Live Bidding
The most exciting way to participate at auction is the traditional method of bidding live in the salesroom with an auction paddle. Clients intending to bid in person must register on the day of the auction with a photo ID, and a numbered paddle will be assigned at that time. Once the sale begins, the auctioneer will announce each lot in numerical order as listed in the catalogue and then open the bidding. Bidding progresses in sequentially higher increments. To place a bid, simply raise your paddle for the auctioneer to recognize your bid. If no one tops your bid, the auctioneer will state that the item is sold, then announce the hammer price and your paddle number.
Telephone Bidding
Clients unable to attend the sale may still participate live at the auction by bidding via telephone with a trained staff member. The completed and signed bid forms must be received prior to the auction. The Telephone Bid Form is available on our website, at the back of our printed catalogue, and through our Customer Service Department.
- Submit Telephone Bids online
- Download Telephone Bid form. This file is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click here. You may fill out the form and fax it to (510) 749-7517.
Absentee Bidding
For buyers unable to participate live in the salesroom or on the telephone, we offer the option of leaving absentee bids. Absentee bids work exactly as if the bidder were in the salesroom bidding up to his or her own predetermined price limit. A trained staff member will bid on your behalf alternately against other bidders until the bidding ends. In the event that the other bidders drop out before reaching the full amount of your absentee bid, you will purchase the lot at the next increment. The Online Absentee Bid Form is available on our website, at the back of our printed catalogue, and through the Customer Service Department.
- Submit Absentee Bids online
- Download Absentee Bid form. This file is in Adobe Acrobat format. If you do not have Acrobat Reader, click here. You may fill out the form and fax it to (510) 749-7517.
Internet Bidding
Michaan's is delighted to also offer live internet bidding through LiveAuctioneers. Wherever you are and wherever the auction is taking place, LiveAuctioneers, allows you to bid on your computer with a click of the mouse. Bids are received in real time and you are competing with bidders in the auction salesroom. To register for internet bidding you must go to www.liveauctioneers.com. To find out how to bid online with Liveauctioneers click here.
Bid Increments
| Minimum Value | Maximum Value | Expected Bid Increment |
|---|---|---|
| from US $ 0 | to US $ 49 | US $ 5 |
| from US $ 50 | to US $ 199 | US $ 10 |
| from US $ 200 | to US $ 499 | US $ 25 |
| from US $ 500 | to US $ 999 | US $ 50 |
| rom US $ 1000 | to US $ 1999 | US $ 100 |
| from US $ 2000 | o US $ 4999 | US $ 250 |
| from US $ 5000 | to US $ 9999 | US $ 500 |
| from US $ 10000 | to US $ 19999 | US $ 1000 |
| from US $ 20000 | to US $ 49999 | US $ 2500 |
| from US $ 50000 | to US $ 99999 | US $5000 |
| from US $100000 | and above | US $10000 |

