Buying at Auction

Skinner offers several ways to participate in its auctions, whether you are attending in person or bidding from the other side of the world. If attending, simply obtain a bidding paddle and join the auction-floor action. If you cannot attend, join live bidding via the telephone or internet. Absentee bids are also accepted by filling out a form at the auction preview or by telephone, fax, or email prior to the auction.

Be a Smart Bidder:  Skinner Catalogues, Previews, and Expert Advice

Printed Catalogues
Skinner publishes approximately 60 catalogues each year for its specialized auctions. Catalogues contain object descriptions, photos, and estimated values determined by its experts.  Purchasing a year’s subscription to auctions in your collecting area is an excellent way to deepen your knowledge and follow the market. Individual catalogues or catalogue subscriptions may be ordered online at Catalogue Orders or by calling 978-779-6241, ext. 240.

Online Catalogues
Catalogues for upcoming auctions are also available online, free of charge. Click on the auctions listed on this site’s home page to access current catalogues. Catalogues can be viewed either as a lot-by-lot listing or as a PDF download of Skinner’s traditional printed catalogues.

The Preview
Attending an auction preview is the best way to determine your bidding plan. Skinner holds previews several days prior to an auction and directly before the auction begins. The preview is your chance to examine, handle, and ask questions about the items that interest you. Skinner’s expert staff will offer frank opinions of the quality, condition, provenance, rarity, and value of any piece.

All previews and auctions are open to the public at no charge. Go to Auction Schedule for times and locations of upcoming auctions.

If you cannot attend a preview, Skinner experts are available to answer questions by email, telephone, or fax and can email condition reports and photos.

Attending an Auction –What to Expect Step by Step

1. Attend a preview. Once the auction begins, you can no longer inspect the lots.

2. On the day of the auction, register at the desk to receive a bidding paddle, and then take a seat.
   
   
3. The auctioneer will ask for an opening bid on the first lot. Bids will proceed in standard increments (see below), as they are accepted from the floor, the telephones, internet, and "absentee bidding" (written bids submitted prior to the auction).  The auction proceeds in the order of lots printed in the auction catalogue.

4. Skinner’s pace is typically 100 lots per hour. Due to the fast pace of the auction, you should be seated at least ten lots before the item you are interested in comes up.

5. When your lot comes up, be prepared to raise your paddle. The auctioneer will accept your competitive bids, along with all others until a final hammer price is reached.

6. Once you have completed bidding on all items of interest, return to the registration desk to turn in your auction paddle and pay for your purchases.

Standard Increments
Bids are generally solicited and accepted for lots at the following increments, subject to the auctioneer’s discretion.

Up to $100                  $10
$100-500                     $25
$500-$1,000                $50
$1,000-$3,000             $100
$3,000-$5,000             $250
$5,000-$10,000           $500
$10,000-$30,000         $1,000
$30,000-$50,000         $2,500
$50,000-$100,000       $5,000
over $100,000             $10,000

Hammer Price and Price Realized
The "hammer price" is the winning bid amount. A "buyer’s premium" and Massachusetts sales tax (if applicable) are then added to the hammer price. The hammer price plus the buyer’s premium is known as the "price realized."

Buyer’s Premium 
Bidders should keep in mind that a “buyer’s premium” is added to the final hammer price. At Skinner, the buyer’s premium is 18 ½% for each item purchased up to and including $200,000. A final bid over $200,000—has a 10% buyer’s premium.

Massachusetts Sales Tax 
Massachusetts 5% sales tax is due on all purchases picked up from the gallery or shipped via an agent. Buyers holding a valid U.S.-issued resale certificate are exempt from tax provided all the necessary paperwork is current and on file with Skinner, Inc.

Bidders’ Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Skinner?
Skinner auctions are held at two sites: 63 Park Plaza in Boston’s Back Bay and at the junction of Route 495 and Route 117 in Bolton, Massachusetts. Directions

Can anyone participate in a Skinner auction?
There is no charge to attend, and everyone is welcome.

Is buying at auction affordable?
Buying at auction is more affordable than you might think and provides an opportunity to purchase quality items at competitive prices. The idea of a "bargain" also changes as expertise grows. Higher-priced items often prove to be excellent investments based on their period, style, provenance, and/or rarity.

What are condition reports?
If you cannot attend the preview, Skinner staff members can answer specific queries on the featured fine art, antiques, and collectibles of interest. The condition report can include details such as measurements and descriptions of damage or repairs.

What is a reserve?
A reserve agreement is a contract between the auction house and the seller, setting a minimum price at which an item can sell. Most property is offered without a reserve – at the auctioneer’s discretion.

What happens if the reserve price is not reached on an item?
The auctioneer will "pass" on the item and withdraw it from the auction.

Why does Skinner provide an "estimated range of value" for each object?
Skinner’s estimates tend to be conservative and are based on what comparable items have brought in the past. This high/low price estimate is printed in the auction catalogue with the object’s lot number and description. Though not a guarantee, this estimate provides the seller with an expected range of auction value and the buyer with a guideline for potential purchase.  

Does Skinner provide storage for the objects that I buy at auction?
Skinner requests removal of purchased property within three business days. The buyer is responsible for transportation costs. Please see Conditions of Sale.

How do I ship items that I purchase at auction to a desired location?