Bidding

How does bidding work?

Bidding stays open for about 2.5 days, and the highest bid at close wins.

You can set an automatic proxy bid. That means you enter the highest amount you’re willing to pay, and the system will automatically increase your bid in increments as other people bid—only as much as needed to keep you in the lead.

Most auctions start at $5 with $1 increments (but each auction page will spell out the exact terms).

Most auctions at The Auction Haus use popcorn bidding: if someone places a bid in the final 3 minutes, the auction time extends by another 3 minutes. That way last-minute bidders still have a fair shot.

Wait, one more time, how does bidding work?

Jack loves vintage buckets. Jack is always on the hunt for the perfect vintage bucket without holes in the bottom or a rickety handle. Jack sees that an auction just opened with the perfect pail.

The starting bid is $5. Jack has $25 to spend. Shipping is a flat $10 and sales tax in Jack’s region is $1 (I’m estimating Jack’s regional tax practices), so Jack has a bidding budget of $14.

Jack sets an automatic proxy bid of $14. Since he’s the first bidder, the current bid is just $5.

Jill also loves buckets. She has many pails of water to fetch. Since this auction has $1 increments, she bids the next possible amount: $6.

Shucks. She’s immediately outbid because Jack’s proxy bid is higher, so the item is now at $6, with Jack as the high bidder. Jill has no idea what Jack’s maximum bid is.

Jill decides she really wants this bucket and sets her own automatic proxy at $20. The item is now at $15, with Jill as the high bidder since she outbid Jack’s proxy bid.

Mei Kusakabe also needs a new bucket. Hers has a hole in it. What a stupid bucket. She finds this bucket up for auction, but it’s ending in a couple minutes. She places an automatic proxy bid of $25. Because this auction uses popcorn bidding for the final 3 minutes, the countdown timer extends by 3 more minutes.

Jack and Jill have both been outbid. With the extra time, they decide whether to increase their bids. Jack doesn’t—he’s already at his max budget. Jill, thanks to her water-carrying entrepreneurial success, bids $20.

Mei’s proxy bid is still higher, so Mei remains the high bidder. The auction closes with Mei winning the bucket at $21 (just one increment above Jill’s $20 max), not the full $25 she was willing to go up to.

Why auctions instead of fixed prices?

Vintage doesn’t have one set price—it’s worth whatever someone wants to pay for it. Auctions let each piece find its person, and the process is fun, fair, and flexible.

What if I accidentally bid?

Because auctions are time-sensitive and you’re competing in real time with other bidders, I can’t cancel accidental bids. Please double-check before submitting.

Shipping & Pick-Up

Do you ship?

Yes—most items ship within the U.S.

Clear, upfront shipping costs are listed for each product before you bid, so there are no surprises at checkout. Unless otherwise noted, USPS Ground Advantage will be used with $100 default insurance. USPS estimates 2–5 business days for shipping.

I aim to ship the next business day after payment, so you can usually expect your item within about 3–6 business days.

How do I pick up my item?

Free local pickup is available in central San Francisco on a quiet street with an easy-to-access driveway and nearby MUNI stop. After the auction closes, you’ll receive an email with a link to schedule your pickup window, with several flexible timing options.

What if I don’t pick up my item?

If your item isn’t picked up within 7 days, and we haven’t arranged an extension or shipping, it may be relisted without refund.

Can I combine shipping if I win multiple items?

Usually yes. Items won in the same auction window and going to the same address can often be packed together.

If that happens, I’ll refund any significant shipping overages.

How do you price shipping flat rates?

I want you to know your total cost before you bid, so I use a flat-rate system based on the size and weight of each item. Those rates are set very close to my actual costs for USPS postage and packing materials (which I reuse and recycle whenever possible).

Depending on whether you live in Seattle or Maine, my exact USPS cost will vary—but I’m simplifying things on your end with a clear, upfront flat rate.

It’s a little tricky to make this play nicely with Shopify’s built-in tools, so if you ever see a mismatch between the flat rate listed on the item page and the shipping shown at checkout, please let me know and I’ll adjust it.

Returns

Can I return items?

Unfortunately, no. Because these are one-of-a-kind items sold through time-sensitive auctions, all sales are final. Please review all photos and descriptions carefully before bidding. If you have a question about a piece, send me a message—I’m happy to help.

Vintage Items

What condition should I expect?

These are vintage pieces, so light wear is normal—that’s part of the charm.

I document flaws clearly and photograph each piece so you know what you’re getting. If something arrives materially different from what was shown or described (e.g., condition issue not photographed), please contact me within 48 hours so I can help troubleshoot or guide you through a shipping-insurance claim.

With fragile items, even well-packed pieces can occasionally be damaged in transit. If that happens, I can help you with guidance on filing a shipping insurance claim. If an item arrives damaged, please save and photograph everything (item, packing materials, and box)—it makes a big difference with an insurance claim!

How do I know if an item is the genuine article?

I do my best to accurately describe items, but photos are the main source of truth. I look carefully for maker’s marks and other signs of authenticity, but I’m not a jeweler, antiques appraiser, or psychic.

Most pieces are sourced from estate sales and other secondhand settings, which often means long-loved, older items rather than brand-new knockoffs. That said, you should always use your own judgment and do any additional research that helps you feel confident.

Better yet, see my guide Which AI Knows Vintage? to research items and value. 

Learn more

What is Modern Estate Sale LLC?

Honestly? I’m still figuring that part out. Modern Estate Sale LLC is the umbrella project for The Auction Haus — a place where I’m imagining new ways to work with estate sale experts, families, and vintage shoppers on a bigger, more connected platform. The goal: smoother handoffs, happier buyers, and better homes for amazing pieces they don't make anymore.

The Auction Haus operates as part of the Modern Estate Sale LLC. Policies may evolve as the platform grows, but customer communication—and fairness—come first.

How can I learn about new auctions?

Instagram is where I share sneak peeks, behind-the-scenes photos, and upcoming themes: @TheAuctionHaus. You can also sign up for auction launch emails at the bottom of this page so you don’t miss new collections.