We offer our customers a huge selection of unique and distinctive art and antiques from around the globe, often featuring estate fresh and rarely seen decorative art items. We hope our auctions serve as a valuable resource for expanding your collection.

How to Buy

• Set Up an Auction Account
• Register for the Auction of Interest
• Select Your Desired Items
• Place Bids Online, via Phone, or Through Absentee Bid Form
• Complete Payment for Winning Bids
• Receive and Enjoy Your Acquired Items

Bidding FAQ

What is a buyer’s premium?

A buyer’s premium is an additional fee charged by an auction house on top of the winning bid amount. It is a percentage of the final bid and helps cover the costs of conducting the auction. The buyer’s premium is usually stated upfront in the auction terms and is added to the final bid to determine the total purchase price. For example, if you win an item with a bid of $1,000 and the buyer’s premium is 15%, you would pay $1,150 in total. If you are bidding through a third-party marketplace such as, LiveAuctioneers, HiBid, or Invaluable, please be aware that the buyer’s premium may be higher. Be sure to review their specific terms for details.

How is shipping handled?

We provide professional and affordable in-house shipping for most items so you don’t have to worry about coordinating outside shipping for any non-furniture items. 

How do I register to bid?

To register to bid, simply use the “Register to Bid” button on our upcoming auctions page. You’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number, and a valid credit card for online registration.

Can I bid by phone?

Yes, we’re pleased to offer a phone bidding during our gallery sale. We recommend requesting telephone bids at least two business days before the auction. Please note that telephone bids will only be accepted if our staff is available to handle them. Just Art Pottery cannot be held responsible for any failure to contact the bidder or for any errors or omissions related to telephone bidding. Please use our fillable bid form our contact us at 309-690-7966 to arrange your phone bid.

What are the pre-bid estimates?

The estimates provide a price range the item may sell for. It provides potential buyers with a range of what the item might sell for based on factors such as its condition, rarity, provenance, and recent market trends. This estimate helps guide bidding and offers insight into the potential price range of the item. It’s important to note that the final auction price can vary from the estimate depending on bidding activity and demand.

What are the bid increments?

The bid increments are listed in the auction information tab on each of our auctions.

If I place an absentee bid will I pay the maximum amount I bid?

No, when you place an absentee bid with us, we will bid on your behalf up to that specified amount. For instance, if your maximum absentee bid is $1,000 and the highest bid before your final increment is $500, we will place a bid of $550 for you. If no other bids exceed your last bid, you will win the lot at $550.

Why did the lot I bid absentee on sell to someone else for the same bid?

This can occur when your last bid was placed at previous bid increment. For example, if you set an absentee bid of $150 and the item sells for $150, but the last bid on your behalf was placed at $125 you may lose out to someone whose turn it was to bid the next increment of $150. To avoid this issue, you can either place a slightly higher bid (e.g., ‘plus one bid’ or more conservatively, ‘plus two bid’) to ensure we can bid on your behalf one or two times above your maximum bid. The other option is to bid live during the sale.

Do you have anything I can buy right now without bidding?

Yes, our website JustArtPottery.com offers over 3,000 pieces of American and European art pottery and ceramics for immediate purchase.  

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept payments in USD via Cash, Check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Wire/ACH, PayPal, and LivePayments (for purchases through LiveAuctioneers). Wire/ACH transfers are our preferred payment method. If paying by credit card, please be aware that certain limits and processing fees may apply; refer to our Conditions of Sale and the terms of any third-party marketplaces like LiveAuctioneers for details.

Payment must be made within ten (10) days of the sale. For international buyers, payment must be made via wire transfer, as credit cards are not accepted outside the United States.

For purchases or invoices over $10,000, payment must be made via wire transfer, cashier’s check, money order, or personal check with approved credit from a U.S. bank, unless other arrangements have been pre-approved by Just Art Pottery.

Personal checks are acceptable only if prior credit has been established with Just Art Pottery or if a bank authorization is provided guaranteeing the check. We reserve the right to hold merchandise purchased with a personal check until it has cleared the bank.

Payment must be completed before your purchase can be released, including in cases where items are shipped or picked up by a third party.

Where do I find the conditions of sale?

You can find our conditions of sale here.

How will I receive notifications if I have won an item?

If you are the winning bidder, you will receive an email confirmation and your invoice within 24 hours after the auction concludes. The email will include payment options and instructions.

What if I change my mind and no longer want an item I have won?

We do not allow for cancellations once a lot is won.  Each bid placed enters you into a binding contract and is subject to our terms and conditions.  Please only bid if you are sure of your purchase. 

How do I contact you to get more information on bidding or specific items?

You can email us at auctions@justartpottery.com or call us at 309-690-7966. 

I have something to sell, how do I do that? 

You can submit information on items you have to sell here.

Can I store my purchases if I can’t pick them up?

While we have limited space and are constanty receiving new inventory we will work with you to help with your short term storage needs.  However, in all cases we require payment in ten (10) days and prefer to have items picked up or shipped within that time frame. 

Absentee Bid Form