HOW TO BUY AT AUCTION


LIVE IN PERSON

  • To register for a paddle, please download and complete our registration form and submit back to us via email or fax [310.315.1937].

  • Here are the Conditions of Sale and Terms of Sale

  • Please note that your credit card information is used only to secure your registration.  SMA does not accept payment via credit cards (however should you bid on Liveauctioneers.com they do accept credit card payment through Liveauctioneers directly for a 2.9% processing fee).  Further payment instructions below. 

ABSENTEE AND TELEPHONE BIDDING

The submission deadline for ABSENTEE/PHONE Bidding is two days before the auction.

To participate in an auction you will be unable to attend, please read the Conditions of Sale then complete and email the below forms (Absentee/Phone Bid Form & Registration Form) to info@smauctions.com.

Absentee/Phone Bid Form
Registration Form

  • Absentee bids- SMA will bid on your behalf and attempt to purchase the lot at the lowest price possible up to the maximum bid authorized.  Please check the available box to authorize SMA to bid one additional increment to win the lot.

  • Phone bids- Please list the appropriate contact number(s) and a member of the SMA staff will call you during the auction to bid live with you on the phone.

INTERNET BIDDING

CATALOGUE

  • A digital, continually-updated catalogue (allowing SMA to accept spectacular, last-minute additions) will be available online approximately one month prior to the sale.  Live bidders will receive a printed catalogue to reference during the sale.

  • Estimates are established as a guide for bidders.  A bid within the high and low estimate range should, in our opinion, offer a chance of success.  However, many lots achieve prices below or above the pre-sale estimates.

CONDITIONS OF SALE

CONDITION REPORTS

  • SMA will provide condition reports for any lot upon request via email.

  • While condition reports are prepared as thoroughly as possible, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators.  We recommend all prospective buyers either personally inspect each lot or retain a professional adviser to report on the condition on your behalf.

PAYMENT

  • Congratulations on your winning bid!  If you attend the auction in person, please visit the check-out desk to receive your invoice and pay via cash or pre-approved personal check.  If your winning bid was placed online or with a phone/absentee, you will receive an invoice via email shortly after the sale. 

  • Payment is due within five business days after the auction.  SMA accepts payment via cash, cashier's check or wire transfer.  If you wish to pay via personal check, we ask that you wait until the funds clear our account before we release your winning lots for pick-up, unless other arrangements are made in advance.

    • Payment by Check- all checks should be made payable to Santa Monica Auctions. 

    • Payment by Wire Transfer

  • Buyer's Premium: SMA charges a buyer’s premium of 26% on the hammer price of each lot sold. Bids made online via Liveauctioneers are subject to a 31% buyer's premium. Bids made online via Invaluable are subject to a 31% buyer's premium. 

  • Sales Tax: Unless the buyer has delivered a valid certificate evidencing exemption from tax, each lot is subject to applicable California sales tax (10.25%).

TRANSPORT & SHIPPING

  • SMA will wrap purchased lots for hand-carry only. 

  • Shipping and pick-up arrangements are to be coordinated and paid for by the buyer.  Here is our list of recommended shippers and art handlers.

  • To ensure proper handling, SMA will only release artwork with client authorization.  Please email or call Santa Monica Auctions to confirm your shipping arrangements.

  1. ThePackengers

Email: hellola@thepackengers.com

Phone Number: +1 (310) 985-5677

2. Pasadena Post Pack & Ship

Email: Tom@packca.com

Phone Number: +1 (626) 440-1115

3. Box Brothers

Email: rrucker@boxbros.com

Phone Number: +1 (310) 394-8660