Bidding and Registration
How do I register and get started bidding?
If you haven’t registered here yet as a bidder, click here to complete the simple registration process. You will need to have a valid credit card on file in order to bid. You will also have to complete the email verification by clicking on the link that was sent to your email address. Once that’s completed, head over to the auctions, because you’re ready to start bidding.
I’m having trouble logging in.
You can log in using either your email address or username, and your password. You can reset your password here. If you’re still having trouble, give us a call at 319-284-0699 and we’ll get you going in no time.
How does bidding work?
Bidding for our auctions is online-only and takes place on elkaderauctionhouse.com. You must be logged-in and have a valid credit card on file in order to bid. Enter your max bid and the software will auto-bid for you if you are outbid, up to the amount you’ve bid. Auctions have a soft-close, so if a bid is placed in the final 60 seconds, another 60 seconds will be added to the end of the auction.
What happens when the auction closes?
The closing time listed for the auction is the time when lots begin to close. Lots close every 20 seconds, but the lots do have a soft-close, so again, if a bid is received in the last 60 seconds, then the lot’s end time will be extended another 60 seconds to give other bidders time to react. Things move quickly when the auction is ending, and it’s easy to get distracted, so we absolutely recommend placing your highest max-bid well ahead of time and allowing the system to bid for you in case you are outbid.
How do I pay for my items?
When the auction ends, you’ll receive an invoice for any items you’ve won. We will charge your credit card on file for the amount owed immediately after the close of the auction Thursday night, and you can pick up your items the following day, Friday 11-4, or the day after, Saturday 11-2. See below for more information about pickup and shipping.
I have a question about sales tax.
We charge Iowa state sales tax of 7%, unless: a) we have a sales tax exemption certificate from the State of Iowa filled out from you, or b) your items are shipping out-of-state (sales tax is removed when we update your invoice with the shipping cost). Some individual lots may be tax-exempt under Iowa state law as well.
Location, Preview and Pickup
Where is Elkader Auction House located?
The auction previews and pickup times both take place at our warehouse in historic downtown Elkader, Iowa, located in the rear of the 110 Mulberry St. building, across the street from the Elkader Post Office. The rear alley entrance is best for loading items, and you may use the alley for loading your items into your vehicle. There is also an entrance from the Conoco gas station lot, however it is less accessible for loading.
How can I view the items in person?
Preview times are listed for each auction for people who want to view items in person. Previews are held on the first Saturday after bidding begins from 11am to 2pm. Previews are held at our warehouse (see above), unless otherwise noted for a particular auction.
How does pickup work?
Pickup times are Friday 11-4 and Saturday 11-2 following the end of the auction Thursday night. Items can generally be picked up at our warehouse (see above), unless otherwise noted for a particular auction.
Shipping
Can you ship to my location? Do you offer international shipping?
Absolutely, we ship anywhere in the US, and we can also ship to most countries, except where prohibited by law or customs restrictions. Make sure your shipping address is accurate in your account and then just let us know you’d like your items shipped after you’ve won.
How does shipping work?
If you would like your items shipped, all you have to do is let us know. The easiest way to is just to reply to the invoice email when you receive it, or you can use the contact form here, or call us at 319-284-0699. We’ll send you an invoice with the shipping cost added once we have your package ready. As long as everything is ok, we will go ahead and charge your card and ship it out. We ship USPS, UPS, or FedEx depending on which offers the lowest cost, but if you would like a specific option, please let us know.
How long does shipping take?
It can take 1-4 days after the close of auction for us to prepare all of the orders for shipment and provide you with an updated invoice. Once we have your final payment, your items will generally be shipped within one business day, and you will receive a tracking number so you can track the progress of your shipment with the carrier.
Do you offer rush shipping?
We do offer rush shipping if you need something quickly. We can ship the next business day after the auction close for a $20 rush handling fee, and of course we offer FedEx overnight shipping and 2-day international shipping as well. Give us a call at 319-284-0699 and let us know your needs.
Are items insured?
Yes, generally speaking, shipments are insured with the carrier or a third-party insurer like Shipsurance. We can help you if there is a problem with your order, please contact us if you have any questions.
Consigning with Elkader Auction House
We accept all types of vintage and retro fashion, collectibles, and antiques, especially Victorian, Depression-era, and mid-century modern. Please see our upcoming auctions, you might just have the perfect thing. Don’t be shy, just ask us if you aren’t sure, often people are unaware that their older items may have value to collectors!
We would love to hear from you! Call Kyana at 319-284-0699 to talk about consigning your collection today.