Frequently Asked Questions
Bidding & Buying
I want to bid for the first time, how do I register?
Login with your Hibid account. If you do not have a Hibid account, you can create one by clicking “Register to Bid” on our current auctions page here. Each auction requires registering, however your information is saved after the first time. A valid credit card is required to register. Hibid will place a temporary charge of $1 to validate.
Is there a buyer’s premium?
All auctions, per industry standard, have a buyer’s premium. This is an additional charge on top of the hammer price (sold price). Our buyer’s premium at 20% is lower than the industry average. The buyer’s premium is automatically calculated for you in Hibid to see what the total would be before placing a bid.
Are there Sales Taxes?
California Residents: Sales tax is charged on all purchases unless you have a valid California resale permit on file. If you hold one, please submit a CDTFA resale certificate to avoid being charged tax. We can send one to you.
Out of state bidders: For items to be shipped out of the state of California, there is no sales tax charged.
How do I place my bids?
You can bid incrementally or by leaving a max bid. A max bid will automatically bid for you incrementally up to that limit. If no one bids against your max bid, then you will win the lot at your starting bid. Orrill’s Auction has a longstanding reputation of refusing to ghost-bid any customer for any reason as a part of our company values.
When and how do the Auctions close?
Our weekly estate auction closes every Tuesday evening, and our occasional specialty auctions fall on Mondays. Bidding will be live for the entire week. Lots close in sequence, starting with the first lot beginning to close at 5pm on Tuesday night. If anyone bids within the last few minutes of an item closing, the time for bidding will be extended by another few minutes. This is called a soft close auction format.
Can I preview items before bidding?
In-person preview is available and encouraged. Our warehouse is open to the public 5 days and week and preview days specifically are Mondays and Tuesdays from 9am-4pm.
How do I pay for my items?
Unless you specify otherwise when registering for the auction, the credit card you used to register will be charged the night of auction close. If you would prefer, or if your invoice requires it, you can also pay with cash, Zelle, Paypal, wire transfer, or cashier’s check. All invoices must be paid within 24 hours of auction close.
How do I pick up my winnings?
Pick-up is available Wednesday and Thursday, 10 AM – 4 PM, at:
12457 Gladstone Ave K, Sylmar CA 91342. When you arrive at the complex, you can head to the very back where our large roll up door is located. Once parked, you can enter the warehouse and proceed down the main aisle to the font office where you will show your ID. The office will print your receipt which the warehouse employees will gather for you as you enjoy previewing the next auction.
Can I have someone pick up my items for me?
Absolutely, simply contact us and we will email you an authorization form which can be quickly filled out online. Once filled out for someone, they can pickup your items on your behalf as long as you’d like.
What if I need my item(s) shipped?
Shipping is available through approved third-party shippers (UPS Store, GPD Logistics, Glendale Shipping Center, etc.). If you need your items shipped, please let us know and we will process your items to be handled by a trusted third-party shipping company who will invoice you separately for their services. For more information on shipping and pickup, click here.
Estates & Consigning
What do I do with my parents’ estate?
Sending items from an estate to auction can be an excellent, hassle-free method. We have been auctioning items from estates since 1928. Whether you have multiple properties to liquidate or a single family heirloom, we have the experience to help. We are passionate about finding homes for your family’s goods.
What does your full estate service look like?
Orrill’s Auction can come in and remove all items from a property, sellable or not. We will then sell what is sellable, donate what is not, and dispose of the rest. We front the labor cost and it is later deducted from the proceeds, so their is nothing paid out of pocket for the estate.
How do I request to sell my items through Orrill’s?
You can contact us directly at orrillsauction@gmail.com and the first thing we will request is some pictures of what you have. We can then schedule a free walkthrough to see the items in person and discuss terms. For more information, or to submit a consignment request, click here
What is Orrill’s Commision rate?
As a general auction house, commissions vary depending on the value and the quantity of the items. Additionally, our rates are sometimes tiered to take a lesser percentage for higher value items to offer the estate the best possible solution.
Should I have an estate sale or use an auction?
Depends on the situation. Many times due to HOA regulations, lack of parking, or too much clutter, an estate sale is not feasible. Additionally, auctions could potentially remove the items from the property much faster, progressing the sale of the property. An online auction like ours will also get your items in front of a much larger, potentially international, audience. A client recently told us “It was a dream. My mother had so much stuff and I didn’t even know where to begin. Orrill’s took it all so we could sell the house, and then I got a check in the mail, I didn’t have to lift a finger.”
Can proceeds be paid to an estate account or trust?
Yes. We can issue payment directly to an estate or trust account as long as the name on the account matches the information on the consignment agreement. Many families handling trusts or estates choose this option for record-keeping and probate purposes. We’ll coordinate with you to make sure all documentation is in order before payment is released.
Is Orrill’s Auction good for selling high end merchandise?
Yes. We have garnered a large following due to our time in the industry, our reputation for integrity, and our family values. We are a great option for selling many kinds of merchandise, including high end, especially for modern art and Mid-Century Modern design. Because we are well connected within the industry, we are willing and able to recommend you the best course of action for your items, even if it is not with us.
What about vehicles?
Absolutely. Orrill’s Auction has sold many kinds of vehicles over the years from desirable classics to practical buys to modern luxury vehicles. Even without paperwork, we can prepare the necessary DMV documents and walk you through what is required to legally sell your car. We even offer commission discounts for vehicles.
Do you offer moving or packing assistance?
Yes. Orrill’s Auction has 3 trusted third-party moving crews selected for their skill, efficiency, integrity, and affordability. Any labor costs - billed hourly - are covered by us up front and then deducted from the proceeds of the sale.