Buying at Stair Galleries

Viewing
Our live auctions may be viewed online approximately two weeks prior to the sales date. Auction previews are generally held 2 days prior to the auction at the sales venue.

Buyer's Premium
All sales are subject to a buyer's premium of 17% discounted to 15% for cash or check.

Bidding at the Auction
You must register and obtain a bidding number. We require a valid driver's license and a VISA or MasterCard number. You must also sign the Conditions of Sale.

Absentee Bidding 
(Click here to see Absentee Bid Form & Conditions of Sale)
If you are unable to attend the auction you may leave an absentee bid using the form (Absentee Bid Form) and the bidding increments listed on this site. You may post it to us by regular mail, fax, drop it off at the sales venue , or they may now be emailed directly to us by clicking on the “Email Bid Form” on the Absentee Bid Form, please make sure that all fields are filled in, including the electronic signature, bids will not be accepted without this. These bids are executed competitively on your behalf. The earliest received bid will take precedence in case of tie.

Telephone Bidding
For lots estimated over $500, telephone bidding may be arranged. The phone lines are reserved on a first come - first served basis. Fill out the absentee bid form and write "phone" in the "maximum bid" column and fax it to us along with a signed conditions of sale. Telephone bidding requests may now be emailed directly to us by clicking on the “Email Bid Form” on the Absentee Bid Form, please make sure that all fields are filled in, including the electronic signature, bids will not be accepted without this. Both forms must be received by 5 p.m. on the Friday before the auction.

Online Bidding Through ArtFact.com
Stair Galleries offers online bidding through our partner ArtFact.com.  Please click on this link to take you to ArtFact.com for complete instructions.

Bid Increments
Bidding amounts are usually accepted in the following increments, subject to the auctioneer's discretion. (Please note this guide applies to absentee bids as well.)

Up to $100 $10
$100-$500 $25
$500-$1,000 $50
$1,000-$3,000 $100
$3,000-$5,000 $250
$5,000-$10,000 $500
$10,000-$30,000 $2,500
$30,000-$100,000 $5,000
Over $100,000 $10,000

Condition Reports
We are happy to offer condition reports on lots where practical. Please understand that these reports are generally subjective and examining an object in person is always preferable.

Payment and Collection
For purchases at our live auction, payment must be made the day of the sale. Personal checks are accepted from buyers known to us. Items must be cleared from the sales venue by Noon of the following day. If you participate by phone or absentee bid please contact a shipper prior to the sale, these items must be paid for and picked up by the shipper within ten days of the date of the sale. All purchases are subject to sales tax unless you have a valid New York State tax exemption number and fill out the form required by the state. (We suggest you do this when registering to bid to save time at check-out.)

Packing & Shipping
Unfortunately we are unable to dismantle, pack, or ship any items.
Below is a list of shippers in our area, but please feel free to use another shipper.

For items that can be boxed and shipped:

UPS Store #4541
David & Elise Anderson
Kings Mall, 1200 Ulster Avenue (#35A)
Kingston, New York 12401
T: 845-336-4877
F: 845-336-3832
store4541@theupsstore.com

 

Arnoff Pack & Ship
Fine Arts Services
FedEx, UPS & LTL
Terri Proper
351 Millerton Road
Lakeville, CT 06039
T: 860-435-2909
F: 860-435-8119
tproper@arnoff.com

 

For other shipping needs:

Meticulous Movers
Owners: Josh and Mike
T: 845-256-7047
F: 845-256-7039
meticulousmovers@live.com

 

Antique Delivery Service
91 Market Street, #26
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590
T: 845-297-8710
F: 845-297-1865