FAQs: How to buy

Bidding and payment

How do I bid in Bonhams Skinner auctions?
There are many ways to bid with us, including:
- In person at our saleroom
- By telephone (complete a telephone bid form)
- Online
- Via the Bonhams Skinner app
- Leaving an absentee bid in advance

How will Bonhams Skinner let me know if I have won an item and when will I receive notifications?
If you are a successful winning bidder, you will receive an email confirmation along with your invoice within 24 hours after the close of an auction, along with payment options and instructions.

What payment methods are accepted for auction purchases?
We accept the following payment methods:
- Bank transfer
- Personal, Business check, or Cashiers check
- Debit card (in person only)
- Credit card, up to $25,000, online or over the telephone
- Cash, up to $5,000 (in person only)

Payment should be from an account in the name of the payee. We reserve the right not to release property until a check clears the bank. For more information, please see Bonhams Skinner Payment & Sales Tax.

When is payment due?
Payment is due upon receipt of the invoice and within five (5) business days of the end of the sale.

What if I change my mind and no longer want to buy an item I have won?
Please only bid if you’re ready to purchase. We do not allow for cancellations once a lot has been won. Remember that each bid placed enters you into a binding contract, and the buyer is always subject to the Skinner Conditions of Sale.

For assistance with bidding, please contact bids@bonhamsskinner.com and we'll be happy to help.

Collection and shipping

How long do I have to collect or ship my item(s)?
Items paid for may be picked up on auction day. We provide information along with invoicing, and at any time you may refer to our Conditions of Sale.

When or how can my item(s) be picked up?
Buyers are required to schedule a pick-up appointment when picking up in person. For important jewelry and fine jewelry collections, please fill out a Fine Jewelry Shipping Form. For fine wine and rare spirits, please complete an Authorized Release Form for Wines & Spirits.

Do you provide packing and shipping services?
While Bonhams Skinner does not provide packing and shipping services, we do have a list of third-party shippers to assist you, and buyers are welcome to use a service of their choice so long as their elected party provides packing as well as shipping.

Please note all property must be removed from our premises promptly. Please see the Conditions of Sale.

Can I have my item(s) collected by someone other than myself?
Yes. Bonhams Skinner requires a completed release for all property not collected by the invoiced purchaser using our online release form. Please note, sales tax may apply for third-party pick-ups.

I have sent someone to collect my item(s). Why am I being charged Massachusetts sales tax?
All purchases picked up in our Marlborough or Boston galleries are viewed as taxable by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Individuals with a valid Massachusetts Resale Certificate are exempt. The state of Massachusetts does not recognize resale certificates from other states.

This also applies to shippers who do not have an MC/DOT designation.

What does the MC/DOT designation next to the Shipper’s name mean?
An MC/DOT number identifies carriers operating in interstate commerce who transport regulated commodities for hire in interstate commerce. Carriers with this designation provide Skinner with a Bill of Lading. These transactions are not responsible for Massachusetts sales tax. Property collected by carriers without this MC/DOT designation are liable for Massachusetts sales tax. It is the responsibility of the buyer to ensure their chosen shipper has an MC/DOT number.

For assistance with payment and shipping, please contact invoices@bonhamsskinner.com and we'll be happy to help.