Auction Rules & Important Information
General Terms
By placing an offer or participating in an auction on GovernmentAuction.com, you agree to the terms outlined below. These rules apply to all purchases made through our website, whether online, by phone, or through a representative.
LAND AUCTION RULES (Vacant Land Only)
Payment Timing & Due Diligence
Four (4) Day Due Diligence Period
Winning bidders are granted a four (4) day due diligence period following the close of the auction to review the property and confirm their purchase decision. Your payment method on file will not be charged at the close of the auction. Instead, your card will be charged on Day 4 after the auction closes, (as example if the auction closes and you are invoiced on Monday then on Thursday which is Day 4 you will be charged). This allows buyers time to complete their research and confirm the property meets their expectations.
During this (4) day due diligence period, buyers are encouraged to:
– Review the full property listing and attached documentation
– Research zoning, access, taxes, utilities, and intended use
– Contact the county using the APN or PID for verification
– Speak with our customer service team if any questions arise
Cancellation Policy During Due Diligence
If during the four (4) day due diligence period the buyer determines that the property does not meet their expectations, the buyer must submit a written or verbal cancellation request to our customer service team.
-Cancellation requests must be received before the payment is processed on Day 4.
-If a cancellation request is received within the 4-day due diligence period, the invoice will be cancelled, and the buyer’s payment method will not be charged.
-After the charge is processed on Day 4, the purchase is considered accepted and will proceed to closing and fulfillment.
Failure to Communicate
If no cancellation request is received during the four-day due diligence period, the purchase will be considered accepted and the payment method on file will be charged on Day 4.
Non-Responsive Buyers
Buyers are responsible for ensuring their contact information is accurate and for monitoring email communications following auction close. Failure to respond to communications does not extend or pause the due diligence period.
ASSET AUCTION RULES (Jewelry, Coins, Art, Memorabilia)
Payment Timing
Immediate Payment Authorization
At the conclusion of the auction, the winning bidder’s payment method on file will be charged immediately for the full invoice amount.
By placing a bid, bidders authorize Government Auction to process payment automatically if they are the winning bidder.
No additional approval or confirmation is required after auction close.
All Sales Final Policy
All asset sales are final once payment has been processed.
Assets are sold as described in the auction listing. It is the bidder’s responsibility to review item descriptions, photos, and specifications prior to placing a bid.
Damaged or Defective Items
If an item arrives damaged in transit or is materially defective:
– Contact Customer Service within 3 calendar days of delivery
– Provide photos of the damage or defect
– A Return Authorization Number (RAN) must be issued before return
– Upon verification, you will receive either:
• A replacement (if available), or
• A full refund including return shipping
Claims submitted after 3 calendar days of confirmed delivery may be denied.
Returns – Non-Damaged Items
Government Auction does not offer returns for buyer’s remorse, preference changes, or dissatisfaction unrelated to damage or material defect.
However, at our discretion, we may authorize a return request if:
– Customer Service is notified within 3 calendar days of delivery
– The item is returned in original condition
– A Return Authorization Number (RAN) is issued prior to return
If approved, the following applies:
– Item must be postmarked within 10 calendar days of RAN issuance
– A restocking fee of up to $45 per item may apply
– Return shipping costs are the responsibility of the buyer
Late returns or unauthorized returns may be refused.
Re-Listed Items
Items may be re-listed if:
– A previous buyer did not complete payment
– Multiple identical items are available
– A reserve price was not met
Important Note on Appraisals (Assets Only)
Some jewelry listings include Retail Replacement Value Appraisals, which are commonly used for insurance purposes.
Please note:
– Appraisals are prepared by independent third-party firms
– They verify gemstone and metal details
– They do not represent resale or market value
Items should not be purchased with the expectation of reselling at the appraisal amount.
For appraisal questions, you may contact:
info@AIGLABS.com
info@westfieldjewelryappraisers.com
Bid / Offer Refusal
GovernmentAuction.com reserves the right to refuse offers, withdraw items, or resolve bidding disputes. All auctioneer decisions are final.
Shipping Information (Assets Only)
Domestic Shipping
Most items ship within 3–4 business days, though some shipments may take up to 14 days depending on item type and location.
Standard shipping rates:
– Jewelry: $19.95 per item
– Coins: $9.95 per item
– Framed Art: $39.95 per item
– Other Collectibles: $29.95 per item
International Shipping
International buyers should contact us for a custom shipping quote. Listed shipping rates apply to U.S. addresses only.
Buyer’s Premium & Sales Tax
– A 17.5% buyer’s premium applies to all auction purchases
– California residents will be charged sales tax unless a valid Seller’s Permit is provided
Accepted Payment Methods
- Visa
- MasterCard
- American Express
- PayPal
- Zelle
- Cashier’s Checks
- Wire Transfers
Questions or Need Help?
Email: sylviaf@governmentauction.com
Phone: 661.823.1543
