Frequently asked questions

Bidding & registration

Is it free to register and bid?

Yes. Creating an account is free, and bidding costs nothing — you're only charged if you win. You'll add a card when you register; we keep it on file for checkout. New to auctions? Start with How to bid.

Do I need a new account for each auction?

No. One free account works for every Placer auction. Sign in, open current auctions, and bid on any lot.

What is a max (proxy) bid?

The most you're willing to pay for a lot. The system bids for you, one increment at a time, up to that amount — so you often pay less than your max. Other bidders never see it.

Why did a lot's timer extend at the last second?

That's the soft close. A bid placed in the final moments extends that lot’s clock by two minutes, so everyone has a fair chance to respond and no one wins by sniping. Lots begin closing at 7:00pm, one lot every 30 seconds.

Can I preview items before I bid?

Yes — previews are available by appointment. Contact us or call (916) 313-3617 to arrange a time at our Roseville warehouse.

What condition are the items in?

Every item sells as-is, where-is — in its current condition, with no returns or warranties, and you collect it from our warehouse. Read the photos and description carefully before you bid, and ask us about a specific lot if you're unsure.

Paying

What will I actually pay if I win?

Your winning bid, plus a 20% buyer's premium, plus 7.75% California sales tax on the bid and premium together.

When and how am I charged?

The card on file is charged automatically when the auction ends. You'll receive an itemized invoice by email, and payment runs through our secure card checkout (Stripe).

Can I buy tax-free for resale?

Yes. A valid California resale certificate must be on file with us before you bid tax-free. Send it over and we'll set up your account.

Pickup & shipping

Where and when do I pick up?

At our Roseville warehouse: 7251 Galilee Rd #160, Roseville, CA 95678. The pickup days for your auction are shown on your invoice; pickup hours are Tue & Thu 10am–4pm and Sat 10am–1pm. Details are on Pickup & shipping.

What should I bring to pickup?

Your invoice and a photo ID. For furniture and other large items, bring help and any packing materials you need to load safely.

What happens if I can't pick up in time?

Items not collected within 14 days may be forfeited. If the posted days don't work for you, contact us as early as you can.

Do you ship?

Yes. After you win, submit the Shipping Request Form. We deliver your items to AIM Mail Center within two weeks; they contact you with a quote, and you pay them directly for packing and shipping. The step-by-step process is on Pickup & shipping.

Selling

How do I sell with Placer?

Start with a free consultation — call (916) 313-3617 or send us a message. From there we handle the work: cataloging, photography, marketing, and the sale. The full picture is on Sell with us.

What does selling cost?

We walk through commission and what you'll net at the free consultation — before you commit to anything. There's no charge for the consultation.

When do I get paid?

Within 30 days of the close of the auction your items sell in. Your settlement statement itemizes what every lot sold for.

Do you use reserve prices?

Items we consign sell without reserve — every lot goes to the highest bidder. Reserves are only placed on select high-value items by prior written agreement.

Do you handle full estates and business liquidations?

Yes, both, end to end. See Estate cleanouts and Business liquidation on our Sell page for how each works.

Can I sell just a few items?

Often, yes. From a single piece to a full household, tell us what you have and we'll tell you whether auction is the right fit.