HOW TO BUY AT AUCTION

LIVE IN PERSON

  • To register for a paddle, please COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE

  • To view our terms and condition CLICK HERE

  • Please note that your credit card information is used only to secure your registration. You may choose another form of payment upon Auction end.

ABSENTEE AND TELEPHONE BIDDING

The submission deadline for ABSENTEE/PHONE Bidding is two days before the auction. After you complete registration you will need to submit additional forms to place your absentee/phone bids.

To participate in an auction you will be unable to attend PLEASE COMPLETE REGISTRATION HERE

  • 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

To bid live during the sale online, please register at least 24 hours in advance at LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable.
Should you bid & purchase on Liveauctioneers.com or Invaluable you may incur additional fees (“Third Party Platform Processing Fees”).

Online Registration for LiveAuctioneers & Invaluable are NOT YET OPEN.

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. Our digital catalog is live on our home page.

  • 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

Please read the SMA Conditions of Sale and please email info@smauctions.com with any questions. If you enter auction with SM Auctions as a buyer or seller you will be subject to these terms.

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, pre-approved personal check, bank wire, or credit/debit (subject to card processing fees of 3%+).  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, wire transfer, or credit/debit card.  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/Bank Transfer

    • Payments made via debit or credit card will be subject to a 3%+ processing fee

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

  • 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.

  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