How does the Simonson Auction page work?
The Simonson Auction works like most online auctions: the auction opens on a certain day and time, bids are placed for the item by visitors to the page, and when the time period for the auction ends, the auction closes. If the minimum price for the item (known as the reserve price) is not reached before the auction closes, no one wins the auction and the item is not sold.
How do I find the auction on the Simonson website?
Go to the homepage and look for the Auction item in the grid. Or access the link in the e-mail announcement of a new auction which we send out to everyone on our mailing list.
Do you announce upcoming auctions?
We send announcements of each new auction a day or two before it begins, to all members of our current e-mail list.
How many items does the Simonson Gallery auction off at a time?
Only one artwork is up for auction on the Simonson website at any given time.
Is the art auctioned new or old?
There's always a lot of interest in the latest original work by Douglas Simonson. New originals tend to get snagged quickly on a first-come, first-served basis. We created the auction page to allow interested collectors a better shot at getting in on the new originals. Although there are exceptions, almost all of the art we put up for auction are new original works.
How do I get on the Simonson mailing list?
There's a "sign up for e-mail updates" blank at the bottom of every page on the Simonson website.
Why do I need a password to bid?
It's easier for us to protect the integrity of the auction (and protect you, as a bidder) by limiting access to authorized Simonson collectors, or others referred by them.
How do I get the password?
If you're already on our e-mail list, you'll receive the auction password in the e-mail we send you announcing the latest auction. If you're not on the e-mail list, sign up using the "sign up for e-mail updates" blank at the bottom of every page on the Simonson website. (There's also a link on the Auction page itself, under the "My Bid" box, which you can use to send us a request for the auction password.)
Can I share the auction-page password with a friend?
Yes. If you have a friend who might be interested in a piece of art currently being auctioned on our website, forward them the information and encourage them to get on our mailing list.
Why do you need my name and e-mail address?
We need your contact information so that we can contact you if you win the auction.
Will others see my real name and email address?
No, your private information will only be seen by Simonson website staff.
1. The auction ended and the item wasn't sold. Why?
2. What does "Reserve not met" mean?
There is a reserve price placed on every item we auction. It's a minimum price below which the item will not be sold. If the highest bid placed during the auction does not meet the reserve price, the auction ends without the item being sold.
I won the auction. What happens now? How do i pay for my art?
Once the auction has closed and we have confirmed that you are the winning bidder, we will send you an e-mail with a link to a shopping cart on our site already containing the item. All you have to do is fill in the remaining blanks and submit the information. You can pay either by PayPal or by credit card, just as with a regular purchase on the Simonson website.
If I win the auction, can I pay for the artwork with a monthly payment plan?
Yes, you can arrange a monthly payment plan for an artwork won at auction, just as with most other items on the Simonson website. Just let us know, once you've won the auction, that you prefer to pay via payment plan, and we'll forward you a link to a payment plan page containing the auctioned item.
Why do I have to re-enter my name and e-mail address every time I bid?
If cookies are enabled on your browser, you'll only have to enter your name and e-mail the first time you bid. If you prefer not to enable cookies, the bidding process will still work for you, but you'll have to put in your name and e-mail address again each time you bid.
Is sales tax added to my order?
4% Sales tax will be added to your order only if you live in Hawaii.
How much is shipping?
Please see "Shipping Information" (in the Fine Print pull-down menu) on our website to determine the cost of shipping to your area.