Buying With Meridian
An informed purchase begins with a clear understanding of our terms. Please review these conditions before registering or placing a bid.
Read the Conditions of Sale
By registering to bid or by placing a bid with Meridian Auction Gallery Inc. (“Meridian”), each bidder agrees to be bound by these Conditions of Sale and any additional terms applicable to the auction or bidding platform.
Unless otherwise stated, Meridian acts as agent for the consignor or owner of the property offered for sale. The contract for the purchase of a lot is between the successful bidder and the seller, with Meridian acting as the seller's agent.
All property is offered and sold AS IS, WHERE IS, with all faults and imperfections. Descriptions, photographs, measurements, dates, materials, provenance, artist or maker identifications, condition reports, estimates and other information provided by Meridian are statements of opinion and are provided as a convenience to prospective bidders. They are not intended as a substitute for a bidder's own examination of the property.
Prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect lots personally or through a knowledgeable representative and to request condition information before bidding. The absence of a condition report or reference to damage does not imply that a lot is in perfect condition or free from wear, restoration, repair or other defects.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, Meridian makes no warranties or representations, express or implied, concerning the condition, authenticity, attribution, provenance, age, quality, merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose of any property offered for sale, except as expressly stated in writing by Meridian.
Pre-sale estimates are opinions of value only and are not guarantees of the price at which a lot will sell. Lots may be offered subject to a confidential reserve.
Where permitted by law and the applicable auction terms, the auctioneer may execute bids on behalf of the seller up to the reserve. Meridian may withdraw, combine, divide or otherwise modify lots before or during the auction.
The highest bid accepted by the auctioneer or bidding system shall be the successful bid. Meridian reserves the right to reject any bid, determine the successful bidder, resolve bidding disputes and reopen bidding when Meridian determines that circumstances warrant doing so.
All bids are binding once accepted. Bidders are responsible for all bids placed using their registered accounts.
Online, absentee and telephone bidding services are offered as a convenience. Meridian is not responsible for internet interruptions, bidding platform failures, transmission errors, software errors or the failure to execute a bid, except as otherwise required by law.
The successful bidder is responsible for the hammer price, the applicable buyer's premium, applicable taxes and any other charges relating to the purchase.
Buyer's Premium: A 22% buyer's premium applies to purchases made directly through Meridian Auction Gallery Inc., including bids placed through Meridian's website. A 25% buyer's premium applies to purchases made through LiveAuctioneers and Invaluable. The buyer's premium is calculated on the hammer price.
Payment in full is required within seven (7) calendar days following the auction, unless an earlier payment deadline or automatic payment procedure applies through the bidding platform.
Payment may be made through an approved online payment system or directly to Meridian Auction Gallery Inc. Meridian accepts cash, check, wire transfer and ACH bank transfer, subject to approval and verification.
Meridian may require payment by wire transfer or another specified method for certain transactions, including high-value purchases, international transactions, jewelry, precious metals or purchases by first-time bidders.
Buyers wishing to arrange payment directly with Meridian may contact info@meridianauctiongallery.com.
Title to purchased property does not pass to the buyer until Meridian has received payment in full in cleared funds. No property will be released until payment has cleared and all amounts due have been satisfied.
Applicable sales or use tax will be charged unless the buyer has provided Meridian with a valid and acceptable resale certificate or other documentation establishing an exemption from tax.
Buyers are responsible for any applicable taxes, duties or other governmental charges associated with their purchases.
Buyers are responsible for arranging and paying for all packing, shipping, transportation and insurance unless Meridian expressly agrees otherwise.
Shipping services may be available through the applicable online bidding platform or through an independent third-party shipper selected by the buyer. Meridian provides a list of recommended shipping companies on its website as a convenience to buyers.
Meridian Auction Gallery Inc. does not provide in-house packing or shipping services.
Purchased property may be collected from Meridian Auction Gallery by appointment only, following receipt of full payment in cleared funds.
All purchased property must be collected within ten (10) calendar days following the auction, unless alternative arrangements have been approved in writing by Meridian.
Buyers are responsible for ensuring that their designated agents or shipping companies collect purchased property within the required collection period.
Purchased property remaining at Meridian Auction Gallery more than ten (10) calendar days following the auction will be subject to storage charges.
Beginning on the eleventh (11th) calendar day following the auction, storage fees of $25 per item, per calendar day will be assessed, to the extent permitted by applicable law.
Storage charges will continue to accrue until the property is collected or otherwise lawfully transferred or disposed of. Buyers are responsible for applicable storage charges and reasonable expenses associated with handling, transportation or transfer to an outside storage facility.
Meridian reserves the right to transfer uncollected property to a third-party storage facility at the buyer's expense, subject to applicable law.
Meridian may provide written notice to buyers whose property remains uncollected, identifying the outstanding property, applicable charges and collection requirements.
Property remaining uncollected sixty (60) calendar days following the auction may be subject to proceedings for sale or other lawful disposition, following any notices, waiting periods and procedures required by applicable California law.
The expiration of the sixty-day period does not automatically transfer ownership of the property to Meridian. Any sale, recovery of charges or disposition of property shall be conducted only as authorized by applicable law.
Where legally permitted, proceeds from the sale of uncollected property may be applied toward outstanding storage charges and reasonable costs of handling, transportation and sale. Any remaining proceeds shall be handled in accordance with applicable law.
If a successful bidder fails to make payment within the required period or otherwise comply with these Conditions of Sale, Meridian may, to the extent permitted by law, cancel the sale, resell the property, refuse future bidding privileges and pursue any other remedies available to Meridian or the seller.
The defaulting buyer may be responsible for any deficiency resulting from a resale, together with reasonable costs associated with the default, including applicable storage, handling, transportation, collection and resale expenses.
Any amounts previously paid may be applied toward amounts lawfully owed by the defaulting buyer, subject to applicable law.
Meridian reserves the right to require payment in full of all outstanding charges before releasing any purchased property, to the extent permitted by law.
The buyer is responsible for determining and complying with any import, export, wildlife, cultural property or other legal restrictions applicable to purchased property.
The inability to obtain a license, permit or other authorization does not cancel the buyer's obligation to pay for the property.
These Conditions of Sale and any transaction arising from an auction conducted by Meridian shall be governed by the laws of the State of California.
Unless otherwise required by law, disputes relating to an auction or purchase shall be brought in an appropriate court in Los Angeles County, California.
If any provision of these Conditions of Sale is determined to be unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in effect to the extent permitted by law.
By registering or bidding, the bidder acknowledges that they have read, understood and agreed to these Conditions of Sale.
Meridian Auction Gallery Inc. · Los Angeles, California