FAQ

When are you open?

Our gallery in Charlottesville is open Monday through Friday from 9 to 5. If you would like to bring in items to consign, please call ahead and make an appointment in order to ensure that the right staff members are here to help you unload and look at your items, (434) 293-2904. Hours for previewing our upcoming sales are posted on the individual auction pages on our website. Catalog sales are generally open for preview the week before the auction and our Back Gallery sales are available for preview the day before the auction.

Do you buy outright?

No, we sell items on consignment only. We do not buy anything outright.

May I buy something I see before the auction?

No, we sell only at auction.

What types of auctions do you have?

Catalog auctions occur every other month. Buyers all over the world participate using online and phone bidding. These auctions feature fine art, antiques, Asian art, silver, jewelry, and other exceptional decorative arts items. We hold an online Modern auction twice a year in April and October. We are continuously accepting modern consignments, especially fine art, ceramics, glass, and furniture. Contact Sarah Reeder at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to consign items for our modern sales. We have a number of online specialty auctions throughout the year, featuring a diverse array of objects including coins, toys, weaponry, rare books, and documents. Write This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for more information about our specialty sales. Every other Friday we have a sale in our smaller auction gallery. These sales are designed for efficient turnaround with a simple listing of items and no assigned estimates. The range of objects in these sales is broad--furniture, artwork, rugs, silver, coins, ceramics, glassware, and many other items.

What is the advantage of selling my items at auction?

The biggest advantage is that you are hiring experts to help you get the best price possible. With our many years of expertise, we can thoroughly research and evaluate your property and advertise to the best buyers. Your items will be seen by hundreds of interested potential buyers and you are selling to the highest bidder.

Do you pick up and deliver?

Yes, we have our own trucks and well trained movers. We charge a very reasonable fee based on the time it takes to drive back and forth to your place and the loading time. We have packing materials and equipment for moving items safely, and all items are insured from the time we put them in the truck at your house.

When should I bring items in?

Please call ahead to make a weekday appointment (434-293-2904) to ensure that the right staff members are here to look at your items. Please do not bring items to us during one of our auctions since it is difficult for us to give you and your items the attention they need.

When can I see an appraiser?

Our appraiser, Sandra Perry, is generally in the gallery from 11am-5pm Monday-Friday. Call (434-293-2904) or email Sandra at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment. If you would like to meet with one of our other object specialists, please call ahead or write to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to make an appointment.

Can anyone attend auctions and bid?

Yes. For high-value items it is good to make financial arrangements ahead of time. We may require some background or other information so we can guarantee payment to our consignors. I've never been to an auction before; I'm worried that I'll accidentally buy something. There is no danger of accidentally buying something if you fidget or sneeze. Despite the comedy routines you may have seen on television, we are very clear with what we are selling, who is bidding, and at what price we are selling an item. We sell about a hundred lots an hour so the auction moves quickly. It is wise to have inspected items before you bid, and to have at least a general idea of how much you are willing to pay so you don’t have to think too long while the item is being sold. Many more people have regrets about not bidding on a bargain than buying something they didn’t want.

What do I have to do to bid?

Register when you arrive on auction day and get a bidding paddle. During the auction just get the auctioneer’s attention by raising your paddle and waiting for the auctioneer to acknowledge your bid.

Are there any other charges on top of the hammer price?

The hammer price is the amount that the auctioneer calls out when each item is sold. In addition to this amount every buyer also pays part of the auction house commission. This is known as the “buyer’s premium” and it is 15% for in-person bidders at our auctions. Online bidders pay an 18% buyer’s premium. In addition, there is a 5% sales tax unless you have a resale number on file with us. These are the only additional charges.

What types of payment to you accept?

Cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or PayPal. We expect prompt payment.

When do I pay?

Immediately after you have finished bidding or after the auction. If you are an absentee or phone bidder we expect payment within 2 business days. No one may remove items from the auction house until they are paid for.

When can I pick up the lots I have bought?

As soon as you have paid for them. Many people pay and pick up items during the sale after the last item they are interested in has been sold. We have a huge number of items arriving for the next auction so we strongly urge everyone to pick up items immediately. Successful bidders are expected to remove all items from the Harlowe-Powell Auction Gallery within 3 business days after an auction. If this is not possible, special arrangements must be made. We have a finite amount of space here at the gallery and are constantly preparing for auctions. The space used and time spent moving items after you’ve purchased them is very costly.

Do you deliver?

Yes, we charge a modest fee based on time. We usually can deliver within a week.

Can I set up a telephone bid?

We accept phone bids for lots in our auctions. Occasionally we have certain items with a great demand for bids, especially phone bids. To ensure the success of your phone bid we ask you to arrange it with the auction house at least 48 hours ahead of time, and we will be assigning phone bids on a first come, first served basis. We accept phone bids until 12 noon the day before the sale, and if we have reached our limit on any particular item you are always welcome to leave an absentee bid. When you sign up for a phone bid we encourage providing two phone numbers, the second as a back-up in case of a busy signal, poor connection, etc. We will call you a few lots before your item comes up. You may not bid by calling the auction house on the day of the sale. We also encourage phone bidders to leave a “maximum absentee/safety bid” in case there are any problems contacting you on the day of the auction. We would use this bid only in the worst case scenario if we could not get in touch with you on either line. This safety bid would convert to a standard absentee bid, providing you the opportunity to still bid on the item. While not required, a safety bid provides insurance from any technical glitches that could arise on the day of sale. You can download our phone bid form here and fax it to us 434-295-1978 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. You may also directly email a phone bid request. Please include your full name, phone number, sale, and list of lots you would like to be contacted to bid on. We will send confirmation that we have scheduled your phone bid. Does it cost anything to register? There is no fee for registering, but know that we charge a 15% buyer's premium on top of the hammer price for any lots you purchase. You must have a bidder number to bid and you can get a number at the reception desk. Bidder numbers are issued only on the day of the auction.

How long does an auction last?

Our auctions vary in length depending on the number of lots. Our auctioneers generally sell 80-100 lots an hour.

What if I can’t make it to an auction but want to bid on an item?

You may leave bids while previewing at our gallery, or over the phone. We will require a credit card number to guarantee your bid. We will not charge your purchases to your credit card if you prefer to pay by cash or check when you pick up. You may fill out an absentee bidding form and we will place your absentee bids as if you were here. For example, if there is an item for which you are willing to pay $500, we may start the bidding on the floor for $100. If the bidding goes up in $25 increments, your first bid would be $125. Bidding will continue incrementally until the price of the item goes over $500, dropping you out of the bidding, or until you win the item as the highest bidder. The amount you pay could be substantially lower than your maximum bid. Please understand that when you place an absentee bid you are making a binding agreement to purchase the item “as is.” You need to be completely satisfied with the condition of the item and other details before you place your bid. If you are a successful bidder on any items, we will email an invoice to you after the auction. Items need to be picked up promptly. You may download our absentee bid form here and fax it to us 434-295-1978 or e-mail it to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

What happens after I have decided I would like Harlowe-Powell to sell my items?

A representative from Harlowe-Powell decides which items are appropriate for our sales, writes a contract and a listing of the items we receive. We can usually tell you which auction we will sell your items in.

How do I get Harlowe-Powell to value my items for auction?

Please call 434-293-2904 to talk to an auctioneer or appraiser.

How much does it cost to sell at Auction?

Our commission is based on the price reached for each item consigned. The commission rate ranges from 15% for items selling for over $10,000 to 35% for items selling for less than $100. There are no additional fees for photography, insurance, storage, etc. The only additional charge would be a pick-up charge if applicable.

How do I find out about upcoming auctions?

Go to www.harlowepowell.com or sign up for our email list to be notified of upcoming auctions.