Call Today: 315.447.1656

• Join us now through April 13th for our current auction! Click HERE For complete Catalog & Bidding, or call us today to schedule a preview

Auction FAQ's

  • Buying

    Q: How can I purchase an item at auction? 

    A: There are several ways to purchase items at our worldwide auctions.  First you have to register with one of the bidding platform for placing pre-bids and/ or joining us 'live' online during the auction.  You can also call us directly or fill out an absentee bid or phone bid with us directly to save 5% on the Buyers Premium.  


    Q: The auction is offered on several third party bidding platforms, does it make a difference which one I use to bid? 

    A: No, you can use any third party bidding platform that we offer.  However, if you click on the auction link from our website you will get a complete catalog with full descriptions and addtiional photos.  You can also register there for online bidding.  Just please note that the bidding platforms don't communicate with each other until auction day, so there can be a different high bid on each platform until the actual auction begins. 


    Q: What if I am tax exempt? 

    A: You will need to fill out a tax exempt form with us PRIOR to the auction AND with the bidding platform when registering.


    Q: What is a buyers premium? 

    A: It is standard auction practice for a Buyer's Premium to be added to all hammer prices (i.e. the winning bid announced), of an auction item or lot.  The winning bidder is required to pay both the hammer price and the percentage of that price called for by the buyer's premium.  When bidding you may want to consider this.  


    Q: What is a Bid Plus 1 or 2?

    A: When placing a direct absentee bid with us.  A bid “plus” is used in case of an absentee bid tie. It raises your bid by one or two bid increments. Say there are two sealed bids in on an item for $1,000. If there are no “plus” amounts entered on either bid, the bid with the earliest date submitted would be the winning bid. If one individual had a +1, the item would be hammered to them at $1,100, or plus one bid increment. If you would like any additional clarification on the Bid Plus please do not hesitate to contact us.


    Q: Why didn't I win if the item was sold for the same amount as my maximum bid? 

    A: If you are unable to bid live and are leaving an absentee bid there is a possibility you may not be the highest bidder even though the item sold for the same high bid you placed.  First, you can not bid against yourself.  So if your bid was acknowledged as the prior bid you can not out bid yourself.  Hence, the next bid, even tho it was your max bid, wouldn't be registered.  Secondly, if two bids come in for the same max bid, the first bid acknowledged by the auctioneer will get the bid.  With online bidding and allowing multiple platforms this is a possibility, however, we in no way want to miss any bids but in a situation with two bidders having a max bid on an item, only one bidder can win.  To avoid this possibility, you can set up a phone bid prior to most of our auctions. 


    Q: What is the dfference between a live online auction and a timed online auction? 

    A: The biggest difference between timed and live auctions is that live auctions are closely monitored and auction off one item or lot at a time. Timed auctions offer customers more flexibility in terms of where, when, and how much they can bid.


    Q: What is a timed auction? 

    A: Timed auctions take place without an auctioneer calling the sale. There is usually a pre-determined set time between lots to be opened, there is also a pre-set time which is extended with each bid, until there is no other bid place during that time frame.  Multiple lots can be bid and sold at the same time.  At the end of this period, the bidder who has submitted the highest bid wins the lot.  You'll know it's a timed auction as the end time will be displaced on the lot page.


    Q: How do I get my winning items after auction?

    A: We do not provide in-house shipping, however we will help you through each step of the process. Bidders are informed that they can pick up items at our warehouse or can arrange for a transport company to pick them up. Otherwise, for most out of town buyers, the UPS store in Manlius will pick up your items after auction, at which time the winning bidder calls the UPS store for a shipping quote. Most out of town bidders use this method. Once items are sent to the UPS store, the buyer is responsible for shipping arrangements.


    Q: Still have questions?

    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656 

  • Selling

    Q: What is a timed auction? 

    A: Timed auctions take place without an auctioneer calling the sale. There is usually a pre-determined set time between lots to be opened, there is also a pre-set time which is extended with each bid, until there is no other bid place during that time frame.  Multiple lots can be bid and sold at the same time.  At the end of this period, the bidder who has submitted the highest bid wins the lot.  You'll know it's a timed auction as the end time will be displaced on the lot page.


    Q: I have an extensive collection that I wish to sell. What do I do?

    A: We suggest that you submit a small sample of the collection and indicate that you have a larger collection that you would like us review. One of our team members will be in touch regarding next steps.


    Q: Should my item be cleaned or restored before consigning?

    A: There is no need to make any changes to your item(s).  We will review the current condition of the item you submit and discuss prior to consigning.


    Q: I am an artist. May I consign my own work?

    A: Please do not submit your own artwork. Terri Peters & Associates does not specialise in the primary market, and we recommend that you contact a gallery for representation.


    Q: Can you arrange shippng or local drop off for my item(s)? 

    A: Yes. Our staff can put you in touch with shippers in your area, who will be able to assist you with shipping your item to us, or you can arrange this yourself. 


    Q: Does the initial evaluation cost anything? 

    A: No, it is completely free and confidential with no obligation to sell.


    Q: How do people find my item(s) for purchase?  

    A: We sell items through multiple auction platforms.  Our sales are marketed to a global network of collectors, through various digital marketing tactics and printed materials, to ensure the best possible price.


    Q: I'd Like to talk to someone instead and/or have other questions? 

    A: You can contact us at anytime.   Arrange a virtual valuation via video call, or simply pick up the phone. We also hold regular valuation events. You can find these listed on our valuations calendar or you can send us an email at Info@TPAauctions.com


    Q: How do you advertise my items? 

    A: Once you sign a consignment agreement for the sale of your property, we will begin marketing your lots to our international client base. Your objects will be photographed,described and cataloged ready to appear in our auction catalog. An extensive advertising and marketing campaign involving targeted advertising using cutting edge technology, public relations, print and online advertising, special events, and a public preview will be created to promote each auction, ensuring your property is seen by countless potential buyers.


    Q: Still have questions?  

    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656 

  • Auction Forms

Estate Sale FAQ's

  • Buying

    Q: Can anyone attend an Estate Tag Sale?
    A: Yes! We welcome anyone to attend our estate sales. The list of our upcoming sales can be found on the upcoming sales page.

    Q: Do you pre-sell or let anyone in before the sale?
    A: No, we do not do any presales or let anyone in prior to the sale. Everything in our photos is in our sales unless the client pulls an item.

    Q: Is there a line to get in the Estate Sale?
    A: There is aways a long line prior to the start of the sale. We try to let everyone in within a few minutes of the start of the sale so everyone has an equal opportunity to purchase all items. Please be prepared to arrive early and dress appropriately for the current weather conditions.

    Q: If an item is pictured or in the description, is it definately in the sale?
    A: 99.9% of the time the answer is yes. We have had a few incidents where the owners have pulled an item from the sale the day before it opens. We always try to update our description and photos in that event.

    Q: Do you accept offers on items?
    A: Yes. We encourage our customers to share their offers while they are shopping the sale with one of our staff members. If we cannot accept the offer on that day the staff member will give you an offer card to fill out and leave your name, number, item name and offer.

    Q: If I purchase a large item, am I able to pick it up at a different time or day?
    A: Yes, you can. We will give you a pickup receipt for you to pick up the item. We require you to pick up items during regular sale hours.

    Q: Can you hold items for me if I call ahead?
    A: No, we do not hold any items before the sale begins, during the sale you can call and we will accept payment over the phone and hold items for you to pick up that day.

    Q: When I'm at a sale, how do I purchase an item(s) I want?
    A: Any smaller items you can pick up and carry with you to the check out. Larger items have a large price tag. Pull the tag off the piece of furniture and let a staff member know so they can mark the item sold. When you’re ready to check out, take the tag to the register area. Please DO NOT pull tags off items you aren't buying, as it is not fair to the other buyers!

    Q: Do you provide help with carrying large items?
    A: We do have staff available at each sale to assist in carrying light items to vehicles if needed. The main role of our staff is to ensure the home is protected, prevent theft, and sell merchandise. For this reason, we ask that you bring assistance for any large items such as appliances, sofas, mattresses, large cabinets, etc. If you are unable to bring assistance, our staff will help to the best of their ability!

    Q: Do you deliver large items?
    A: At this time, we do not offer any delivery service but we do work with several local movers and we will provide you with those names and numbers upon request.

    Q: Still have questions?
    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656
  • Selling

    Q: Where do we begin?
    A: The first step is to have us come out and do a walkthrough with you. You can schedule that consultation here. At our meeting, we will walk through the house with you and come up with the best plan for your estate sale. At that point, we will also talk about dates and your timeline and show you our entire process from start to finish.

    Q: How far in advance should I call Terri Peters & Associates?
    A: We would like you to call as soon as you believe you might need our services. We often have sales lined up for several weeks in advance but by calling as soon as you are aware of your needs, we may be able to fit you in at the last-minute.

    Q: How long does the process take?
    A: Our estate sale process is usually 1-2 weeks from start to finish! There is the occasional project that can take weeks to get set up and organized and our team is set up to be able to handle simple to complex projects.

    Q: Do I have enough for an estate sale?
    A: That’s a great question. You can give us a call at 315.447.1656 and we can talk through your situation and we can help see if you have enough to have an estate sale!

    Q: What will it cost me for Terri Peters & Associates to execite my Estate Sale?
    A: There is no up-front or out-of-pocket expense to you. We charge a percentage of total sales (35% – 50%), and simply deduct that from the proceeds at the end of the sale.

    Q: Should we donate all the old clothes, towels, linens and sheets?
    A: While that is charitable, these items are completely sellable at an estate sale and bring in additional profits to benefit the sale. Please refrain from discarding or donating any items within the home as these donations can be made after the estate sale.
    If you feel that you must discard or donate any items please contact us to receive a professional opinion to make sure the item is not of high value. We would be happy to help!

    Q: What is the fee to come to the house and evaluate it for a sale?
    A: Our consultation and meeting with you are free of charge. We provide onsite and virtually appointments.

    Q: Does the initial evaluation cost anything?
    A: No, it is completely free and confidential with no obligation to sell.

    Q: Are there any upfront costs?
    A: There is no upfront costs when having an estate sale.

    Q: If the executor lives out of state, can we still have an Estate Sale?
    A: Yes. We handle everything through email, zoom and registered mail so living outside the area during the process is no problem. This process is simple and we have been handling out-of-state residents for many years.

    Q: What is the "set up" process for an Estate Sale?
    A: First, we want your home to look its best when presented. When we handling the real estate listng and the estate sale, we stage the house first and then start the estate sale set up for the smaller items. We may set up some display tables throughout the home and re-arrange furniture to maximize retail space. We then unearth any drawers, boxes and cabinets throughout the home and clean items as necessary. From there we separate sellable from non-sellable, research antique and high valued goods and finally, affix prices to all the displayed items. Throughout the process we often find personal effects such as social security cards, bank or tax documents and other sensitive material which we set aside to be gone through by the owner of the estate.

    Q: I have valuable items, how do I know you'll price them correctly?
    A: Pricing and the knowledge of the correct price on the second-hand market for an item can be one of the biggest challenges an estate sale company can face.
    We have specialists on staff for evaluation, pricing and knowing the current market prices. We have countless hours of research and expertise under our belt. Using a combination of pricing resources and experts within our network we can correctly identify, price and market your valuable pieces.

    Q: Can we be living in the house when you do an Estate Sale?
    A: Unfortunately, we are unable to work in a home that someone is living in. If this is a challenge for you, we can brainstorm with you during our initial consultation.

    Q: How do you prepare for an estate sale?
    A: When preparing for an Estate Sale with Terri Peters & Associates, all you have to do is focus on the items you want to take with you and leave everything else to us! We require one thing before our team can come into your home and start the estate sale process and that is that everything that is not for sale has been removed or placed behind a locked door. The only thing you have to do to prepare for having an estate sale is just removing anything that you want to keep!

    Q: How do you advertise?
    A: We have cutting edge technology for marketing and advertising your sale. We also use social, digital, email, and print reaching your target market and insuring a successful sale! We are a leader in Advertising and Marketing!

    Q: Still have questions?
    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656

Real Estate FAQ's

  • Buying

    Q: We are looking for a new home but can't find anything?
    A: We also get leads on houses before they are listed since we are usually the first called to help clean out the house. So give us a call and let us know what you're looking for.

    Q: Still have questions?
    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656
  • Selling

    Q: We are sorting through years of stuff before we put our house on the market, how should we do this?
    A: We customized a plan for each and every client. We can help you thru the whole process handling your personal property and your real estaet listing. We have a team of realtors and the Terri Peters & Associates team to help you each step of the way!

    Q: We are handing our parents estate and don't know where to start?
    A: Instead of looking at everything in the house that needs to be sold, just focus on what you want to take with you and leave the rest to us. We can project manage the whole sale from real estate to personal property to get you the most money and take your stress away! Give us a call today at 315.447.1656.

    Q: We are looking to list our house but how to get rid of the stuff we don't want?
    A: The items dictate the best path to sell to get you the most money. We offer a customized approach for each of our clients. In most cases we use more than one method of sale ie. Auctions, Estate Sales, Buy Outs, etc.

    Q: Still have questions?
    A: Feel free to give us a call at 315.447.1656

Terms & Conditions

  • Auction Terms & Conditions

    Terri Peters & Associates Auction and Estate Marketing makes every effort to correctly describe and accurately identify all items that they sell. Terri Peters & Associates Auction and Estate Marketing are not responsible for errors, omissions or oral condition reports. It is up to the buyer to decide the nature and authenticity of each and every item interested in prior to bidding.  Terri Peters & Associates Auction and Estate Marketing reserve the right to make verbal corrections and/or provide additional information from the block during the sale. It is the sole responsibility of the buyer to request a condition report and or additional pictures and be well informed regarding the merchandise prior to placing a bid.


    The highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer shall be the purchaser. In the event of any dispute between bidders, the auctioneer shall have absolute discretion in determining the successful bidder, or he/she may re-offer the disputed item for sale if he/she so wishes.


    Absentee bids will be executed in a competitive manner by a company representative.


    Terri Peters & Associates Auction and Estate Marketing is pleased to accommodate your requests for additional information and photographs, however, your personal examination is always preferred when possible. It is the responsibility of the bidder to examine lots and decide on their level of interest. We have most items available for private preview, by appointment or during our posted preview hours prior to the auction. Lots are sold in "as is" condition. All sales are final. Terri Peters & Associates Auction and Estate Marketing is not responsible for theft or damage. You are responsible for your purchases after the auctioneer hammer goes down and identifies your number as the winning bid.  


    All sales are final.  It is the responsibility of the bidder to ascertain, to their satisfaction, the authenticity, condition, shipping, transportation or any other factors that may influence bidding BEFORE bidding!  By placing any bid(s), (on site, on line, absentee or by phone), you are agreeing to the terms of this auction.  Your bid is considered to be a legal binding agreement.  All payment for winning bids MUST be made within 5 business days after the conclusion of the auction unless other arrangements have been agreed to in writing by the bidder and Terri Peters & Associates.  Any item(s) remaining unpaid after 5 days will be placed in storage with a storage fee of $20.00 per day being levied upon the buyer.  Those items that remain in storage more than 14 days  will be considered forfeit.  The cost of the item and all storage fees are the responsibility of the buyer of record.  After an additional 5 days from forfeiture any remaining unpaid balance will be turned over to a collections agency.  It is not our intention to charge any additional fees or to send our customers to collections, it is only our intention to process winning bids as expeditiously as possible and get winning items to our customers quickly.  Any further questions regarding before or after sale please call us at 315.447.1656.       


    Thank you, 


    Terri Peters & Associates



Share by: