BUYING AT CORNELL
TIPS & FAQ.
A little knowledge goes a long way.
Start with the questions below. This guide brings together Cornell’s published buyer information; the applicable sale terms govern each auction.
BUYING AT CORNELL
01 / 05 Before you bid
Where do I register and browse online auctions?
Carlo’s brief identifies LiveAuctioneers as Cornell’s online bidding platform. Use Cornell’s existing LiveAuctioneers destination to browse sales and follow the registration instructions for the relevant auction.
What does Cornell require for a bidding paddle?
The published terms require a bidding paddle/number for all bidders. To register, they require a current driver’s license and major credit card. Cornell may also require a cash deposit at its discretion.
The same terms state that an additional 25% deposit is required on all purchases and all written bids left with the auction house. Confirm the current requirements for your sale with Cornell.
Can I inspect an object or ask for more information?
Cornell encourages bidders to ask questions and request additional information early. The published terms say additional photographs cannot be provided once preview and auction are underway. They invite in-person visits and list general hours of 9am–5pm, closed Sundays and Mondays.
Contact Cornell with questions about an object’s condition before bidding. No guaranteed condition-report turnaround is specified in the recovered information.
Are condition, authenticity and returns guaranteed?
The published terms state that all sales are final, with no refund or credit, and that all merchandise is sold “as is.” They make no guarantees as to condition, period or authenticity, and say buyers must rely on their own knowledge.
Rug and painting sizes and gold and sterling weights are approximate. Cornell does not guarantee that clocks are in working order.
02 / 05 Ways to participate
Can I bid if I cannot attend?
The published Phone & Left Bids page provides Absentee/Phone Bid forms for those who do not wish to bid in person or cannot attend. It instructs bidders to print and complete the appropriate form and fax it to 1-631-289-9507.
All absentee bid forms and phone bids must be received by 11 AM one day prior to the sale, according to that page. Confirm current arrangements with Cornell before relying on the fax number or deadline.
How is the successful bidder determined?
The published terms identify the highest bidder acknowledged by the auctioneer as the purchaser. The auctioneer has final discretion in a dispute, including re-offering the lot; digital recordings may be used for confirmation. Cornell reserves the right to reject any bid or refuse to acknowledge a bidder.
What happens if a lot does not reach its reserve?
The terms permit the auctioneer to open bidding on behalf of the seller up to the reserve. If that reserve is not reached, the auctioneer may announce the lot unsold.
03 / 05 Premiums, taxes & payment
What buyer premium does the published site list?
Cornell’s published terms list a 25% buyer premium for in-house purchases and a 25% buyer premium for internet purchases. Confirm the applicable premium and any platform charges in the specific sale terms before bidding.
These are recovered public terms, not a newly approved fee schedule.
What does the site say about sales tax?
Purchases are subject to New York State and local sales/use taxes unless the purchaser furnishes proof of a New York State resale or OSR number at payment.
LiveAuctioneers bidders must upload a current, valid resale certificate to that site before bidding. The published terms say the Gallery cannot adjust tax on LiveAuctioneers purchases.
When must payment be made?
The published terms reserve the Gallery’s right to charge the customer’s credit card for the total purchase, including buyer premium, if items are not paid for within three days of the auction. They also allow credit-card pre-approval and certified checks at the Gallery’s discretion.
A separate provision requires jewelry, silver, coin purchases and purchases of $10,000 or more to be paid within three business days immediately following the auction. Confirm which deadline and payment method apply to your purchase.
Are there restrictions on payment methods?
The terms say credit cards are not accepted for jewelry, silver or coins. For those purchases, and purchases of $10,000 or more, they specify a certified check or use the wording “bank wire transfer through Zelle Quick Pay to ROY@CORNELLAUCTIONS.COM.”
That published wording combines distinct payment methods and requires Cornell’s clarification. Contact Cornell to confirm current payment instructions before sending funds.
The terms also state that checks are not accepted unless approved by Cornell, and merchandise may be held until a check clears.
04 / 05 After the auction
When can I collect my purchase?
No merchandise will be picked up or delivered during an auction. The published terms require removal no later than seven days after the auction; items left afterward are stored at the purchaser’s risk and expense.
The pickup page lists appointments between 10am and 3:30pm and says the gallery is closed Sundays and Mondays. Use Shipping for the collection details and native Scheduling link.
What storage and uncollected-item provisions are published?
The terms list storage at $5 per day per item after seven days, payable by credit card or cash before release. Items left over 14 days are considered abandoned and returned to auctionable inventory with no refund. The Gallery may resell merchandise for the purchaser’s account at the auctioneer’s discretion.
They separately state that Cornell is not responsible for errors, omissions or merchandise left more than three days unless written arrangements have been made with the Gallery owners. These distinct time limits need current confirmation from Cornell.
Does Cornell pack or ship purchases?
Cornell’s published Shipping page says it does not pack or ship; purchasers are responsible for arranging shipment of all purchased merchandise. The Shipping page lists third-party contacts and their published service scopes. Contact providers to confirm arrangements.
May someone else collect on my behalf?
If anyone other than the buyer is picking up, Cornell’s published instructions require an email releasing the item with the name of the driver/person collecting. Photo ID is required on arrival.
05 / 05 Speak with Cornell
Who can clarify a sale or collection question?
Contact Cornell at (631) 289-9505 or info@cornellauctions.com. The gallery is at 152 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713.
This guide organizes the published information; it does not replace the applicable auction Terms of Sale. Fees, deadlines, payment instructions and procedures remain subject to Cornell’s current confirmation.
Read the published buyer Terms of Sale ↗
Sources: Carlo’s October 15 brief; Cornell’s published buyer Terms of Sale, Phone & Left Bids, Shipping and pickup information.
Still have questions?