How Can I Bid in Freeman’s Auctions?
Register to Bid
Before participating in each auction, you must register for the specific sale in which you would like to participate. You can register for a sale online by clicking “Register to Bid” on the auction page, or in person at one of our auction previews. If a first-time user, you will be prompted to create an account and provide the required information; if you are an existing Freeman's user, you need only confirm the submitted details remain accurate and agree to the Conditions of Sale for the auction.
Live Bid Online
To bid live in any auction online, simply click on the auction of interest, and register to bid in the auction. Once your registration has been approved, you may login on the day of the auction to follow along and place your bids online by clicking on the “Place Bid” button, which will surface at our standard bidding increments.
The Freeman's app allows you to browse upcoming sales, track your favorite lots, livestream auctions and bid live from your mobile devices. Our app is compatible with iOS (Android coming soon). Download the Freeman's app from the App Store to begin mobile bidding now.
Telephone Bid
Bidders may register telephone bid requests by logging into their account through the “Sign In/Sign Up” button in the top right corner of our website. You will find this feature when you “View Sale” from the auction schedule page.
Next, you will need to select the “Register to Bid” button, which will prompt first time buyers for additional information. Once you are registered, select the “Request phone bid” button. Update your phone number, if necessary, in your account profile. A message will confirm that your phone request has been submitted and you will receive an email confirmation for your records.
On the day of the auction, a Freeman's representative will call you approximately five lots before your item is scheduled to be sold. They will communicate to you about the bidding activity and will relay your bids to the auctioneer at your discretion. Please note we can only accept telephone bids for lots with a low estimate of $500 or above unless otherwise noted online. Telephone bids may be requested up to 2 hours prior to the auction start time.
Absentee Bid
An absentee bid (or 'Maximum' bid) is the highest price you are willing to pay exclusive of Buyer's Premium and applicable sales tax. The absentee bids you place will be reflected immediately on our website, and you will get an email confirmation when the bid is placed, as well as on-screen feedback as to whether you are currently the highest bidder. If you are outbid, you will get an automatic email. Bids are executed at the lowest price possible by the auctioneer according to reserves and competing bids.
If there are tied bids, the bidder who bids first is given precedence. All absentee bids are time stamped. You do not need to be present or available during the auction to participate as an absentee bidder.
Bidders may place absentee bids online by following the steps below:
- Log-in to your account through the 'Sign In' button in the top right corner of our website. You will find this feature when you click 'View Sale' from the Auction Schedule page. Simply click the lot you wish to bid on.
- Next, you will need to select the 'Register to Bid' button, which will prompt first time buyers for additional information.
- Once you are registered, click 'Place Bid' and then select your 'Maximum Bid' from the dropdown menu of bidding increments, the highest amount you are willing to pay (exclusive of Buyer's Premium). Click 'Confirm' to confirm your bid.
Bid In-Person
Our auctions are free and open to the public with no obligation for attendees to bid. There is no need to come for the beginning of an auction and stay for the entire sale; you may come and go from the auction as you please. Registration requires your full contact information, photo identification, credit card information, your signature and agreement to the Conditions of Sale. Once the auction begins, the auctioneer will clearly announce the lot number and bid increments as the bidding begins and proceeds. To place a bid, raise your paddle to the auctioneer for his or her recognition. When all of the bidding is completed, the auctioneer will give fair warning, sell the item to the final bidder and announce the price and successful paddle number. When you have finished bidding on the lots in which you are interested, please return your paddle to the front desk, examine your invoice and make arrangements for payment and pickup.
What Are Bidding Increments at an Auction?
Bidding increments are the predetermined amounts by which bids must increase during an auction. Rather than allowing bids to rise by any amount, auction houses set specific increments based on the current bid level. These increments help maintain a fair and efficient auction process and are communicated to bidders before or during the sale.
Amount | Increment |
$100 - 1,000 | by $50 |
$1,000 - 2,000 | by $100 |
$2,000 - 5,000 | by $250 |
$5,000 - 10,000 | by $500 |
$10,000 - 20,000 | by $1,000 |
$20,000 - 50,000 | by $2,500 |
$50,000 - 100,000 | by $5,000 |
$100,000 - 200,000 | by $10,000 |
Above $200,000 | Pattern Continues/Auctioneer's Discretion |
What is Hammer Price vs. Total Purchase Cost?
The hammer price is the final winning bid accepted by the auctioneer. However, it is not necessarily the total amount a buyer will pay for a lot.
Included in the hammer price:
- The final winning bid amount
Not included in the hammer price:
- Buyer's Premium: A percentage-based fee added to the hammer price and payable by the buyer
- Additional Costs: Depending on the lot and your location, these may include applicable taxes, shipping and handling charges, storage fees, or Artist's Resale Rights (ARR) fees
Your total purchase price is the hammer price plus the buyer's premium and any applicable additional charges. Details about Freeman's buyer's premium can be found in our Conditions of Sale, and any applicable fees will be outlined before you complete your purchase.
Tip: Be sure to factor in these additional costs when setting your bidding budget.
How is Buyer’s Premium Structured?
When purchasing at Freeman's, a premium is paid by the buyer based on the hammer price. Settlement with our consignors is based on the hammer price, which is the total cost, excluding buyer’s premium and sales tax.
Please see detailed fee structures in the table below.
First | Portion From | |
Bidding Option | $0 - $1,000,000 | $1,000,001 + |
Live/Absentee/Phone | 28% | 21% |
Digital Bid Room | 28% | 21% |
See Payment and Fees for more information.