Know Before You Bid
Welcome to Rainier Auctions, the auction division of Rainier Estates, a family-owned Pacific Northwest business established in 1986.
We offer a changing selection of estate jewelry, fine art, antiques, collectibles, furnishings, and other distinctive property through our online auctions.
Please review the following general policies before participating in any Rainier Auctions event.
All Items Sold As-Is, Where-Is
All auction items are sold as-is, where-is, with no guarantees or warranties. All sales are final.
We make every reasonable effort to provide accurate descriptions and photographs. However, descriptions, condition observations, age estimates, and attributions represent our opinions based on the information available.
Bidders are responsible for evaluating items and asking questions before placing a bid.
Questions, Condition & Additional Photographs
We encourage bidders to contact us before bidding if they need:
- Additional photographs or measurements
- Clarification about condition, wear, damage, or repairs
- Information about materials, markings, or provenance
- Details about authenticity or available documentation
Please ask before bidding—not after the auction closes.
Questions may be directed to Lisa@RainierEstates.com.
Authentication, Appraisals & Documentation
Our auction items are consigned to Rainier Estates.
Any known authentication, appraisal, provenance, or supporting documentation available to us is disclosed through the item description and/or photographs.
Unless expressly stated otherwise, we do not independently guarantee an item’s authenticity, attribution, age, or value.
If documentation is important to your purchasing decision, please contact us before bidding.
Previews & Inspections
Some auctions may offer opportunities to preview items in person before bidding.
Preview availability, dates, locations, and appointment requirements vary by auction and will be disclosed in the individual auction details.
When a preview is unavailable, we encourage bidders to request additional information or photographs before placing a bid.
Shipping & Pickup
Shipping availability varies by auction and by item.
In some circumstances, we may be able to arrange shipping for smaller items or artwork at the buyer’s expense.
If you require shipping, please contact us before bidding to confirm whether it can be accommodated.
Buyers are responsible for reviewing the pickup dates, locations, deadlines, and other fulfillment requirements published for each auction.
Consigned Property & Alterations
All items offered through Rainier Auctions are consigned property.
We do not alter, resize, repair, restore, or modify items before or after a sale. This includes jewelry sizing and other requested modifications.
Items are sold in their existing condition.
Buyer’s Premium & Sales Tax
A buyer’s premium may apply to an auction. When applicable, the premium and its amount will be clearly disclosed in that auction’s terms on Bidspirit.
Applicable sales tax will be charged as required by law.
Resellers: If you are purchasing for resale and intend to claim a sales tax exemption, please provide your valid resale certificate before bidding so that your documentation can be reviewed.
Soft-Close Bidding
Rainier Auctions uses a soft-close bidding format.
If a bid is placed near the scheduled closing time, the bidding period may automatically extend, allowing other bidders an opportunity to respond.
The extension period varies by auction. Please review the specific auction’s closing rules on Bidspirit.
Auction-Specific Terms & Conditions
Each Rainier Auctions event may have different requirements, including buyer’s premiums, payment methods and deadlines, preview availability, shipping arrangements, pickup locations, and closing procedures.
The terms and conditions published for each individual auction on Bidspirit govern that auction and take precedence over this general information if any differences arise.
All bidders are responsible for reviewing and accepting the applicable auction terms before placing a bid.
Bid With Confidence. Ask Before You Bid.
We want every bidder to have a positive experience with Rainier Auctions. If you have questions about an item’s condition, measurements, documentation, shipping, or auction procedures, we’re happy to help whenever possible.
A little communication before bidding helps ensure a smooth transaction for everyone.
Questions? Email Lisa@RainierEstates.com