Seattle Estate Sale Bidders
A Guide For Seattle Estate Sale Bidders
Get Started With Rain City Estate Sales:
Bidding Process, Auction Pick-Up Primer, and FAQ
Start Bidding Here
Bidding Process
Welcome! Thank you for bidding! Online auctions are exciting and we are excited for you to get started!
Begin by perusing the auction listing. Each auction contains “lots” and each lot contains one or more items. We recommend you look at all of the photographs and read the lot description thoroughly. Please note that for our auctions we include measurements in the photographs. You’ll want to confirm that the item you are buying will fit in your car when you pick it up!
Our auction platform, Auction Ninja, will let you know when you are the highest bidder, or if you should increase your bid to become the highest bidder.
Please take note of when the auction closes so that you can get your bids in before the auction ends. Please do note that between 75% and 80% of all bidding happens on the final day of the auction.
Auction Pick Up Primer
Upon successfully winning one of our auction lots, you will receive an email from Auction Ninja with a link to schedule a time slot during the pick up window. If you do not see this email from Auction Ninja, please check your spam folder.
Three Key Things To Know:
Be Prepared
Make sure you bring the necessary supplies to collect your items. This includes things like boxes, bags, packing paper, and tools if you need to take something apart or remove it from the wall.
Give Yourself Time
If you purchase a picker’s lot, or any other lots with many pieces (shelves of books, dishes, closet lots, etc.), it is important to leave yourself sufficient time to collect your items. All purchases must be outside the house by the time we close the pick-up. (See our late pick-up policy below.)
Bring Help
Be sure to bring an extra person (or two!) if you have furniture or anything that would be tricky to move.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pick up my item at another time?
We are frequently asked if items can be picked up a day early, later in the day, later in the week, etc. Unfortunately, this is just not possible. Our team is only at the pick up location on the day of the pick up, during the specified hours. We ask that you kindly not commit to bidding in an auction unless you are certain you can make the advertised pick up time. Doing otherwise risks forfeiture of items. We do offer shipping for some items. If shipping is an option, it is listed on the item in the Auction Ninja platform.
Something came up and now I can't make the pick up appointment. Now what?
Your best bet and our preferred method would be to have someone else pick up the items for you. If you purchased items that we cannot ship and you don’t have someone who can pick up for you, the items would need to be forfeited. We understand that things come up; however, we cannot guarantee an accommodation, and you may need to forfeit some or all of your items.
Can I choose to forfeit the items I won? Are there any consequences?
There is no penalty for not coming to the pick up, though a heads up is appreciated.
What do you do with items that do not sell or are not picked up?
It depends on the particular estate sale and the situation. Usually, items that are not picked up or that are unsold are returned to the homeowner.
Late Pick-up Policy
If you are running late, it is absolutely essential that you contact us at 206-705-3545 via text to let us know you are on your way. We close our auction pick ups promptly, and items not picked up by close (or not fully packed up) are considered forfeited.
Other Things to Keep In Mind
• Buyers are responsible for moving furniture or other heavy items.
• If you recently had surgery, have bad knees, or would otherwise not be able to collect these items yourself, please bring someone else to help. We cannot process refunds for items you are not able to collect.
• Please refrain from asking if someone died or commenting on the property. Our clients are often on-site with us. Particularly in bereavement situations, comments (however innocently made) can be hurtful.
• Buyers are not permitted to walk freely through the property. Check-in with a staff member outside of the house. We will let you know if you need to follow us into the house to pick up an item.
• Make a pit stop before you arrive at the property. Bathrooms are not available for public use.
