1. How do I bid in your auctions?
Visit our Auctions page, choose a current sale, and register for a bidder account. Before bidding, review the item descriptions, photographs, auction terms, and pickup or shipping information.
Frequently Asked Questions When Buying and Selling with Cape Ann Auction
Buying and Bidding
2. What kinds of items do you sell?
Our auctions feature estate finds and collections, including art, jewelry, silver, coins, maritime antiques, rare books, historic documents, and other collectibles. Every estate brings something different, so check the current catalog to see what’s available.
3. Do bids really start at $1?
Yes, nearly every one of our auctions start every lot at $1 with no reserves. On very rare occasions, such as Charity or Special Event Auctions, starting bids may vary. Check the individual auction’s terms to confirm the format for that sale.
4. What does “no reserve” mean?
In a no-reserve auction, there is no hidden minimum selling price. The highest bid wins—even when the final price is lower than expected.[5]
5. Can I inspect an item before bidding?
We offer inspections by appointment, see each auction’s “Special Instructions”
6. How do I find pickup and shipping details?
Review the individual auction’s terms and item listings before bidding. Pickup locations, collection instructions, and shipping options can vary by sale.
7. How do I pay for my purchases?
Follow the payment instructions provided for the auction you’ve won. Successful bidders receive information about payment and arranging pickup or shipping, where offered.
Pickup and Shipping
8. Where do I pick up my purchases?
It depends on the auction. Our Gloucester location is 159 Maplewood Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930, and we often offer pickup on the South Shore of MA by appointment. But always check your auction’s pickup instructions before traveling. Individual sales may have different collection arrangements.
9. What if I can’t make the scheduled pickup?
Alternative Gloucester pickups are available by appointment only. For auctions hosted on AuctionNinja, contact us through the AuctionNinja messaging system to arrange a time rather than arriving without an appointment.
10. Do you offer pickup in Middleboro?
We also offer an alternative pickup location in Middleboro, Massachusetts. Contact us before bidding if you need this option so we can confirm arrangements for that sale.
11. Do you ship auction purchases?
Shipping is available for many items, and we offer in-house shipping throughout the United States for eligible purchases. Check the auction terms and confirm shipping availability for your particular item before bidding.
12. Can furniture be shipped?
No, although for small pieces which are easily handled by one person, (a chair, small stand etc) we may be able to arrange pickup at an alternate location.
Selling With Us
13. How do I sell with Cape Ann Auction?
Start by sending photographs and a brief description of what you’d like to sell, or contact us about an on-site visit. We’ll assess the property and explain whether auction, consignment, direct purchase, or another approach makes the most sense.
14. Do you make home visits?
Yes, we are happy to determine if a home visit makes sense upon our initial conversation,
15. Do I need an entire estate to work with you?
No. We consider individual collections as well as full estates and business inventories. The best starting point is a few photographs and a description of what you have.
16. Do you buy items outright?
Yes, we consider outright purchases of select items and estate contents. We can discuss whether a direct purchase or an auction is the better fit for your property and timeline.
17. Can you help with an entire house?
Yes. Our estate services can include assessment, sale preparation, cataloging, promotion, auctions, pickup coordination, and cleanout work when appropriate. The services included depend on the plan agreed upon for your estate.
18. Do you charge for an initial assessment?
We offer a free preliminary assessment and advertise no upfront fees. Contact us to discuss your property and the proposed selling arrangements.
19. Do you accept every type of antique?
No. At this time, we are generally unable to process most traditional large antique furniture and moderate-value porcelain, glass, and china collections. Send photographs first so we can determine whether your items are a good fit.
Still Have Questions?
20. How do I contact Cape Ann Auction?
Text or Call 978-395-7077 or email walt@capeannauction.com.
If you’re asking about an auction item, include the auction name and lot number so we can help you more quickly.