Buying at Stair Galleries

 

Viewing

Our auctions may be viewed online approximately two weeks prior to the sale date.  Auction previews are generally held one week prior to the sale, and in some cases two weeks.


Buyer's Premium

All sales are subject to a buyer's premium of 17% discounted to 15% for cash or check.


Bidding at the Auction

You must register and obtain a bidding number. We require a valid driver's license and a VISA or MasterCard number. You must also sign theConditions of Sale Form.


Absentee Bidding

If you are unable to attend the auction you may leave an absentee bid using the Absentee Bid Form and the bidding increments listed on this site. You may post it to us by regular mail, fax, drop it off at the sales venue, or they may now be emailed directly to us by clicking on “Email Bid Form” on the Absentee Bid Form, please make sure that all fields are filled in, including the electronic signature. Bids will not be accepted without your signature. These bids are executed competitively on your behalf. The earliest received bid will take precedence in case of tie.


Telephone Bidding

For lots estimated over $500, telephone bidding may be arranged. The phone lines are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Fill out the absentee bid form and write "phone" in the "maximum bid" column and fax it to us along with a signed Conditions of Sale form. Telephone bidding requests may now be emailed directly to us by clicking on the “Email Bid Form” on the Absentee Bid Form, please make sure that all fields are filled in, including the electronic signature. Bids will not be accepted without your signature. Both forms must be received by Noon the day before the auction


Online Bidding Through ArtFact.com

Stair Galleries offers online bidding through our partner ArtFact.com.  Please click on this link to take you to ArtFact.com for complete instructions.


Bid Increments

Bidding amounts are usually accepted in the following increments, subject to the auctioneer's discretion. (Please note this guide applies to absentee bids as well.)


Up to $100

$10

$100-$500

$25

$500-$1,000

$50

$1,000-$3,000

$100

$3,000-$5,000

$250

$5,000-$10,000

$500

$10,000-$30,000

$2,500

$30,000-$100,000

$5,000

Over $100,000

$10,000

 

Condition Reports

We are happy to offer condition reports on lots where practical. Please understand that these reports are generally subjective and examining an object in person is always preferable.


Payment and Collection

For purchases at our live auctions, payment must be made the day of the sale. Personal checks are accepted from buyers known to us. Items must be cleared from the sales venue by Noon of the following day. If you participate by phone or absentee bid please contact a shipper prior to the sale, these items must be paid for and picked up by the shipper within ten days of the date of the sale. All purchases are subject to sales tax unless you have a valid New York State tax exemption number and fill out the form required by the state. (We suggest you do this when registering to bid to save time at check-out.) CLICK HERE FOR NEW YORK STATE RESALE CERTIFICATE.