you are in need of a shipper in order to receive your purchases, we have compiled a list of shippers in our area. Contact them directly to obtain quotes for the packaging prior to the auction and then after the auction for delivery of your items, or make your own arrangements.
The Packaging Store
Attention: Rick Hayes
3916 Brambleton Avenue
Roanoke, VA 24018
(540) 772-0999
packstore@va203.roacoxmail.com
The UPS Store
Attention: Steve or Gary
(540) 387-0077
store2167@theupsstore.com
Purchases will only be released to the shipper when they are paid in full (by credit card approval or when checks clear the bank) to Farmer Auctions. Payment for shipping is due directly to the shipper. Please notify us of the shipper you will be using.
6. Payment Terms: All accounts are to be settled within 48hrs after the end of the sale. Payment may be made by cash, traveler's check, Visa, Mastercard, or personal check if you are a prior customer. All others must obtain prior approval. Approval will be granted upon presentation of a "letter of guarantee" from an officer of your bank on original stationery. This letter should state an exact amount of funds guaranteed and should be presented to the cashier at time of registration. In any event, Farmer Auctions reserves the right to hold all merchandise paid for by check until such check has cleared and receipt of funds is verified. There will be a $25.00 return check fee on all returned checks.
7. Sales Tax: Pursuant to the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia, all sales, including buyer's premiums, are subject to the collection of a 5.3% sales tax. For online bidders, we must charge sales tax if the buyer lives in Virginia or picks up in Virginia. You may present a valid resale license and complete the necessary Virginia certificate for Sales Tax Exemption (available from Farmer Auctions). Lots shipped out of state are not subject to VA state sales tax.
8. Buyer's Premium: All online bidders pay an 20% buyer's premium, regardless of payment method. All bidding at auction and all purchases will be in U.S. Dollars.
9. Errors: Farmer Auctions is not responsible for any typographical or any other error or omission in this catalogue or subsequent price key. Farmer Auctions reserves the right to withdraw any property before the sale.
10. Estimates: Any estimates provided are our opinion of the price that a willing buyer would pay for the property at auction. These estimates are opinion based, where possible, on prices paid for comparable items sold in the past. They are neither a representation nor a prediction of the actual selling price that will be realized at auction, post-auction sale, or upon resale, which may be substantially different from these estimates. We shall not be liable in any way for such a difference.
11. Exhibition: Prior to every sale we have an exhibition of the items in the catalogue. Our staff is present to answer questions about items and to offer help with the auction process. Preview will be two hours before sale time on both days, or by appointment.
12. Absentee/Telephone/Internet Bidding: As a service to our customers, Farmer Auctions will execute absentee bids if so authorized in writing under the provisions herein specified. Absentee bids should be made on the Absentee Bid Form provided in each catalogue. This form should be clearly and completely filled out and accompanied by a valid credit card. All absentee bids will be executed competitively during the sale; items will be purchased for the lowest price possible. Farmer Auctions cannot accept "buy" bids. In the event of tie bids between absentee bidders and those in attendance, preference will be given to the attending bidder. Where two absentee bidders bid the same amount, the first received will be honored. Telephone bidders also should submit a completed absentee bid form. Upon receipt of a properly executed bid form, we will make arrangements to call you just prior to your lot(s) of interest being offered. Please note that we will have limited time to try calling you once. Make sure that the phone number you have given us is correct and that your line will be open during the auction. Successful buyers will be notified within three (3) days of the sale. Professional specialists handle all shipping and delivery, and if you are a successful bidder, we will give you proper information so you can contract directly with the proper company. This service is offered as a convenience and Farmer Auctions will not be responsible for any errors or failures to properly execute absentee or telephone bids. Absentee and phone bids will not be guaranteed after 12pm on the Friday prior to the sale.
13. Agreement to Terms: In bidding on any lot here offered, the bidder indicates acceptance of these Terms and Conditions of Sale. Title of each lot passes when the auctioneer says, "Sold". Thereafter, any loss by fire, theft, breakage, or any other cause is the sole responsibility of the purchaser. Merchandise must be packed and transported by the purchaser at his own risk and expense. If any employee or agent of Farmer Auctions shall pack or transport the merchandise, it is fully at the risk, responsibility and expense of the purchaser and Farmer Auctions shall not be liable for any loss or damage that may be caused by such employee or agent.
14. Bidder Responsibility: The bidder is responsible for knowing on which item(s) he or she is bidding. If unsure, the bidder should inquire, or not bid. When becoming the winning bidder at auction, you have affected a contract and will be expected to pay for items in which you were evidenced to be the successful bidder. Auctioneer will not honor "mistakes". Should the bidder end up with an item he or she did not intend to purchase, that bidder may resell it directly to another person at the end of the auction. Do not concern the auctioneer with this, as no sales will be voided and no items will be offered for resale. Also, please note that all items and contents in any furniture or articles sold are reserved unless otherwise announced. This includes items in drawers and other areas undiscovered by our presale workers.
15. Acceptance of Bids: The Auctioneer reserves the right to accept or reject bids in any increment which the auctioneer deems to be in the best interest of the client, the seller. POOLS: Pools are associations of dealers or collectors formed with the purpose of keeping down auction prices for the benefits of its members. They are illegal in the United States and England. They have never occurred at our auctions, and under no circumstance will they ever be permitted.
16. Check Out: In order for items to be removed during the auction the buyer must obtain a copy of their invoice from the clerk and present it at the door. No items will be permitted to leave the gallery without a printed invoice. Payment in full is due at the conclusion of the sale or upon leaving the auction. If a checkout area is set up, no items can be removed until full payment has been made.
17. Announcements: All announcements from the auction block will take precedence over any printed matter with the exception of "condition," as previously outlined in paragraph 1. For additional information regarding these Terms and Conditions of Sale, or any other matter relevant to this auction, please contact us for specific information not included in the catalogue description: Farmer Auctions, 1713 Midland Rd, Salem Virginia 24153 (540) 384-0100 fax# (540) 387-2033 Telephone inquiries may be made between 9am and 5pm EST.
18. Sale Results: Results will be available by phone no earlier than 5pm on our first business day following the auction, or as soon as Farmer Auctions has audited and verified all sales. Please do not call prior to this time for results, as they will not be given out under any circumstances. Sale results will be posted on our website within two weeks after the sale. We thank you for your understanding in this matter. Farmer Auctions retains all rights to copyright and other intellectual property contained in this catalogue.
19. Firearms: Know your State/Federal firearms laws BEFORE bidding. We are a licensed FFL Dealer. All federal and state firearm laws govern every aspect of this auction and any infraction of the law will immediately be reported to local law enforcement and the ATF. You must be 18 to purchase rifles or shotguns and 21 to purchase a handgun. There is no inspection period for your purchase, ALL GUN SALES ARE FINAL. You are responsible for knowing if your state bans a certain type of firearm/ammo/accessory from being shipped to you. All Virginia residents purchasing modern firearms produced after January 1st, 1899 must complete a Virginia State Police background check in our Salem, VA gallery. There is a $2 processing fee per background check. The only exception is a licensed Federal Firearms Dealer or Curio & Relic Collector License holder. Assault Rifles and accessories require additional identification per Virginia State Police requirements. All out of state firearm buyers are responsible for shipping costs and obtaining approval from a licensed FFL dealer to accept your purchase. A current signed copy of the receiving FFL licensee is required to be sent to our office in order to allow the firearm to be shipped. Please fax to 540-387-2033 or email info@farmer-auctions.com. Do not purchase firearms for someone else. Only the registered bidder is able to pay and pickup firearms from the gallery.
20. Ownership / Affiliation: Farmer Auctions is owned by Hines Services LLC of Radford Virginia, VAAF#1007
