Vintage ceramic Christmas tree with small one

Auction Terms & Conditions

Terms & Conditions of Sale
The following conditions make up the entire Terms and Conditions under which items listed by Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer, will be sold. All bidders who participate by bidding in this auction agree to these terms and are bound by them. Any posted or oral notices during the sale are also part of these terms. Acceptance of a bidder number, bidder card, or online registration constitutes acceptance of these terms. The Auctioneer is not responsible for any errors of the purchaser, including but not limited to bidding on the wrong lot.

Buyer’s Premium
All successful bids (hammer prices) will be subject to a 10% buyer's premium. The premium is added to the final bid price to equal the total purchase price. (Example: a $100.00 bid becomes a $110.00 purchase.)

Sales Tax Notice
Sales tax will be collected on all applicable items at the rate required by the county in which the auction is held. To be exempt, buyers must submit a valid and signed Ohio Sales Tax Exemption Certificate at least 24 hours before the auction closes. No exceptions.

Method of Payment
Invoices totaling less than $1,500 may be paid via Visa, Mastercard, or cash. Invoices over $1,500 must be paid by wire transfer or cash only. Credit cards used at registration will be charged automatically unless prior arrangements have been made. Payment is due in full within two (2) calendar days after the auction closes. Failure to do so will trigger collection actions described below.

Wire Transfer Policy
For invoices requiring wire transfer, funds must be received and verified before items are released. Failure to pay as agreed will result in permanent suspension from future auctions.

Staggered/Group/Dynamic Closing
This auction features a staggered and dynamic closing format. Please refer to the auction description section for the official closing date and time. Any bid placed within the last 5 minutes of a lot’s scheduled closing time will automatically extend that lot’s closing by an additional 5 minutes. This process continues until no further bids are placed.

Transfer of Title
Title to all property transfers to the buyer once payment in full is received and verified. Buyer agrees not to initiate chargebacks or stop payments. All disputes must be discussed directly with Hoffman Auctions.

Non-Payment
If full payment is not received within two (2) days:
(a) A late fee of 1.5% per month may be assessed
(b) Hoffman Auctions may pursue legal action for full recovery including legal fees
(c) The auctioneer may cancel the sale, resell the item(s), and hold the buyer responsible for losses, commissions, and fees
(d) The buyer may be banned from future auctions
(e) A security interest in any property owned by the buyer may be enforced

Withdrawal Rights
Michael Hoffman, Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw any property before or during the auction for any reason.

Disputes and Auctioneer’s Discretion
The Auctioneer has final discretion to settle disputes, including re-offering or withdrawing any disputed lot. Auctioneer’s records are deemed final in case of a dispute.

Failure to Deliver Property
If delivery of any lot is prevented by theft, fire, or any other reason, the auctioneer’s liability shall be limited to the amount actually paid by the buyer.

Catalog and Descriptions
All written and oral statements are opinions, not warranties or guarantees. Lot descriptions and images are provided as a guide and are not guaranteed. Absence of condition notes does not imply an item is perfect.

Buyer’s Responsibility and As-Is Condition
Bidders are responsible for inspecting and satisfying themselves as to the condition and value of each lot. All property is sold As Is, Where Is, with no warranties or guarantees. Hoffman Auctions does not guarantee grading, completeness, or suitability for any intended use. All sales are final.

Absentee Bidding
Absentee bids may be accepted and executed on behalf of bidders. However, the auctioneer assumes no responsibility for errors or failures to execute absentee bids.

Reserves
Some lots may have reserves (minimum selling prices). Hoffman Auctions may bid on behalf of the seller up to the reserve price.

Telephone Bidding
Telephone bidding is not available for this auction.

Shipping Terms
Shipping is not available for this auction. 


Technology Issues
If technical failures occur (internet outage, software malfunction, etc.), Hoffman Auctions may reopen affected lots or the entire auction as needed. If no outages are present, closed lots will be considered sold and final.

Disputes Under This Contract
All disputes must first be submitted to mediation. If unresolved, they must be submitted to binding arbitration under the American Arbitration Association in Fairfield County, Ohio. Lawsuits are prohibited until mediation and arbitration have been attempted in good faith.

Limitation of Liability
Auctioneer and sellers disclaim all express and implied warranties. Neither is liable for any incidental or consequential damages.

Load-Out and Removal
Buyers are responsible for providing their own labor, equipment, and materials for load-out. No assistance will be provided. Hoffman Auctions is not responsible for damages during loading.

Caution During Bidding
Lots may appear joined or grouped in images. Bid on the described item only. Always read the descriptions carefully.

Catalog Discrepancies
In the case of a conflict between the item description and the photo, the description controls.

Abandoned Lots
Items not paid for and removed within three (3) days of auction close are deemed abandoned without refund. Disposal fees may apply.

Additional Terms
Hoffman Auctions reserves the right to add or remove items, split or combine lots, add minimum bids, cancel or reschedule auctions at its discretion. By registering, bidders consent to being added to our mailing list. You may unsubscribe at any time.