Please read our terms & conditions carefully before placing an absentee bid or attending in person.
Our absentee/telephone bid form is available here 
Please note that, unless otherwise stated in the auction details, phone bids must be placed before 5PM the day before the auction.
1064 Route 12A
Plainfield, NH 03781
(603) 675-2549
info@wsmithauction.com
© Copyright 2008
Our firm has assisted thousands of individuals over the past 40 years in the process of selling their families heirlooms. This process we understand can be emotional for a consignor, therefore, we try to enter this relationship understanding that the needs of consignors vary. We can customize our "ways of business" for just about every situation. The first step is to contact us either by phone or email. Photographs of your objects are helpful, but if, not possible we could make arrangements to have an appraiser visit you. Consultations are free.
We also offer online appraisal services. Click here to submit your item for appraisal by Smith's experts.
Generally, we work on consignment. You the consignor maintain ownership, and our firm takes a percentage of the sale price. We sell all items through a well advertised public auction. Consignment fees vary depending on the value of an object, and in a case of an entire household, the amount of work involved, i.e. inventoring, packing, handling and trucking. Our consignment fees are very competitive. We also purchase items outright for up to 80% of their appraised value.
The promotion of your items is an important part of the auction process. Smith's has, over the last 40 years, created an exceptional clientele of collectors, decorators, dealers and homeowners through well advertised auctions and good business practices.
We reach tens of thousands of potential buyers through the use of our customized mailing list, advertising in nationally recognized antique publications, local and state papers along with internet venues.
We assist many law firms throughout New England
with the evaluation of tangible personal property
for Probate Courts and/or estate planning.
We can appraise single items or complete estates.
We always welcome photos for a general assessment,
or as in most cases, we make house calls. Our
fees are very competitive, and in a case where
a customer is inquiring about the value of
an item they intend to have our firm sell,
there would be no fees for what we refer to
as an auction estimate. We are members of Appraiser
Association of America 
and American
Society of Appraisers .
Preview
All of our auctions allow for preview times. This is when buyers are encouraged to come and examine the items in the auction. If a buyer cannot attend a preview, our staff will give as much help possible over the phone and via email photos. Please note: because all property is sold "as is" it is important that the buyers get a condition report in advance.
Live Bidding
The most exciting way to participate at auction is the traditional method of bidding live in the salesroom with an auction paddle. Clients intending to bid in person must register for that auction with a photo ID, and a bidder number will be assigned at that time. Once the sale begins, the auctioneer will announce each lot and then open the bidding. Bidding progresses in sequentially higher increments. To place a bid, simply raise your paddle for the auctioneer to recognize your bid. If no one tops your bid, the auctioneer will state that the item is sold, then announce the hammer price and your paddle number.
General Increments
Absentee Bidding
For buyers unable to participate live in the salesroom or on the telephone, Smith's offers the option of leaving absentee bids, also known as left bids or order bids. Absentee bids work exactly as if the bidder were in the salesroom bidding up to a pre-determined price limit, except that the price limit is confidentially given to Smith's. A Smith's representative will bid on your behalf alternately against other bidders until the bidding ends. In the event that the other bidders drop out before reaching the full amount of your left bid, you will purchase the lot at the next increment.
Telephone Bidding
Clients unable to attend the sale may still participate live at the auction by bidding on the telephone with a trained staff member. Overseas bidders and clients bidding from a cell phone may be asked to leave a safety bid which will function as an absentee bid should the call fail. The completed and signed bid forms must be received by Smith's no later than 6 PM (EST) on the evening before the auction. Telephone bids cannot be arranged on the day of the sale.
Click here to download an absentee/telephone bid form.
Payment Methods
We accept cash or good check, American Express, Visa and Mastercard.
Unless otherwise specified in the terms for a specific auction, buyers premium is 13%, discounted to 10% with cash or check.
Shipping and Storage
Smith's can assist buyers in shipping methods. Most smaller objects are sent to a local pack and ship, and the buyer works directly thru them to arrange shipping. or other arrangements can be made.
Storage
Smith's can store your property up to 30 of days after purchase. After that time you will be charged a fee for storage and handling, unless other arrangements have been made.