Terms & Conditions of Sale
The following Terms and Conditions constitute the entire agreement by which property is offered for sale by Epic Auctions and Estate Sales, LLC (“Epic”) as agent for consignors or as owner. By registering and bidding in this auction, all bidders agree to be bound by these Terms.
1. General Terms - Registration and/or bidding constitutes acceptance of these Terms. Announcements made by the auctioneer, whether written or oral, become part of this agreement. Epic reserves the right to refuse bidding privileges to any person at its sole discretion.
2. Buyer’s Responsibilities - All property is available for inspection prior to sale, and bidders are strongly encouraged to examine items personally or through an agent. By bidding, the buyer acknowledges full satisfaction with the property or waives the right to inspection. Bidding errors, including bidding on the wrong lot, are solely the responsibility of the bidder.
3. Condition of Property - All lots are sold as is, where is, with all faults. Descriptions, photographs, and condition reports are provided as opinions only and are not warranties of fact. Epic makes no guarantees of authenticity, attribution, age, provenance, condition, or suitability for any purpose.Refunds or returns will only be considered if Epic Auctions has made a material error in identification or condition that significantly misrepresents the property. In such cases, the buyer must notify Epic in writing within five (5) business days of receipt, and Epic shall have sole discretion to determine the remedy, which may include rescission of the sale and refund of the purchase price.No other refunds, returns, or exchanges will be granted under any circumstances.
4. Bidding and Reserves - The auctioneer may accept bids from the floor, online platforms, telephone, or absentee bidders. The auctioneer alone determines the bidding increments and has final discretion in disputes. Some lots may carry a confidential reserve. The auctioneer may bid on behalf of the seller up to the reserve but not above it.This auction is conducted as a live simulcast. Online bids left in advance are treated as pre-bids and are executed by the bidding platform when the lot is opened during the live sale. Once the auctioneer opens a lot, all bidding is conducted in real time, and the auctioneer will recognize and accept bids as they are presented. There are no time-stamp priorities, and this auction does not operate as a timed-only online auction. If a live or competing platform bid is recognized by the auctioneer at the same level as an online bidder’s maximum, the auctioneer will determine which bid is accepted. The auctioneer’s decision is final and binding.
5. Absentee and Telephone Bids - Absentee and telephone bidding may be offered as a courtesy on items of at least $500. Epic will make every effort to execute such bids but assumes no liability for errors, omissions, or failure to execute. All absentee and telephone bidders are subject to the same Terms, including buyer’s premium.
6. Buyer’s Premium and Taxes - A buyer’s premium of 20% is added to all successful bids. Applicable sales tax will be charged as required by law, including marketplace facilitator rules in certain jurisdictions. Tax-exempt buyers must provide valid resale documentation prior to the auction; no refunds of sales tax will be issued once payment has been processed.
7. Payment Terms - Payment in full is due by 5:00 PM on the second business day following the auction. Epic accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express, and wire transfer (plus applicable fees). At its discretion, Epic may require wire transfer or certified funds for certain buyers or purchases. Payments via PayPal, Venmo, or similar services are not accepted.By registering to bid, buyers authorize Epic to charge the credit card on file for all purchases, including buyer’s premium, taxes, shipping, and storage fees. Declined charges may be resubmitted at Epic’s discretion.Title and possession do not pass until payment is received in full, including all applicable shipping and storage charges.
8. Non-Payment - Failure to make full payment when due constitutes default. Remedies include, but are not limited to: (a) imposition of interest at 1.5% per month on the unpaid balance; (b) cancellation of the sale; (c) resale of the property at public or private sale with the defaulting buyer liable for all costs, deficiencies, commissions, and incidental damages; (d) legal action to recover the full purchase price, plus costs and attorney’s fees; and (e) denial of bidding privileges in future auctions. Epic may hold property of the defaulting buyer as collateral security for obligations owed. Partial payment does not limit Epic’s rights; all payments may be retained as liquidated damages until full payment is made.
9. Shipping - Epic provides in-house shipping for most small and medium items. Labor is billed at $60/hour plus materials and postage. All shipments require insurance for the full invoice value and signature confirmation. Third-party or buyer provided shipping labels are not accepted. Items will not be released until all shipping charges are paid in full. For oversized items, buyers must arrange for third-party shipping at their own expense. Epic does not deliver items to outside shippers. All third-party shippers must schedule pickup in advance, Monday through Friday, by appointment only, and are solely responsible for packing, loading, and transporting items. Epic will make every effort to process and ship purchases in a timely manner; however, Epic is under no obligation to meet any buyer-imposed shipping deadlines or requirements. Risk of loss passes to the buyer upon release of property to a carrier or third-party shipper. Epic is not liable for delays, loss, or damage once property leaves its custody.
10. Storage and Abandonment -
Local pickup buyers must remove purchases within 14 calendar days of the auction. Items not removed within 14 days are subject to storage charges of $5 per lot, per day. Items remaining after 30 days, without prior written approval, will be deemed abandoned and forfeited without refund.
For in-house shipping, the 14-day period begins upon issuance of the shipping invoice. If charges are not paid within 14 days, the items may be considered abandoned.
For third-party shipping, buyers must arrange for their shipper to collect items within 14 calendar days, on a business day (Monday–Friday) and by appointment only. Failure of a shipper to pick up within that period will result in storage charges of $5 per lot, per day. Items left beyond 30 days without prior written approval will be deemed abandoned and forfeited without refund.
11. Firearms - All firearms are sold in accordance with federal and state law. Modern firearms must be transferred through a licensed Federal Firearms Licensee (FFL). Buyers are responsible for all transfer and shipping fees, including return shipping in the event of a failed background check. No refunds will be issued under any circumstances other than a material cataloging error by Epic.
12. Pickup and Release of Property - Risk of loss for purchased property passes to the buyer upon pickup or release to a carrier/agent. Epic staff may assist with loading solely as a courtesy; Epic is not responsible for damage to property or injury to persons during removal.Release of items to any person presenting the bidder’s paid invoice shall constitute delivery to the buyer. Epic is not responsible once property has been released to the buyer’s agent, representative, or shipper.
13. Technology and Errors - Epic is not responsible for missed bids due to internet outages, connection issues, or malfunctions of third-party bidding platforms. In the event of a major outage or software error, Epic may, at its discretion, reopen lots or extend the auction.
14. Disputes and Governing Law - All disputes shall first be presented to the auctioneer for resolution. If unresolved, disputes shall be submitted to mediation, and if necessary, to binding arbitration in Eaton County, Michigan under the rules of the American Arbitration Association. The auctioneer’s records are deemed conclusive. Epic’s liability for any claim related to any lot shall not exceed the purchase price actually paid.
15. Force Majeure - Epic shall not be liable for delays, cancellation, or failure to perform due to events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to natural disasters, acts of God, strikes, pandemics, government orders, or failure of internet or telecommunications services.
Conclusion: These Terms and Conditions, including all text and images used in Epic’s catalogs and marketing, are the intellectual property of Epic Auctions and Estate Sales, LLC. Reproduction without written consent is prohibited.