Premier Estate Auction House of the Pacific Northwest

Table of Contents

• Registration & Account
• Bidding & Auction Process
• Fees, Payments & Taxes
• Pickup & Shipping
• Item Condition, Inspection & Returns
• After the Auction
• About Rainier Auctions & Rainier Estates/Sotheby’s Connection Bidding & Auction Process

Registration & Account

Q: How do I register to bid?
A: Click the “Register to Bid” button on the auction page and follow the prompts. You will be required to provide a valid credit card and contact information to verify your identity. Registration is free.

Q: Why can’t I place a bid?
A: You may not be able to place a bid if:
• You are not logged in
• Your account is not fully set up
• Your account is blocked
• Payment details are missing

Please ensure you are registered and have a valid credit card entered on the auction platform.

Q: How can I change my payment method?
A: You can update your payment method in the “My Account” section under Payment Methods. If you wish to use a different card for a specific purchase, enter a new payment method at checkout.

Q: How do I adjust a bid I placed?
A: Bids typically cannot be edited once placed. If you wish to increase your bid, simply place a higher bid. If a bid was placed in error, contact us immediately and we will attempt to remove it if possible — though we cannot guarantee this.

Q: What is a Proxy Bid?
A: A proxy (maximum) bid allows you to enter the highest amount you’re willing to pay. The system will automatically bid on your behalf in increments to keep you in the lead — up to your maximum.
• Your maximum remains confidential
• You may win for less than your maximum
• If outbid beyond your maximum, you’ll be notified

Q: Why is extra time being added to the closing clock?
A: We use a “soft close” format. If a bid is placed in the final moments, the clock resets to allow fair competition. This prevents last-second “sniping.”

Fees, Payments & Taxes

Q: Is there a Buyer’s Premium? What is it?
A: Yes. Rainier Auctions charges a 17% buyer’s premium added to the final hammer price. This is standard in the auction industry and supports cataloging, marketing, and auction management. Many auction houses charge 25–35%; we aim to keep ours as low as possible.

Q: Do I have to pay sales tax? What if I am tax exempt?
A: Applicable sales tax will be added unless a valid resale certificate is submitted prior to payment. We recommend ensuring your exemption status is properly registered before placing bids.

Q: What happens if I don’t pay?
A: Non-payment may result in cancellation of the sale, forfeiture of bidding privileges, and possible account suspension.

Pickup & Shipping

Q: What should I do if I cannot pick up my items? Do you offer shipping?
A: Shipping can be arranged at the buyer’s expense. Please contact us prior to bidding to confirm shipping availability and estimated costs to avoid unexpected expenses or forfeiture of funds.

Q: How much is shipping? How do I know if an item can be shipped?
A: Shipping costs are not automatically calculated due to the wide variety of estate items and bidder locations. Most items — including large or specialty pieces (vehicles, art, bronze, fragile glassware) — can be shipped. However, all shipping arrangements and costs are the responsibility of the winning bidder.
We recommend researching shipping costs before bidding. We can coordinate with your chosen shipper or deliver small items to a local UPS Store at your request (handling fees may apply).

Q: What happens if I miss my pickup window?
A: Items not picked up during the scheduled timeframe may be considered abandoned or forfeited without refund unless prior arrangements are approved. Please stay in communication with us if issues arise.

Item Condition, Inspection & Returns

Q: Are all items guaranteed authentic?
A: Items are described to the best of our knowledge and research. Known maker, origin, or authenticity information will be disclosed. While we are appraisers, we are not formal authenticators. Estate clients often share provenance information, which we pass along, but it is not a guarantee.

Q: Can I inspect items prior to bidding?
A: Yes. Inspection appointments are available in Bellevue, WA by appointment only.

Q: Can I return an item? Are all sales final?
A: All items are sold as-is, where-is, with no warranties expressed or implied. Due to the estate nature of our inventory, all sales are final. We do not offer returns or exchanges.

Q: What happens if my item is damaged after I receive it?
A: We ensure items leave our care in the exact condition shown and described. Once transferred to a shipping carrier, responsibility shifts to the carrier. We strongly recommend purchasing shipping insurance.
If we discover a condition issue prior to shipment that was not disclosed, we will notify you and offer the option to cancel for a full refund.

After the Auction

Q: How will I know if I won?
A: You will receive an email invoice after the auction closes with your winning items and next steps.

Q: Do you offer refunds?
A: All sales are final. Exceptions may only apply in cases of clear cataloging errors.

About Rainier Auctions & Rainier Estates/Sotheby’s Connection

Q: What is the relationship between Rainier Auctions and Rainier Estates?

A: Rainier Auctions is the auction division of Rainier Estates, a full-service estate and real estate firm established in 1986. For nearly four decades, Rainier Estates has assisted families, trustees, and executors with the management and sale of entire estates—including personal property, fine art, jewelry, antiques, vehicles, and real estate.

Rainier Auctions was created to provide a dedicated platform for the sale of estate assets sourced directly from these estates and private collections. All items are handled with the same level of professionalism, research, and fiduciary care that has defined Rainier Estates since its founding.

Rainier Estates is led by Lisa Taylor, a top producing licensed real estate broker with Realogics Sotheby’s International Realty, bringing the standards, accountability, and discretion associated with a globally recognized real estate brand to the auction process.

Q: Where are you located?
A: We are based in the Seattle/Bellevue, Washington area and conduct estate auctions throughout the region.

Q: What kinds of items do you sell?
A: We specialize in estate jewelry, fine art, antiques, collectibles, vehicles, and full estate contents.

Q: How can I sell items on Rainier Auctions?
A: We accept consignments from local clients and estates nationwide. Please email Lisa@RainierEstates.com with photos and descriptions to begin the conversation.

If you have further questions about this offering, please reach out anytime.