What Types of Auctions Does Freeman’s Hold?
Freeman's offers several types of auctions to accommodate bidders around the world, including Live + Online auctions, Online Only auctions, and Timed Online auctions. Each auction format provides a different bidding experience, from real-time competition with an auctioneer to fully digital sales that allow you to bid at your convenience. Understanding how each auction type works can help you choose the best bidding method and participate with confidence. Explore the options below to learn about available bidding formats, registration requirements, and how to take part in an upcoming Freeman's auction.
Live + Online Auctions
A “Live and Online” auction combines an in-person, auctioneer-led sale with real-time digital bidding. During these events, the auctioneer processes in-person bids from the floor, along with bids made over the internet simultaneously. When an online bidder makes an offer, the auctioneer acknowledges it as part of the live event.
Remote bidders watch a live video and audio feed and submit bids through the internet, competing instantly against people physically sitting in the auction room.
Freeman’s Live+ Online auctions offer four types of bidding: Online, Telephone, Absentee, and In-Person. These auctions are also livestreamed from the saleroom, so you may follow the auction and view the auctioneer in real time.
Online Only
When an auction is categorized as “Online” you may participate through the Freeman's Digital Bid Room and specific designated online 3 party bidding platforms available for the sale. In these instances, Live Online bidding and Absentee bidding are accepted, but In-Person and Telephone bids are not accepted.
Timed Online
When an auction is categorized as “Timed” you may participate on freemansauction.com, the Freeman's app, and Live Auctioneers. Bidding is accepted for a defined period, with a clear start and end date and time. Unlike “Live and Online” auctions, bidders are notified should their maximum absentee bid be outbid and are given the opportunity to raise their bid amount. In these instances, In-Person and Telephone bids are not accepted.
During Timed auctions, a countdown clock is displayed on the Freeman's Digital Bid Room page, the main auction page and on the lot level. These auctions have a “rolling close”, with each lot closing in a staggered manner after the previous lot. For these auctions, the countdown clock on the main auction page will be counting down to the close of the first lot. Individual lots will have their own countdown clocks, indicating the specific closing time for that lot. If a bid is placed within one minute of the closing time of a lot, five additional minutes will be added to the designated closing time for that lot. Please note that the extension of one lot’s closing time does not affect other lots’ closing times.
Third-Party Auction Sites
Some of our auctions are available through third-party auction sites. These digital marketplaces act as middlemen allowing you to participate in our auction through their bidding platform. All bidding, payment and processing are done through their site. Please note, these platforms charge additional fees of up to 5%.
How Do I Register to Bid in an Auction?
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.
Learn more about How to Bid in Freeman’s auctions.