Online Auction FAQ's

• What is an Internet Only Auction?
  
• Should I sell my property through internet auction or traditional "live" auction?
• What is a Simulcast Auction?
• How does the Simulcast Auction work?
• What is a Simulcast Live/Internet bid?
• How do I register to bid in a Simulcast/Internet Only Auction?
• Do I have to register to bid for every Simulcast/Internet Only Auction?
• How do I update my registration information or update my account?
• How do I place a bid on a Simulcast / Internet Auction?
• What is a proxy bid?
• Why do you recommend proxy bidding over simulcast live bidding?
• Why does it ask me for an opening bid and a max bid? Why system requirements will I need on my computer in order to place a simulcast live bid?
• Can I cancel an internet bid?
• What are the bidding increments for the auction?
• What if I can't place bids online, is there another way to bid?
• What are the bidding increments for an auction?
• How much does it cost to participate in an auction? / How much is charged to my credit card when I register as an Internet bidder?
• What forms of payment do you accept for your auctions?
• How do I know if I won a bid or bids?
• Do I have to pay sales tax on Internet Auction items?
• When do I have to pay for my purchases?

Q: What is an Internet Only Auction?
A: All auction lots are listed in our online catalog with a description and a photograph and are available for viewing and proxy bidding by registered Internet bidders until the auction close date and time – there is no Simulcast Bidding for Internet Only auctions.

Q: Should I sell my property through internet auction or traditional "live" auction?
It depends on the type of product that you are selling. In some cases where you have a large amount of product to sell that would "flood" the market in your area - it is best to sell your items on the Internet. In other cases, where your products must be seen to be appreciated, a traditional auction fits your needs. There are times however when both marketing methods will meet your needs. Please allow an Auction Systems' representative assist you in making the decision about how best to sell your merchandise.

Q. What is a Simulcast Auction?
A. A Simulcast Auction is an auction where live bidders are physically present onsite at an auction location bid against Internet bidders online who have either placed a proxy bid or are bidding live in real time from their computer.

Q: How does the Simulcast Auction work?
A: In Simulcast Auctions, all lots are listed in our online catalog with a description and a photograph and are available for viewing and proxy bidding by registered Internet bidders for approximately seven days prior to the live auction event. When the live auction event begins, Simulcast Live Bidding opens for our online bidders so they can place a bid in real time and compete against the live auction attendees. Internet bidders can also listen to the auction over Auction Systems Radio Network.

Q: What is Simulcast Live Bidding or Internet Live Bidding?
A: On the left hand side of the screen, you will see a Live Bidding link which is only available on auction day. When you click on the link you will enter your bidder number and password and then each item as it is being sold live on the auction floor will populate your screen with a photo and description. Across the top of your screen there will be three increments that appear in push button boxes that you will be able to select to increase the bid. If you are winning the bid, the screen will say “winning” or you will continue to be outbid. The auction moves very quickly this way with items sold about every 20 seconds. If the auction moves too quickly you can proxy bid during the live event.

Q: How do I register to bid in a Simulcast / Internet Only Auction?
A: Click on the “Bidder Sign Up” at the left of the screen. Read and review the terms and conditions and complete the requested registration form. If you experience difficulty, please call Bidder Central, at 602-252-4842 or (800) 801-8880 or you may email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . You will only need to register one time.

Q: Do I have to register to bid for every Simulcast / Internet Auction I want to bid in?
A: No, you will only need to register one time.

Q: How do I update my registration information or update my account?
A: Click on “My Account” at the top of the screen and you will be able to update your information. If you need assistance please call Bidder Central, at 602-252-4842 or (800) 801-8880 or you may email at Bidder Central.

Q: How do I place a bid on a Simulcast/Internet Auction?
A: Find the Internet Auction you are interested in, Click on the "PREVIEW AND BID LIVE NOW" link. You can browse all items offered or by category. When you find an item or items you would like to bid on, enter the minimum amount you are bidding and the maximum amount you would spend on that item. Then enter your bidder number and password and click on "PLACE BIDS". A series of questions will appear for the first time you bid in that auction, which you can answer by clicking the appropriate box. Then a screen displaying the bids you placed will appear and ask you to verify your bid amounts, once completed click, SUBMIT BIDS.

Q: What is a Proxy Bid?
A: A proxy bid is one you enter in the maximum field and represents the highest amount you are willing to bid for a particular item/lot. Once you enter a proxy bid, Auction Systems’ computer system will bid for you up to that amount, increasing your bid by the minimum bid increment only when you have been outbid by another bidder either Internet or Live bidder. So, you could win the lot for less than the proxy bid you entered or possibly be completely outbid. We recommend proxy bidding over Simulcast Live Bidding to prevent being outbid during the live auction event.

Q: Why do you recommend proxy bidding over Simulcast Live Bidding?
A: Proxy bids save you time because you don't have to watch the auction or attend the live auction - the computer bids for you. Proxy bids make sure that your bids are recognized, just in case you have to leave your computer, or your bid is not registered prior to item closing due to slow or delayed modem, or something happens to your Internet connection during the auction. Proxy bids are especially useful when you are bidding on many lots that are closing within minutes of each other. They will make sure that you don't miss out on lots just because you are bidding on another lot. In addition, at the live event, a dedicated Internet Auction Clerk represents the proxy bids in increments as necessary to protect the interest you indicated, so it is just like being live in person at the auction.

Q: Why does it ask me for an “opening’ and “max” bid?
A: Your opening bid is the “next bid amount required”. You don’t have to enter a max bid however you will be outbid if another bidder places a bid. If you are outbid, you will receive an email notification.

Q: What system requirements will I need on my computer in order to place a Simulcast Live bid?
A: In order to place a live bid during the auction you will need a DSL or a cable link for fast connectivity. The auction moves at approximately one item being sold every 20 seconds. If you don’t have access to a fast connection, please take advantage of placing proxy bids.

Q: Can I cancel an Internet bid?
A: No, after you submit a bid, the bid cannot be canceled. Bids can not be cancelled just because you changed your mind. However if you missed putting in a decimal point or the bid was an obvious type-o, you can please call Bidder Central, at 602-252-4842 or (800) 801-8880 or you may email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it so we can review your bid with you.

Q: What are the bidding increments for an auction?
A: We have different types of bidding increments for our auctions; however the most typical is an opening bid of $10 with bidding in increments of multiples of $2.50. So if you place a bid of $11, your bid will only be represented up to $10. Also if you place an opening bid of $10 and then a max bid of $12.50, your bid will be represented at $12.50 since there is no intervening bid increment available, so your max bid should be at least $5 more than your opening bid, i.e. opening bid = $10, max bid = $15. Please bid accordingly. Bids under $50. work in $2.50 increments; Bids above $50, but under $100 work in $5.00 increments; Bids above $100 but under $500 work in $10.00 increments; Bids above $500 but under $1,000 work in $25 increments; Bids above $ 1,000 but under $5,000 work in $50.00 increments and bidding up to $100,000,000 work in $100.00 increments. Our jewelry auctions have opening bids that vary depending on the appraisal price of the item but work with the same bid increments. Our building materials auctions have lower opening bids then $10 because the items are often sold on a per square foot basis multiple. Our coin auctions often have $2.50 opening bids and increment at $1.00.

Q: What if I can’t place bids online, is there another way to bid?
A: If you are unable to access the Auction Systems Internet auction system on the day of an Internet Auction, you are welcome to join us live and/or please call Bidder Central, at 602-252-4842 or (800) 801-8880 or you may email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for outage information. We also have a bidding kiosk available for your use at Auction Systems at 2324 E University Drive in Phoenix, AZ.

Q: How much does it cost to participate in an auction? / How much is charged to my credit card when I register as an Internet bidder?
A: Only the price of the winning bids you place plus sales tax, if applicable and shipping if you choose not to pick your item up directly. There are no fees charged to bidders who are not winning buyers. Auction Systems does not charge Buyers Premiums fees. However the first time you place a bid in any auction your credit card is authorized for $10. The authorization may appear for one to three days (depending on your banking institution) but is not a charge.

Q: What forms of payment do you accept for your auctions?
A: We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover Card. You may also pay in person on the day of the auction in Cash or Certified Funds. We do not accept personal or business checks.

Q: How do I know if I won a bid or bids?
A: Shortly after the auction has ended, you will receive an email from Auction Systems indicating the items won and the amount charged to your credit card.

Q: Do I have to pay sales tax on Internet Auction items?
A: Yes, unless you are registered with an out of state address and your items are shipped out of the state of Arizona. If you are a valid Arizona reseller, you can submit at tax exemption certificate to Auction Systems. If you are buying for personal use you will be charged sales tax of 8.3%. Q: Do I have to pay sales tax on Internet Auction items?

Q: When do I have to pay for my purchases?
A: At the end of the auction when all items are sold, your credit card on file will be charged. You may also come to the live auction event and pay for your purchases prior to the end of the auction however you will need to bring a valid form of payment including Cash, Cashier’s Check or credit card in order to pay for your purchase(s).