Buying & Selling At Auction
Stefek's, Auctioneers and Appraisers, is an up and coming auction house. We are committed to providing the best possible service to our clients. Purchasing an item from Stefek's is a simple process and our friendly staff is always happy to answer any questions.
(313) 881-1800 / Absentee Bid Form
Auction Increments
| We use the following increment multiples at our auctions. When leaving absentee bids, please make sure your bids fall within the proper increments. This is crucial to the success of your bids. |
| 0-500 - $25. increment |
3,000-5,000 - $250. increment |
| 500-1000 - $50. increment |
5,000-10,000 - $500. increment |
1,000-3,000 - $100. increment |
over 10,000 - $1,000. increment or auctioneers discretion |
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Printed Auction Catalog
There is no printed auction catalog at this time.
Illustrated Online Catalog
For the convenience of our clientele, Stefek's publishes an online catalog for our auctions on our website. You can view photos and details about each item. The catalogue is usually published at least three weeks prior to the auction.
eBay Live Auctions
All of our auctions are conducted in real-time on eBay Live Auctions. Our online catalog will be published on eBay approximately ten days prior to the sale. For more information on the eBay process, please contact client services at (313) 881-1800.
Public Gallery Preview
Our gallery in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan holds previews of property several days before the auction which are free and open to the public. Information on a certain auction's preview may be obtained from our schedule page.
Condition Reports
We want all clients to be fully satisfied with their purchases made at Stefek's, so we encourage potential bidders to gather as much information as possible regarding a lot's condition, provenance, or additional photographs before placing a bid. Since all property is sold "as is", it is very important to obtain as much information as possible ahead of time. If you have any questions regarding any property, please call one of our staff members so they may assist you with obtaining a condition report. There are several ways you can obtain a condition report: Attend the auction preview and discuss a lot in person with a staff member; call our auction house at (313) 881-1800; or view our online catalog to see if there is anything specifically mentioned on the property.
Buyer's Premium and Sales Tax
There is a 15% buyer's premium charged for each lot. The buyer's premium is added on to the final hammer price. Lots purchased on eBay are subject to an 18% buyer's premium. A 6% Michigan sales tax is added to the hammer price and buyer's premium for anything purchased in the State of Michigan . Sales tax will not be assessed for items shipped out of state by a licensed shipper or those with a copy of a current resale certificate. If you have a resale certificate, please call (313) 881-1800 so we can put a copy in our file.
Live Bidding
If you attend the live auction and are planning on bidding, you must register for a paddle at the entrance to the auction house either day of the auction or during preview. If you pre-register at the preview, please see the clerk on the day of the auction to receive your paddle. Registration requires your full contact information and your signature agreeing to the Conditions of Sale, which states that all lots are sold "as is".
Once the auction starts, the auctioneer will clearly announce the lot number and bid increments as the bidding begins and proceeds. Raise your paddle on the item you wish to bid on to be recognized. When the bidding is through, the auctioneer will give fair warning, sell the item to the final bidder and announce the price and paddle number twice. When you are finished bidding on the lots you are interested in, please return your paddle to the clerk, examine your invoice and make arrangements for payment and pick-up.
Telephone Bidding
Up to 48 hours in advance of an auction, you may fax in a request to bid on the telephone. Please fill out and fax back the telephone/absentee bid form by clicking here or found at the gallery. The bid you leave is the highest price you are willing to pay exclusive of buyer's premium and applicable tax. Absentee bids are always confidential and bids are executed at the lowest price possible according to reserves and competitive bids.
Internet Bidding
Buyers may conveniently leave absentee bids directly on our website through the online catalogue for any sale up to 24 hours in advance of the auction. Internet bidders must register to receive a client number and PIN prior to bidding. To register, click here
After the Auction
Invoices are mailed out the day after an auction or you may call the office at (313) 881-1800 and we can fax or email the invoice.
Stefek's accepts cash, money order, check, or credit card (Visa, MasterCard or Discover). There is a 2% fee when paying by credit card. We reserve the right to not release property until a check clears with the bank. We accept PayPal, Visa, MasterCard and Discover for eBay purchases.
Removal of Property
Unless other arrangements have been made, all merchandise purchased must be paid for and removed from the premises within seven days after the auction. Stefek's may impose, and the purchaser agrees to pay a monthly storage charge of 1.5% of the purchase price as well as a monthly interest charge of 1.5% for any lot or item not paid for or removed by the purchaser within seven days of the date of the auction.
Shipping
Buyers assume full responsibility for packing and shipping of lots won at auction. Upon request, buyers will be provided with a list of our recommended vendors who offer a wide variety of local, domestic, and international shipping options. If a buyer has someone else pick up the property other than the name on the invoice, you must fill out a shipping release form (click here) or call (313) 881-1800.
We can assist in the division of property and help you prudently evaluate sentimental attachments on these often treasured items. Every transaction is handled with the utmost of care and in a friendly, professional manner.
Please feel free to contact us for an initial appraisal consultation.
Selling at Auction
Whether liquidating a whole estate or selling just a few items, Stefek's will work diligently to ensure the best possible results for your property. We are pleased to offer an informal fair market value appraisal of your property at no cost. You can send digital photographs and any information on your item to stefeks@stefeksltd.com or you can send photographs and information on your item to:
Stefek's
Consignment Department
18450 Mack Avenue
Grosse Pointe Farms , MI 48236
Call our consignment department at (313) 881-1800 to speak to a specialist or account executive and/or set up an appointment to bring your item to the auction house for an in-house evaluation.
Please include any information you have on your item (i.e. artist or maker's name, measurements, medium, provenance and any additional information you may have). Please allow at least two weeks for us to process your request. We will come to your home but would appreciate reviewing photographs first.
Consignment Agreement
Please click on " Consignment Agreement" for details in consigning with Stefek's. Each consignment agreement will include date for auction of your property, sales commission, insurance charges and policies, shipping fees and any other fees that may be incurred. Estimates will be reviewed and discussed. All consignments are kept confidential unless otherwise discussed.
Delivering Your Property
Once you have reviewed and signed the Consignment Agreement for your property, you can make an appointment to drop off your property or we can assist you in hiring one of our movers or a third party mover. If Stefek's arranges for the move, the bill can be directed to Stefek's and we will deduct the charges from your final settlement.
Presale Confirmation of Estimates
We are committed to your complete satisfaction. Our staff will confirm auction estimates and online catalogue descriptions before the auction. A final receipt will be mailed to you for your records.
Post Sale Results and Settlement
A staff member will contact you after the auction with the results of the sale. Prices realized are also posted on our website. This price will include buyer's premium. The settlement is based on the hammer price. Settlement checks and statements are mailed within forty-five (45) days after the auction.
Packing and Shipping
Stefek's does provide limited packing and shipping services for a nominal fee. We also recommend third party companies to assist you in shipping a consignment to us or collecting a purchase. Please contact (313) 881-1800 for further assistance.
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