Frequently Asked Questions

I bid $100, the high bid is $100 but it says I have been outbid or lost the lot… What happened?

If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry you didn’t break the system. With any lot, bidders have the ability to place a maximum bid on that lot stating what they are willing to pay. In this situation, someone placed a max bid of $100 prior to your bid and even though you bid $100, their $100 bid was there first and takes precedence. You would need to bid at the next increment in order to become the high bidder.

What happens if I can’t pick up my items?

You may send someone else with a copy of your invoice to pick up your items.  You will need to give them a copy of your invoice – either a hard copy or by forwarding the email to them – so they can present it at checkout.  You may also send a note stating that you have given permission for them to pick up your items for you. It is best to speak to the project manager, if you have questions about removal or the pick up schedule. If you miss the window of removal and do not communicate with us, your items may be resold or abandoned. 

I won! So what happens next?

Congrats…you are the high bidder on one or multiple items! Once the auction is completely over, the office will process your card and you will receive an email that will have either: (a) a paid in full invoice and removal instructions or (b) an unpaid invoice with instructions on how to get your items paid for in full. Bring a copy of your paid in full invoice (the email or invoice on your phone is acceptable) to the removal location in order to take your items with you. Please review the removal times for each auction BEFORE you bid to ensure that you can coordinate picking up your items.

How do I pay for items I bid on at the online auction?

The credit card that is submitted at registration is automatically charged. When the last lot of the auction is sold, we will charge the card on file and email you an invoice.  If you would prefer to pay by cash or wire transfer, you will need to contact our office at (317) 353-1100 or [email protected] to make arrangements before the auction is finished. Invoices are sent to your email used at registration after the auction is finished and payments are collected.

For online auctions, why do we ask for a credit card?

In registering for an auction, you will be asked for your credit card information.  When the last lot of the auction is sold, we will charge the card on file and send you an invoice.  If you would prefer to pay by cash or wire transfer, you will need to contact our office at (317) 353-1100 or [email protected] to make arrangements before the auction is finished. Invoices are sent to your email used at registration after the auction is finished and payments are collected. Key Auctioneers does not store or keep credit card information on file. If you wish to change your card that you use to pay, you can do that in your account or call our office. 

How does an online only auction work?

Online auctions have a soft close. What does that mean? The first lot in the auction begins to close at the appointed time (usually 10am or 12pm) with one-minute set between each lot (Lot #1 10:00am; Lot #2 10:01am, and so on).  Each lot will close according to its timer; however, a lot timer will be extended back up to two (2) minutes if a new bid is submitted within the final two (2) minutes of the timer, this may continue on a given lot until bidding is finished. Once bidding has stopped on a lot, the timer will run to zero (0) and the lot will be sold to the highest bidder.

What is a Buyer’s Premium?

A Buyer’s Premium is a percentage amount paid by the buyer and added to the highest successful bid to determine the final contract price. For example, if the Buyer’s Premium is 18% and the Buyer bids $100, the Buyer will pay $100 for the item plus $18 Buyer’s Premium for a total of $118.

If I am planning to come to a live auction do I need to register online first?

No. They are separate registrations. You only need register online if you are planning to bid online or it is an online only auction. At a live auction: you must register at the auction (with a photo ID and signed bidder’s contract), in order to receive a bidder’s card. 

How do I bid online?

You will need to create an account by visiting KeyAuctioneers.com or downloading the Key Auctioneers mobile app (App Store or Google Play). Once you have created an account, you will need to register with for each auction that you plan to bid with. To register for an online only auction from your computer: click on the desired auction page, view the auction details, click on the blue “View the Catalog and Bid” button. This will take you to the catalog showing each item with a picture and a description. In the upper right-hand corner of that page, click on the red “Register” button and follow the prompts. To register for an online only auction from your mobile device or tablet: launch the Key Auctioneers app, click on the desired auction catalog, review the auction information, click register to bid and follow the prompts.