If you’ve never purchased at auction before, the process may seem unfamiliar. At Tom Hall Auctions in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania, we’ve been helping buyers purchase antiques, collectibles, jewelry, firearms, vehicles, real estate, estate contents, and specialty collections for nearly 50 years.
Whether you’re bidding from Pennsylvania or anywhere in the United States, this guide explains exactly how online auctions work, from registering to bid through paying for your purchases and arranging pickup or shipping.
If you’re wondering:
- How do online auctions work?
- How do I register to bid?
- What is a buyer’s premium?
- How do I pay after I win?
- Can my auction items be shipped?
You’ll find the answers below.
Why Buy at Auction?
Buying at auction gives you access to unique and hard-to-find items that often aren’t available through traditional retail stores.
Unlike fixed-price sales, auction prices are determined by competitive bidding. This means buyers pay what the marketplace determines an item is worth at that moment.
Every week Tom Hall Auctions offers online auctions featuring:
- Antiques
- Fine Jewelry
- Coins & Currency
- Estate Collections
- Vehicles
- Furniture
- Art
- Comic Books
- Toys
- Advertising
- Tools & Equipment
- Real Estate
- And much more
Whether you’re a collector, dealer, investor, or simply looking for great finds, auctions provide an exciting way to purchase quality items.
The Tom Hall Auctions Bidding Process — Step by Step
Step 1: Browse Upcoming Auctions
Visit our website to browse upcoming auctions.
Each auction includes:
- Hundreds of photographs
- Detailed descriptions
- Pickup information
- Shipping availability
- Terms and Conditions
- Auction closing date and time
You can research every lot before placing a bid.
Step 2: Register to Bid
Before bidding, you’ll need to register through our secure online bidding platform, HiBid.
Registration is:
- Free
- Takes only a few minutes
- Requires a valid credit card
- Must be approved before bidding
Once you’ve registered, bidding at future Tom Hall Auctions is even faster.
Step 3: Place Your Bids
You can bid from anywhere using your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
HiBid offers two ways to bid.
- Live Online Bidding
Bid as the auction closes in real time. - Maximum (Proxy) Bidding
Enter the highest amount you’re willing to pay.
The system automatically bids for you—only enough to keep you in the lead—up to your maximum amount.
Many experienced bidders use maximum bidding so they don’t have to watch the auction continuously.
Step 4: Understand the Buyer’s Premium
Like most professional auction companies, Tom Hall Auctions charges a 20% buyer’s premium.
The buyer’s premium is added to the final hammer price.
Example
Winning Bid (Hammer Price): $100
Buyer’s Premium (20%): $20
Total Purchase Price: $120
Pennsylvania sales tax may also apply unless a valid tax exemption certificate is on file.
Step 5: Payment
Buyer payments are typically processed immediately following the auction. Most purchases are paid by credit card, while vehicles and higher-value purchases are generally paid by wire transfer within 24 to 48 hours.
We Accept
- Visa
- MasterCard
- Discover
- American Express
- Cash (where applicable)
- Wire Transfer (when required)
We Do Not Accept
- Personal Checks
- PayPal
Payment Requirements
At the auctioneer’s discretion:
- Purchases over $1,200
- High-value jewelry purchases
- New HiBid bidders
- New Tom Hall Auctions customers may be required to pay by wire transfer or cash.
A valid government-issued photo ID may also be required.
Please review the complete payment terms listed with each auction.
Step 6: Pickup or Shipping
Auction Gallery Pickup
For auctions held at our Schnecksville Auction Gallery:
The Day After the Auction
12:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Monday–Friday
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM
Items should generally be picked up within seven days unless otherwise stated.
For off-site auctions, pickup dates and times will be listed within that specific auction catalog.
Professional In-House Shipping
One feature that distinguishes Tom Hall Auctions from many auction companies is our full-time, professional in-house shipping department.
If you require shipping:
- Indicate that you need shipping after receiving your invoice.
- Our shipping department will contact you.
- We will professionally pack your items.
- You will receive a shipping quote before shipment.
Every year we safely ship thousands of packages throughout the United States and internationally.
Packing, shipping, insurance, and postage are billed separately from your auction invoice.
What Happens If You’re Outbid?
If another bidder places a higher bid before the lot closes, HiBid will automatically send you an email notification letting you know you’ve been outbid.
You may:
- Increase your bid
- Enter a maximum bid
- Continue watching the auction
- Decide not to bid further
There is never any penalty for being outbid.
FAQ Section
Do I have to register before bidding?
Yes. Every bidder must register and be approved before placing bids.
Is it free to register?
Yes. Registration is completely free.
What is a buyer’s premium?
A buyer’s premium is a percentage added to the final hammer price that helps cover the costs of conducting the auction, including advertising, online bidding technology, payment processing, staffing, and other operational expenses.
Tom Hall Auctions currently charges a 20% buyer’s premium.
When do I pay for my purchases?
Payment is due immediately after the auction closes.
How will I know if I won?
After the auction closes, you’ll receive an email containing your invoice and payment information.
Can my auction items be shipped?
Yes.
Tom Hall Auctions operates a professional in-house shipping department and ships thousands of packages every year throughout the United States and internationally.
Shipping charges are separate from your auction invoice.
What happens if I don’t pick up my items?
Items not picked up within the stated pickup period may become subject to storage fees, abandonment, or resale in accordance with the auction’s Terms and Conditions. Contact us immediately if you need special arrangements.
Can I inspect items before bidding?
Most auctions include inspection opportunities prior to the auction. Inspection dates and times are listed in each auction catalog whenever available.
Can I cancel a bid after placing it?
Generally, no. Bids placed at auction are considered legally binding. Please read all descriptions carefully and ask questions before placing a bid.
Is everything sold “As Is”?
Yes. Unless specifically stated otherwise, all auction items are sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with no warranties or guarantees. Buyers are encouraged to inspect items and conduct their own due diligence before bidding.
