Frequently asked questions

Austin Auction Gallery is located at 8414 Anderson Mill Road, Austin, TX 78729.

You can reach us by phone at (512) 258-5479 or by email at info@austinauction.com. For consignment inquiries, use our Consignment Inquiry form. For pickup or independent-shipping questions, contact the gallery and our team will point you in the right direction.

Yes. Preview days are held in the days leading up to each auction and are open to the public. Specific preview dates and times are listed with each auction on our website.

No. All of our auctions are free to attend, both in person and online. We welcome new bidders, collectors, and curious visitors alike.

We recommend scheduling an appointment to ensure a specialist is available to meet with you, but walk-ins are always welcome during normal business hours.

We typically host major auctions once per month, featuring fine art, antiques, jewelry, and collectibles, along with our monthly Warehouse sales. The full schedule is on our Upcoming Auctions page.

Most of our sales are live gallery auctions conducted simultaneously online through major bidding platforms, allowing you to bid in person, by phone, absentee, or online in real time.

The Warehouse is our monthly online pop-up sale: 100+ curated pieces listed on our website at buy-it-now prices, no bidding, first-come first-served. Check out online with the same shipping options as auction lots, or pick up at our Austin gallery. All items sold as-is, no returns, available for a limited time each month.

Items are available on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are interested in a specific item, please purchase immediately.

There is no fixed date or time each month. Sign up for our mailing list to be the first to know when the sale goes live.

We accept all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express. You may also pay by cash in person. Contact us directly for more options.

Yes. As soon as you receive the pickup-ready email, you may pick up your items anytime during our normal business hours.

We ask that you pick up Warehouse purchases within 7 days. Please contact us directly for assistance.

Yes. All Warehouse items are available for viewing before the sale. Contact us directly for more information.

Yes. Everyone on our email list is notified as soon as The Warehouse opens each month. Join the mailing list so you don't miss the next sale.

Register in person or online via Austin Auction Live!, LiveAuctioneers, Invaluable, or Bidsquare, or submit the Telephone Bid Form for phone bids. New bidders should register at least two hours before the auction. Questions: (512) 258-5479.

You may bid live in the gallery, by absentee bid, by phone, or online. Absentee and phone bids must be submitted in advance.

Yes. The buyer's premium is 23% for in-house bids, 27% through Bidsquare, and 28% for online bids placed through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable. LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable also add their own credit-card processing fee (3.9% and 2.9%); Austin Auction Live! has no card fee.

Request a telephone bid through the form on our website with your lot numbers and contact details. On auction day, a staff member calls you a few lots before your item, stays on the line, and places your bids in real time. Winners receive an invoice after the auction and can pay online.

Yes, depending on the bidding platform. As long as the lot has not yet been offered, you may retract your bid through your account or by calling (512) 258-5479.

Yes. If you plan to attend the auction at our gallery, register at the front desk when you arrive. Bring a valid photo ID and payment information to receive your bidder paddle. There is no cost to attend or register for any auction.

All property is sold as is, where is. Catalog descriptions are statements of opinion only. We encourage preview visits during published inspection hours or by appointment.

Yes. Items are available for in-person inspection prior to the auction. Contact us to confirm viewing times.

All items are sold in their current condition without guarantees, and catalog descriptions are statements of opinion only. Contact us before the sale for detailed condition reports.

Yes. We are happy to provide condition reports and additional photos upon request. Our team completes hundreds of reports each month — reach out for details or images before bidding.

These terms are used when an item's authorship or maker is believed to be consistent with a particular artist, school, or period, but not definitively verified.

Unless stated otherwise, electrical and mechanical items are not tested for functionality. Such items are sold as consigned and may require service or repair.

Catalog descriptions specify whether a work is an original, print, or reproduction based on our specialists' assessment. Review this information carefully or request clarification before bidding.

Some pieces may show signs of restoration, repair, or age-appropriate wear. Notable restoration is typically disclosed in the catalog description or condition report.

All items are sold as is and all sales are final. We strongly encourage reviewing photos, descriptions, and condition reports prior to bidding.

Payment is due in full within five days of the auction. We accept cash, major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express), and Texas checks with valid ID. Purchases over $10,000 require wire transfer. Pay online via your invoice link or in person at the gallery.

Yes. Applicable state and local taxes are collected unless a valid resale or exemption certificate is provided, or the item is shipped outside Texas by a licensed carrier.

The buyer's premium is added to the hammer price: 23% for in-house, telephone, and Austin Auction Live! bids; 27% on Bidsquare; 28% on LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable, which also charge their own credit-card fee (3.9% and 2.9% respectively — Austin Auction Live! has none). Total due = hammer price + premium + any platform card fee + applicable sales tax and shipping.

Within 5 days of the auction's close. Invoices are emailed shortly after the sale and can be paid online or in person. Late invoices may incur fees or cancellation. Purchases over $10,000 require wire transfer.

Invoices are emailed after the auction concludes, and payment is due within five days. Contact us if you have not received your invoice.

Unpaid invoices may result in suspension of bidding privileges. Items remaining beyond ten (10) days may incur storage fees or be resold at the buyer's expense. Contact us if you anticipate any delay.

Yes. If you win items in multiple auctions or sessions, we can often combine invoices and shipments to save costs. Contact our office before paying so we can confirm combined totals and shipping options.

Yes. Contact us in advance so we can authorize the release. The designated pickup person must present a valid government-issued ID, and all pickups must take place during regular business hours.

Complete our Consignment Inquiry Form or email us photos and a brief description of your items. Our staff will review your submission and respond with preliminary feedback within a few business days.

Yes. Austin Auction Gallery regularly evaluates and sells complete and partial estate collections, including fine art, jewelry, antiques, furniture, rugs, silver, Asian works of art, decorative arts, and other valuable property.

Items may be sold in-house at our North Austin gallery, online through LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable, or a combination of both for maximum exposure.

If an item remains unsold, we will contact you to discuss whether to reoffer it in a future sale or return it. Unsold items must be collected within 10 days of the auction to avoid storage fees.

We accept a wide range of fine art, antiques, furniture, jewelry, bronzes, collectibles, and estate property. Contact our specialists with photos and details for review.

Estimates are based on comparable auction results and market trends. If applicable, a confidential reserve (minimum sale price) may be agreed upon before the auction.

No. We only earn a commission once your item sells. Standard commission rates vary depending on the item's category and value.

Yes. A reserve is the confidential minimum you will accept; the lot will not sell below it. Our specialists approve reserves against current market values. Unsold reserved items may be reoffered or returned; reserves set above market value may incur fees if unsold.

For qualified estates and substantial consignments, Austin Auction Gallery can coordinate pickup, packing, and transport.

Austin Auction Gallery specializes in valuable estate property, but many estates include a mix of fine art, furniture, antiques, decorative arts, jewelry, silver, rugs, lighting, and general household contents. Our team can help identify what is suitable for auction.

We do not pack or ship items directly. Buyers are responsible for arranging shipping, and we provide a list of trusted third-party shippers we regularly work with.

All items must be removed within 10 calendar days of the auction. Storage fees of $25 per lot, per day may apply after that period.

We recommend getting quotes from several shippers on our Shipping Options list for the most competitive rate.

Shipping costs are set by the carrier you choose — any carrier is fine. Our regular shippers can quote from your lot numbers; get estimates before bidding. Austin Auction Gallery does not ship in-house but provides a list of trusted shipping partners.

Firearms must comply with all federal and Texas laws. Purchases not picked up in person are shipped to an FFL dealer at the buyer's expense. All firearms should be inspected by a licensed gunsmith before use.

Yes, Austin Auction Gallery is a fully licensed FFL holder. All firearm sales and transfers comply with federal, state, and local regulations; buyers complete the required background check and transfer through an authorized FFL dealer before taking possession of any modern firearm.

Yes, but only to a valid FFL dealer in your state of residence. Have your dealer email us a signed copy of their FFL license, and we will ship the firearm directly to your dealer for transfer.

Yes — modern, antique, and collectible firearms. All are received and transferred through our FFL per ATF regulations. Our specialists evaluate value, discuss reserves, and handle listing, marketing, and the legal transfer process.

A valid government-issued photo ID and a completed firearm consignment form at our gallery. Shipped firearms must move from or to a licensed FFL dealer per ATF regulations. Modern firearms also require make, model, caliber, and serial number.

Yes. Antique and black powder firearms legally classified as non-firearms under federal law typically do not require FFL transfer and can ship directly to eligible buyers where permitted. Our specialists confirm classification and compliance.

The firearm cannot be transferred to you; it remains with the FFL dealer for lawful return or resale per federal guidelines. All bids are binding — failing a background check does not void your payment obligation.

No. Federal law requires the registered buyer to complete the background check and paperwork in person at the receiving FFL dealer. Unauthorized third-party transfers are prohibited under ATF regulations.

Firearms ship only to licensed FFL dealers in the United States, never directly to individuals. Some states restrict certain firearm types or magazine capacities; buyers are responsible for confirming local compliance before bidding.

Consignor payments are typically issued within 30 business days (often sooner) after the auction, once payment from the buyer has been received and cleared.

Buyer's premiums and sales taxes are paid by the buyer. Consignor commissions and any applicable fees, including item transport, are deducted from your settlement statement.

We offer payment by check or bank transfer — indicate your preferred method on your consignment agreement. Checks can be mailed to the address on file or picked up at the gallery once processed.

No. Consignor payments are issued only after the buyer has paid in full and funds have cleared. If a buyer defaults, we work to resolve the issue or reoffer the item in a future sale.

Yes. Each consignor receives a detailed settlement statement showing the hammer price, commission, and any applicable fees for each lot.

Yes. Our staff includes four auctioneers licensed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation, renewed annually with continuing education. Auctioneer in charge: Ross Featherston, license #8069. Complaints: TDLR Enforcement Division, P.O. Box 12157, Austin, TX 78711, (512) 463-6599, www.tdlr.texas.gov.

Texas is among the 49 U.S. states whose auction laws are defined in the U.S. Uniform Commercial Code, Section 2-328; in Texas these are found in Vernon's Civil Statutes, 2.328. Further regulations are administered by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Austin Auction Gallery is open Monday–Thursday 8:30 AM–5:00 PM and Friday 8:30 AM–3:00 PM. We're closed on weekends, except on auction days. Hours may vary around holidays — please call (512) 258-5479 to confirm.