Live Bidding

Live bidding on the internet allows bidders anywhere in the world to participate in this auction. Sparks Auctions is pleased to make the auction available through Stamp Auction Network, and we will do everything we can for our customers to make the process simple, trustworthy and fun.

Connect to Stamp Auction Network at:

www.stampauctionnetwork.com

Register once and create a user name, which will allow you to choose auction firms to bid with, including Sparks Auctions. We will approve you to bid as soon as possible during normal business hours. If your application was made more than one month ago, please re-submit.

The Approval Process

We will not extend credit terms to any buyer who has not made arrangements in advance of the auction. Payment must be made before lots are shipped, preferably by credit card, but we also accept cheques, money orders, etc. We need to confirm your account before you will be able to place bids with us. For fastest bidder confirmation, please reference Ian Kimmerly, Sparks Auctions, or other North American auction houses when you create your account. Other details that will help us quickly approve you for bidding include:

A complete bidder registration with many of these facts included will result in a speedy approval. We want your bids, but we do not want "problem buyers!" NB: We do not normally check references from banks, AMEX, individuals (non-philatelic), etc.

The On-Line Auction

Once you have been registered and approved by us, you can:

Keep track of lots you are interested in, and place bids on-line at any time before the auction begins. This is similar to any other form of advance bidding (ie., sending us a bidsheet by mail, fax, etc.), but you will receive acknowledgement of your bids once they are submitted, and, if you wish, further confirmation by e-mail if you are outbid.

Bid Live by watching action on-screen (see screenshot below). The Message window will tell you which lot is being offered, what the current bid is, and if it is approaching Last Call. Click the button with the amount of your next bid (the next six increments over the current bid are shown).When an item is sold, the hammer price is announced. The page will refresh more quickly if you click the Hide Images button. If you are not bidding, close the window to reduce traffic on the site for others.

Watch The Auction by logging in beforehand and participating as a spectator only. You can even listen to the audio broadcast of the auction on your computer. (Audio requires a PC and Internet Explorer; you may be asked to install an ActiveX control the first time you connect.)

Some Bidding Tips

Bid Early Do not hesitate to press the button for the maximum amount you are willing to pay. This is comparable to keeping your hand up on the auction floor. The bidding will only reach your maximum if a bid is received for the increment below (ie., an underbid).

Listen To The Auctioneer Use audio so you can hear the auctioneer. You will know where the bidding is, and have a better sense of whether an item has reached Last Call.

Pass When You Are Done If you have been actively bidding on an item and wish to drop out, PLEASE PRESS THE PASS BUTTON (not shown). If you do not, the whole auction is delayed.

 

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