Ways to Bid

We make it easy to participate in our auctions, whether you prefer to join us in person or bid at home from anywhere in the world:

• In Person: Join us in the saleroom at Historical Hall.

• Online: Bid live through our secure in-house platform, LiveAuctioneers, or Invaluable.

• Absentee Bid: Submit your maximum bid in advance and let us execute it on your behalf. (Absentee Bid Form)

• Telephone Bid: Arrange to bid in real time with assistance from a member of our team. (Phone Bid Form).

Registering to Bid

Registration is simple and ensures a smooth bidding experience. We recommend completing your registration at least 24 hours in advance of the sale to ensure it is approved in time for the start of the auction. New bidders may be asked for basic information, references, or a credit card to keep on file to help us create a fair and secure environment for all participants.

Approval of a registration may be withheld in cases of open disputes with other auction houses, past payment issues, or recently created profiles without any bidding history. If your registration is declined, you may still participate by providing additional information or leaving a credit card on file; please contact us to discuss options.

Click here to register for our next auction

Bid Limits

If this is your first time bidding online with Butterscotch, you’ll be assigned a $1,500 starting bid limit. Need a higher limit? Just reach out—we’ll be happy to work with you.

Placing Bids

When you place a bid, you’re committing to purchase the item if you win. For details on bidding terms and conditions, please see our Terms & Conditions.

For online bidders, we do our best to ensure a smooth experience, but please be mindful that internet connections and third-party platforms may occasionally experience issues. If bidding by phone, please be sure you’re available to take our call when your lot comes up.

Winning Bids

Congratulations! All bidders will receive an invoice and payment instructions via email within 48 hours of the sale, and payment is required within 8 business days.

If you’re bidding in person, you may settle your invoice during the sale by cash or check. Only certain items are available for pickup in the saleroom, so contact the gallery to confirm that the item will be available for pickup during the sale.

It is the buyer’s responsibility to arrange for shipping. Butterscotch will release items to your chosen shipper after you have notified us via email. You can find a list of recommended shippers here.

Buyer’s Premiums

Like all auction houses, Butterscotch applies a Buyer’s Premium to the hammer price of each lot. The rate depends on how you bid:

• 23% – In person or Absentee

• 25% – Telephone or through Butterscotch’s online platform

• 28% – LiveAuctioneers or Invaluable

Passed Lots

Occasionally, a lot may go unsold during the auction. Select items may be available for purchase after the sale, subject to consignor approval. If you’re interested, please contact us promptly for availability.