Frequently Asked Questions
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Bidding
- Q: Where do your auctions take place?
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A: Unless posted otherwise, all of our auctions are held live at our Chicago gallery: 5001 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, IL 60641.
Most auctions are held on Saturdays, starting at 10am CST. Doors open at 9am for registration.
- Q: How do I bid?
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A: There are many ways to bid in our auctions, including in-person, by telephone, live online, or by leaving an absentee bid. We will be happy to help arrange for the method most convenient for you.
- Q: How do I bid live on your website?
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A: About ten minutes before the scheduled start of the auction, click "Bid Online" on our homepage. You will be redirected to our live bidding platform. You must have an account and be logged in to place bids.
- Q: How do I preview items?
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A: Our gallery is open to public viewing for two days leading up to each auction for prospective bidders to examine lots. Preview hours are 9 – 5pm unless posted otherwise.
Do not hesitate to contact us for additional images, videos, and condition reports if you are unable to preview items in-person.
- Q: How do I know when the lot I want to bid on will open?
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A: Our auctions move at a brisk pace, typically within a range of 60-90 lots per hour. The auction will progress in lot order. Consider leaving an absentee bid if you may be unavailable when your desired lot opens, or signing up for telephone bidding to help ensure you do not miss out.
- Q: I was a successful bidder. When will I receive an invoice?
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A: We will prepare an invoice within 1-2 business days of the sale. Your invoice will be emailed. The invoice will detail associate charges such as for shipping, if applicable.
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Shipping
- Q: Do you ship in-house?
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A: Yes, we provide professional shipping in-house for most items. Certain large and fragile items may require third-party handling. Please contact our shipping department for more information.
- Q: What shippers do you use?
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A: FedEx is our primary shipping provider. We require signatures on all packages.
- Q: Do you ship internationally?
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A: Yes, we ship items all over the world. For security and safety purposes, we default to FedEx International service.
- Q: How do you calculate shipping fees?
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A: Shipping costs include charges for labor, materials, and insurance, as well as actual shipper's fees.
For an estimate on the cost of shipping the items you are interested in, please contact us ahead of the sale. - Q: How soon will my items be shipped?
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A: We make every effort to ship orders in a timely fashion, typically between 4-8 business days from the time payment is received. Tracking information will be emailed to you.
- Q: Are my items insured in shipment?
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A: Yes. Your invoice will include a charge for insurance, which covers loss or damage to the items.
If you discover an item you received has been damaged or that your order is incomplete, it is imperative that you bring within three business days. Please do not discard shipping containers or packing materials until all items in your order have been accounted for. - Q: Do you offer local pick-up?
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A: Yes. Items may be collected Monday-Friday, 9am - 5pm CST. Please email info@potterauctions.com or call 773-472-1442 to schedule a pickup time.
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Payment
- Q: What forms of payment are accepted?
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A: We accept payment by cash, check, and credit or debit card. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and Discover. There is an added 2.5% convenience fee for credit card payments. You may also send payments by wire transfer, Zelle and Chase QuickPay. Credit card payments can be made online through your account.
- Q: I bid through Live Auctioneers or Invaluable. How do I log into my account?
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A: Please email info@potterauctions.com for your login credentials.
- Q: How do I pay using Chase QuickPay or Zelle?
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A: Please send your payment via Chase QuickPay to info@potterauctions.com.
- Q: When is payment due?
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A: Payment is due upon the receipt of your invoice. Buyers must settle invoices within seven business days following the sale.
Conditions Of Sale
