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Mark Your Calendar!
Clars auctions are generally held every four weeks.
In addition, we occasionally hold special auctions. The auction
schedule can be found on our Calendar
page.
You may want to get on our mailing list to receive our color
brochure either by mail or through the internet. To register,
simply call us (510) 428-0100 or sign up at the front office.
Preview
Feel free to walk through the gallery and look at all of the
items. It's a good time to meet other people with similar
interests and staff is available to answer questions you may
have. Examine carefully those items that particularly interest
you. You must obtain a bidder card prior to bidding and this
is an ideal time to sign up at the front office.
There are catalogs near the front of the building that give
a brief description of each lot. Typically, the blue-covered
catalog is for Saturday's Intermediate auction, the white-covered
catalog is for Sunday's Gallery auction, and the gold-covered
catalog is for Sunday's Jewelry auction. Occasionally, we
will include other catalogs for special auctions.
Normal Preview and Auction times are:
Understand the Conditions of Sale
The Conditions of Sale are the Rules and Regulations that
govern each auction. You can find the Conditions of Sale on
the front cover of each auction catalog or
Click
Here to view Conditions Of Sale. (Please read them carefully.)
Evaluate
If you are interested in a particular piece, ask the staff
to locate someone who is able to give you an estimate on the
item. We are able to provide detailed condition reports for
fine arts in our Gallery sale upon request. Most things sell
significantly below the price normally set in a retail store.
Also, by observing the actual auction, you'll begin to get
an idea at what price things tend to sell.
Set a Limit
Decide in your mind roughly what you limit is on the
item. "If it sells for $200 or less, I'll buy it. If
it sells for more than $200, I don't want it." You don't
have a lot of time during the auction of that item to debate
how much to spend.
Attend the Auction
We generally start at lot # 1 in Saturday's Intermediate
auction and aim to sell the lots (items) in consecutive order
at roughly 150 lots per hour. On Sunday's Gallery auction,
we begin at lot #1000 and sell at about 125 lots per hour.
Bid
Raise your paddle until you get the item. Remember, there
is a 17% additional charge (Buyer's Premium) added
on all items, plus sales tax, unless you have a valid
resale license on file with us.
Note: 17% to $70k, 10% on surplus
Absentee Bid
You may leave an absentee bid if you can't or don't want
to be present during the auction. We bid for you and usually
don't start with your maximum bid. About 80% of the successful
absentee bids are sold for less than the maximum. It's always
better to be present, however. Click
Here to print out a form.
Pick Up Of Purchased Items
All items should be paid for and picked up preferably on the
day of sale, but in any case, no later than 3 (three)
days after the auction, or a storage charge may be levied.
You are responsible for bringing your own boxes and packing
material for the small items, and your own crew to assist
with the heavier items. Our staff is not responsible for carrying
the items to your vehicle. The front office can give you a
list of independent movers who might be able to bring the
items to your property.
Saturday - Intermediate Auction
Intermediate items tend to sell in the $10-500 range, although
a few items seem to hit $1000 or more. In our intermediate
auction, the items offered tend to be newer, not in great
condition, or of lesser quality than the items in the main
gallery auction, but there are always some surprises and some
overlap. We always recommend that people preview both sides
so they see everything. Sometimes we've overlooked a valuable
piece.
Sunday - Gallery Auction
Gallery items tend to sell in the $50-$10,000 range.
Sell at Auction
If you're interested in selling items at auction, please
ask someone at the front office to put you in contact with
one of our employees responsible for taking in new property.
We do have a free drop-in appraisal clinic most Thursday mornings
from 9 am until noon, when you can bring in up to five items.
Home appointments are made for larger possible consignments.
We also buy property outright on occasion.
Do's and Don'ts
Do - Remember to keep good notes
Do - Bring friends to help offer guidance
Do - Dress comfortably and in layers
Do - Be sure the Auctioneer sees you
Do - Remember to bring your own boxes and packing material
Do - Relax and have fun
Do Not - Hesitate to ask for help
Do Not - Delay in picking up your purchases
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