What is a Timed Online Auction?

A Timed Online Auction is an auction that is conducted completely online, where the bidding process is automatically performed by the computer program and the auction lots end at a specific time, with the winning bidder being the absentee bidder who entered a maximum bid that is at least one bid increment above the next lowest maximum bid entered by another absentee bidder. The auction process occurs as follows:

1. We post the auction catalogue 14 days before the auction close. The auction catalogue contains a full description (with size and condition grade) of each lot. The opening bid on each item is $10. The auction lots are set to begin closing chronologically in one-minute increments beginning at 7PM (NYC time) on the third Saturday of the month. Lot #1 will close at 7:00PM, Lot #2 will close at 7:01PM, and so on.
2. Once you have viewed the items in the catalogue and registered with the system to bid, you can place bids on the items that interest you. You can either bid the next increment, or you can set a maximum bid and the system will bid for you. You can continue to bid the next increment or you can increase your maximum bid up to the point the lot closes.
3. The system utilizes a anti-sniping protocol. If there is a new high bid within 2 minutes of the lot closing, the closing time is extended by 2 additional minutes. This process will continue until no new high bid has been received within 2 minutes of the closing time.
4. After the invoice you will receive an invoice with a payment button. You can pay via credit card or Paypal via the payment button, or you can send a check.
5. After we have received cleared payment, we ship your lot.

Online via Internet:

 If you choose to bid online via the internet, you will be using our online auction platform. This platform was designed specifically for our customers, with features that will enhance your bidding experience, provide easier navigation, and a user friendly bid screen with more information available to you while actively bidding. "Safe bid" technology ensures you do not bid against yourself and with a "click" and "confirm" when bidding on a desktop computer. There is also anti-sniping features in this system as described above. You can access the auction platform by clicking on Current Auction in the Marble Auctions tab above.

Online via App:

 If you choose to bid via the App on either your phone or tablet, you will be using the online system. This platform was designed specifically for our customers, with features that will enhance your bidding experience, provide easier navigation, and a user friendly bid screen with more information available to you while actively bidding. "Safe bid" technology ensures you do not bid against yourself and with a "click" and "confirm" when bidding on a desktop computer and a "slide to bid" feature on the mobile app, you are able to bid in real time with confidence. There is also anti-sniping features in this system as described above. You can download the app for the iPhone or for Android.

Absentee:

 Absentee bidding is offered in-house through Block's Marble Auctions. "+1 bidding" is an option with this method of bidding. Simply complete the form, save and email it to bob@blocksite.com. Once received, we will email a confirmation. 

*Please note, you will need the current version of Adobe Acrobat to use this form, otherwise please use the printable Absentee bid form above

MAX+ 1 Absentee Bidding:

 When filling out your Absentee Bid Form you will need to indicate whether you would like the +1 bid feature. Absentee bids are executed on your behalf by our trained staff in competition with bids from other bidders. In the event two identical absentee bids are received, the first bid submitted will be accepted. In the event your maximum bid ties with a absentee or online bid, +1 bidding allows us to bid one increment higher on your behalf to break the tie in your favor. If you want to take advantage of this type of bidding make sure to indicate +1 on your completed absentee bid form.

*Please note, your signed and completed Absentee Bid Form must be received and confirmed at least 6 hours prior to the auction closing time.

Bidder Information

Payment Methods:

Paypal, all major credit cards, personal checks, cashier checks and bank wire transfers accepted.

Buyer's Premium:

 A 18% buyer’s premium will be added to all successful bids. Payment by check lowers your buyer's premium to 15%.

 Bid Increments:

 The standard bid increments we follow are:

$1 to $30                         by $2

$100 to $250                   by $5

$250 to $500                   by $10

$500 to $1,000               by $25

$1,000 to $2,500            by $50

$2,500 to $5,000            by $100

$5,000 to $10,000          by $250

$10,000 to $25,000       by $500

$25,000 and over           by $1,000

 Sales Tax:

 CT State Sales Tax will be paid by all Connecticut residents and any buyer picking up their purchases in Connecticut unless the buyer possesses a valid Resale Tax ID number and has provided a signed resale tax form to Block's Marble Auctions prior to the auction.

Post Auction:

 A combined invoice for purchases made during both sessions will be emailed to successful buyers on Sunday following the completion of the auction. The invoice is the total of your winning bids, plus buyer's premium, plus shipping cost, plus sales tax (if applicable). The invoice includes full payment instructions and a payment link for your convenience. If you believe you were a successful online buyer but did not receive your invoice, please call or tex 203-209-7076 or email info@marbleauctions.com

In the event a buyer does not have an email address on file, we will mail a printed invoice.

Shipping:

 Combined shipping of your purchases is provided by Block's Marble Auctions. Shipping costs are the actual cost of shipping and are included in your invoice total for the added convenience of one payment. All packages are sent with full insurance, delivery confirmation via USPS with tracking. If you prefer to use UPS or Fedex for your order, please contact us after you receive your invoice and we will recalculate the cost and send a new invoice. Your patience is appreciated while we professionally package your important purchases. Packages are mailed in the order in which your payment is received. We generally ship within 2 days of payment receipt. For complete details please read our Shipping Notice.

All participants are bound by Block's Marble Auctions Conditions of Sale.