Alderfer Auction - How to bid and buy

How to Bid & Buy

Become a Bidder – Buyer Information

Buyers must register for a bidding number by giving name, address, phone number, and identification acceptable to us. Please show your bidding number to the auctioneer after each purchase you make.

The highest bidder shall be the buyer, and if any dispute arises between two or more bidders, the auctioneer shall decide the buyer or immediately put the item up for sale again.  In the event of a tie between an online bidder and the floor bidder, the floor bidder will take precedence.  The auctioneer’s decision will be binding and final.

Some lots are offered subject to a reserve, which is a confidential minimum price below which such a lot will not be sold. The record of sale, kept by the auctioneer and clerk, will be taken as absolute and final in all disputes.

1. Live Bidding
Live bidding is the traditional method of bidding at our auction center.  Prior to bidding, all bidders must register to receive a bidder number. To bid in the auction, simply raise your bidder number for the auctioneer to see. Successful bidders will collect and pay for their items as full payment is required on auction day.

2. Online Bidding
Online bidding allows you to bid via the internet from the comfort of your home. An Online Only Auction takes place over an extended period of time versus a Live and Online Auction which allows you to bid in select live auctions via the internet.

We understand computers can be confusing and frustrating. Below are a few steps that will help you to navigate the bidding process.

Step 1. Use a Qualified Browser

The browser is the door that connects your computer or device to the world-wide web.

  • We have found that using Internet Explorer (see the icon below) is NOT the optimal browser. This browser is prone to viruses and will not allow you to access certain parts of the bidding experience.
  • Google Chrome, Firefox, and Safari (see the icons below) are excellent choices for a browser. Our system has been optimized to function on all three of these.

Step 2. Bid via Desktop or App 

The mobile experience may differ slightly from the desktop or PC experience. In either case, click on the "Bid Online Now" link to enter the auction

a. How to register and bid on Alderfer Online Only Timed Auctions

  • Computer - Alderfer Auction Online Auction Bidding Platform 
  • Mobile – Alderfer Auction App 
  • For both Computer and Mobile users, click HERE for Printable Tutorial, Click Below For You Tube Video Tutorial

3. Live AND Online Auctions

Live and Online Auctions are conducted in front of a live audience. During these events each item presented in the auction is also available for bidding in an online venue hosted by the Alderfer Online Bidding platform or a third party provider.

While the auctioneer is receiving bids from an assembled audience, the auctioneer is also taking bids from bidders who are bidding through the Alderfer Online Bidding platform or third-party providers in real time or by advance bidding. Following the auction, the successful bidders are notified by email and payment arrangements are made; applicable buyer’s premium applies.

4. Live Online Auctions (Online Only Auction with Multiple Bidding Platforms):

Auction is open for pre-bidding until (date,time), at which time pre-bidding will cease and the auction will go live at the auction center (no live audience, just our auctioneer and auction staff). When the auction goes live, lots will be sold one at a time, in numerical order, by a live auctioneer who will be taking bids from multiple online bidding platforms, absentee and phone bids. During pre-bidding you are able to submit a max (maximum) bid. The bidding platform or our auction staff will bid on your behalf up to the maximum bid that you have entered.  Once the auction goes live if you wish to increase your bid you will have to wait until that lot opens for bidding and enter any additional bids manually.

5. Absentee Bidding

For those unable to attend the auction, Alderfer’s offers the absentee bid service as a convenience to our patrons.  Alderfer’s will not be held responsible for error or failure to execute the bid(s).  Absentee bids must be in writing and a fifty dollar ($50) minimum bid is required per item.

CLICK HERE for the Absentee and Phone Bid Form

6. Phone Bidding

Phone bids must be in writing. All phone bids are required to start at $250 or half of the published estimate.  We suggest that phone and absentee bids be made 24 hours in advance to allow time for processing. 

CLICK HERE for the Absentee and Phone Bid Form