U.S. Auction Brokers: Find your next great deal on seized, confiscated, and foreclosed merchandise!
Frequently Asked Auction Questions
Clear answers about registering, bidding, payments, shipping, promotional credits, returns, and account management.
Registration and bidding
How do I register to bid?
You can bid in an online auction by creating a free U.S. Auction Brokers account and providing valid contact information (name, address, email, and phone). By registering you agree to our Terms & Conditions. After email confirmation, you’ll be able to view and place bids.
How do I place a bid?
From the homepage, select a category (e.g., Jewelry, Electronics, Coins). When an auction is open, each item page shows the current bid and the increment. Enter your bid and confirm to place it.
What are bidding increments?
Each lot has a minimum increment between the current bid and the next acceptable bid. You may bid using the exact increment or higher. Example: if the current bid is $50 with a $25 increment, acceptable bids include $75, $100, etc.
What is the difference between auto bid and regular bid?
Regular bid is a single bid at the current step. If outbid, you must bid again manually. Auto Bid lets you set a maximum; the system raises your bid by the increment only as needed, up to your max. Your max is not shown to others.
How do I change or cancel a bid?
Bids are part of a legally binding contract and generally can’t be removed or canceled, unless there is a gross change in the lot description. Please research items before bidding.
How long is the auction open for bidding?
Most auctions run 2–4 days. Some may be 1-day or week-long. Each item page displays its specific start and end time.
What is a reserve price?
Some lots carry a confidential minimum (reserve). U.S. Auction Brokers may bid on behalf of the consignor up to the reserve. If bidding doesn’t meet the minimum bid or reserve (whichever is higher), the seller isn’t obligated to sell.
Why am I being asked to submit a deposit?
For security, a refundable deposit may be required for high-value lots, new bidders, high-volume bidding, open invoices, or suspicious activity. If you don’t win, the deposit is fully credited back; if you win, it’s applied to your invoice.
How do I pay my deposit?
- Log in to your account.
- Go to My Account → View Invoice.
- Choose Payment Information, enter details, then click Apply Payment.
About the merchandise
How do I find an item that I am looking for?
Use the site-wide search or browse categories and sub-categories (e.g., Jewelry → Diamond Rings). Refine as needed to narrow results.
Where do all the items come from?
We source from agencies and businesses liquidating surplus inventory, bankruptcies, estate closures, close-outs, and more.
How are estimated values determined?
When provided, estimates are based on historical sales for similar items and are informational only—not guaranteed. Actual values are set by bidding and grading subjectivity.
What kind of guarantee do you offer?
All items are guaranteed as described. If a gross discrepancy exists, returns are accepted for a full refund. If accurately described but you’re dissatisfied, most returns are accepted with a 20% restocking fee and shipping deductions (within 30 days of receipt).
Will the item come with a Certificate of Authenticity (COA)?
Listings state whether a COA is included. COAs are informational and not a guarantee of value.
Promotional auction credits
What are promotional auction credits?
Occasional promotions let you earn credits by placing bids during specified periods. Credits apply to the following auction’s winning items during checkout.
How often are promotional auction credits offered?
There’s no fixed schedule. Register an account to receive promotional emails and updates.
How do I earn the promotional auction credit?
Place bids during the qualifying window (often 1–3 days; specifics are in the promo email). You’re eligible whether you win or not during that window.
When can I use the promotional auction credit?
Credits are usable only in the auction following the qualifying period. Eligible winners receive a promo code by email after that auction ends; apply it at checkout.
Do promotional auction credits expire?
Yes. Promo codes expire 24 hours after the auction ends.
After the auction
What do I do after I win my bid?
Within minutes of close, log in and go to My Account to view and pay your invoice. A win email is also sent. Payment is due within 2 days of auction close.
How do I make a payment?
Pay securely online (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, PayPal, or wire). Cashier’s checks may delay shipping until cleared. For invoices over $10,000, call (888) 366-2342 to process payment.
- Log in to your account
- Go to My Account → unpaid invoices
- Click View → choose your payment method → complete payment
When will I receive my item?
After full payment, most items ship within 10 business days. Larger items or overseas shipments may take longer. Shipping costs include handling. We insure shipments up to the amount paid.
Can I expedite my shipment?
Due to auction volume, expedited shipping isn’t available at this time.
What are the terms and conditions of sale?
By registering, you agree to our Terms & Conditions, which may be updated occasionally. Browsing is open to all, but bidding requires a free account.
What is your return policy?
We accept returns for a full refund if there’s a gross discrepancy between item and description. If accurately described but you’re dissatisfied, most returns are accepted with a 20% restocking fee and shipping deductions (requests within 30 days of receipt). Email support@usauctionbrokers.com for authorization.
Account information
How do I update my contact information?
Go to My Account → View/Edit Your Personal Information to keep your email, mailing address, and phone number current.
Can I change my username?
Usernames aren’t editable on-site yet. Email support@usauctionbrokers.com with subject “Request to change username”, and include your current and desired usernames.
I forgot my password, what do I do?
Click Forgot Password on the My Account screen and follow the email link. If you don’t recall your account email, contact support.
Definitions & glossary
Terms & Conditions
Please review our full Terms & Conditions before bidding.

