BUYING

DEALERS KNOW WHERE TO BUY
Dealers make the bulk of purchases at our sales.  They know to expect a large selection of high quality antique furniture, paintings, carpets and other accessories at every auction.  The public is also welcome and can expect to find merchandise comparable to some of the best antique shows and shops at favorable prices .

BID WITH CONFIDENCE
Fairfield Auction guarantees each lot to be as cataloged. In addition we make great efforts to provide detailed condition reports and we are happy to review any item with you personally at our preview.

IF YOU CAN'T ATTEND
Even if you cannot be at the auction, buying is easy. Our color brochures illustrate dozens of highlights from each upcoming auction. Our website also includes color images and condition reports for many items from each sale. It is updated regularly as each sale approaches to include many late additions. Our complete gallery catalog listing every lot is available online (as a pdf) about one week prior to each sale.

AUCTION ESTIMATES AND CONDITION REPORTS
It is important that you preview or obtain a condition report for any items you may buy.   If necessary, we can provide digital images by email.  When attending, don't hesitate to ask us for information.  We want you to be an informed buyer.  Our catalog includes auction estimates  which represent our best opinion of what an item may bring. Telephone and absentee bids can be arranged by downloading the appropriate forms and faxing to our offices at (203) 426-8403.

click for phone bid form (pdf format) click to download acrobat

click for absentee bid form (pdf format)

PAYMENT TERMS
We accept cash, approved check, Visa and MasterCard.  Credit card purchases must be made in person (telephone bidders must use check or wire transfer only) and we recommend establishing check approval ahead of time for larger purchases as goods may be held until funds clear. 

WE SHIP WORLD-WIDE
Although we offer shipping on some items in-house, many items require more expertise to pack properly. Through our network of specialty shippers we can arrange prompt delivery of the largest items at reasonable cost.  For items meeting UPS or Federal Express size restrictions shipping can be very reasonable.  We are happy to recommend shippers in advance.

HOW TO BEGIN
The selling process begins with an evaluation of your goods.  We can provide auction estimates at our gallery, from photographs (mailed or emailed) or at your home.  When you are ready to consign we provide an itemized inventory list with estimates for each lot. If the auction method is not for you, we also will purchase outright.

COMPLETE SERVICE
We offer professional packing and moving of your items.  We clean and make minor repairs (or coordinate major repairs) to maximize the value of each piece. 

Our promotion is extensive with full page ads in national trade magazines, direct mailing of color brochures to thousands of collectors, dealers and institutions all across the country, plus an established presence on the world wide web, making your consignment available to a world of interested buyers.  For many specialized items such as clocks, music boxes, toy trains, art glass or rare autographs we make directed mailings to those specific groups of collectors. We can also create a single-owner sale with a full color catalog devoted to your collection or important estate .

Additionally, most property is auctioned simultaneously at the gallery and on the internet. We average over 200 registrants from outside New England and over 30 registrants overseas each auction.

We conduct our auctions in a spacious, well lighted and state-of-the-art gallery in a location convenient to affluent buyers in Fairfield and Westchester counties, New York City and greater New England. 

Our equipment, from cameras to computers, is the best available for one reason- to get the best results for you.  After the auction, you will receive an itemized reconciliation of your consignment with a check within 15 business days.

VERY COMPETITIVE RATES
Our seller rates depend on the hammer price (price called by the auctioneer at the fall of the hammer) of each item sold, the higher the price, the lower the rate.

7.5% for items over $7,500
10% for items over $2,500 up to $7,500
15% for items over $250 up to $2,500
and 25% for items up to $250

There are no additional charges unless agreed to in writing at the signing of the contract. Generally, packing, trucking, insurance, photography and advertising are all included. Occasionally trucking for long distance, single items or items that require special handling (like pianos) may be at an extra charge. Further reductions in rates, low flat rates or guarantees may be available for estates and collections estimated above $100,000.

RESERVES AND MINIMUM PRICES
To assure results are in line with estimates it is our policy that all property valued at $1,000 or above is offered with a starting bid of 50% of the low estimate.

A reserve is a confidential minimum price below which the auctioneer will not sell an item. We have found over the years that reserves generally do not help sellers as they dissuade bidders. Top prices are most often obtained when quality property is estimated conservatively and promoted aggressively. That said, we do accept reserves on property estimated above $2,500 if it is below a conservative low estimate.

OUTRIGHT PURCHASE
Fairfield Auction is also happy to facilitate the outright purchase of antiques and fine art. Through our network of collectors, dealers and institutional buyers, purchases from $500 to $500,000 can be completed immediately. We can also include clean-out services as part of the transaction.

WHY FAIRFIELD AUCTION?
We strive to offer the marketing savvy of the major urban auction houses with the personal service only available in a company where you deal with the owner.  Our mission is to provide sellers with an unsurpassed marketing effort as well as pleasant and prompt service from the first contact to the final reconciliation and payment.   If we can be of service to you, please call our offices at (203) 364-1555 or email the owner directly at jack@fairfieldauction.com .