Frequently Asked Questions

What payment methods do you accept?


For your convenience, we accept a number of popular payment methods. International (non-US) invoices must be paid by wire transfer.

Credit/Debit Cards:

Bidders can pay using a card by clicking the blue button on their invoice or by providing the card number in person or by phone (561.586.5500). Banks charge 2-4%.

Paypal:

Bidders can pay through PayPal by clicking the blue button on their invoice. Banks charge 2-4%.

Check:

Bidders can pay by check either by mail or dropping off in person. No fees.


Make Payable to: Palm Beach Modern Auctions
Mail to: 1217 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460


Wire Transfer:

Required for non-US payments but also available to US bidders. Please let us know if the name of the sender does not match the name on your invoice (e.g. company name, spouse) to ensure you are credited. Wire speed is dependent on the banks involved; "same-day transfers" are sent the same day, but are not always received the same day. No processing fee.

Other Methods:

Please contact us for information about payment methods not listed here (e.g. Zelle, ACH, Puka Shells).

What does hammer price mean?


The amount of the last bid accepted before the auctioneer closes the lot. This amount does not include the buyer's premium.

What is a buyer's premium?


The buyer's premium is the rate charged by an auction company for its services (including but not limited to sourcing, photography, advertising, hosting, staffing, catering, valet, valuation, insurance, and storage). While many auction company's charge fees on a per service basis, PBMA lumps all charges into one premium: 28% across all methods of bidding.

Retail Markup: Even with the buyer's premium, bidders usually end up paying less than half of what they would pay for the same item in a retail gallery.

What is an all-in price?


The all-in price is the Hammer Price + Buyer's Premium.

How is sales tax determined?


Sales tax is determined by the shipping address you provide at registration. Contact us to update your address (LiveAuctioneers bidders must contact LiveAuctioneers support directly to change their address).

Sales tax is always applied to non-exempt orders shipping to states where we have established economic nexus under the 2018 Wayfair Ruling (currently FL, CA, NY, TX).

To qualify for tax exemption: Please submit a valid, unexpired resale or exemption certificate (Bidders paying through Invaluable Payments must contact Invaluable support directly to make changes to the invoice).

How do I get my item?


Come pick it up:

Feel free drop in and pickup your items anytime during business hours. Just make sure to stop by the front desk to confirm that the item has been paid for (we can also help you find the item).

Hire shippers:

Arranging shipping is super easy and we're happy to help.

For your convenience, we offer a list of popular shippers that many of our clients have had positive experiences with but we are not affiliated with these companies or formally endorsing their services.

LiveShipping

If you paid through LiveAuctioneers' LivePayments system, you are eligible to use LiveShipping – all of which is accessed / managed through your LiveAuctioneers account.


Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm ET Closed Sat, Sun

Address: 1217 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460 [map]

Our staff is legally prohibited from helping clients / their shippers with lifting heavy items. Please ensure you hire the necessary number of shippers to assist during the pickup of your item(s).

How do I sell stuff in an auction?


Selling your items in an auction is an exciting way to generate income and free up space. Many of our buyers also become sellers once they find out how straightforward it is to consign. Being able to take advantage of both services allows clients to easily rotate their collection, free up inventory, and take advantage of fluctuating markets.
Consign Something

Can I make money referring people?


Yes! We love referrals. If the person you refer sells an item at auction, your check comes out of our commission. They make the same amount of money as if they found us on their own and you get paid too. Everyone wins.
Refer Someone
PALM BEACH MODERN AUCTIONS
1217 N Dixie Hwy, Lake Worth Beach, FL 33460
T: 561.586.5500
E: info@modernauctions.com
Ⓒ 2009-2025 PBMA