FAQ

Question: What kinds of items are sold at auction?

Answer:
Quite simply, if something can be sold, it has probably been sold at auction. Alderfer Auction sells personal property and real estate. Items sold at auction but not limited to are fine art and decor, silver, period furniture, firearms, historical, militaria, vehicles, dolls, coins, stamps, books, toys, business equipment and tools, plus estates and collections.

Question: Are auctioneers licensed and bonded?

Answer:
In Pennsylvania all auctioneers are required to be licensed and bonded by the state. In addition, Alderfer auctioneers are involved in continuing education classes and have been awarded several certifications. Our auctioneers are also members of the National Auctioneers Association, Pennsylvania Auctioneers Association, and the Lehigh Valley Society of Auctioneers. Lic #002260

Question: What is a Buyer’s Premium?

Answer:
A Buyer’s Premium is a percentage of the high bid that is added to the high bid to establish the final sale price.

Question: What is an “absolute” auction?

Answer:
An absolute auction is an auction where all property is sold to the highest bidder, regardless of price. If an item isn’t selling it is grouped with the next item for sale so all items sell.

Question: What is a “reserve”?

Answer:
A reserve is a confidential minimum price that the seller is willing to accept for an item. In an auction, the auctioneer is only obligated to sell the item once the bid amount meets or exceeds the reserve price. 

Question: Can I preview the items before the auction?

Answer:
Select Auctions have in-person previews, please see specific auction information for details. For other auctions, email preview@alderferauction.com to schedule a preview of up to 10 items. We are happy to pull those items for you to preview. If you need a condition report, please email conditionreport@alderferauction.com. 

Question: What about removal of items from the auction?

Answer:
Please see your specific auction information for designated pickup dates, times and locations.

Question: How do I register or bid for an Online Auction?

Answer: 
Please view tutorial…Click HERE to go to our How to Bid and Buy page, or Click HERE for printable tutorial.