Terms and Conditions of Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales

General Terms

All items sold "AS IS, WHERE IS" with all faults. No guarantees, warranties, refunds, or exchanges.

All item descriptions are provided to the best of our knowledge and are believed to be accurate; however, they are not guaranteed. Photos are an integral part of the item description, and bidders are strongly encouraged to review them thoroughly before placing a bid. Once a bid is placed, it is final and cannot be retracted for any reason, as this would interfere with the integrity of the auction.

Condition details, if provided, are offered as a courtesy to bidders and reflect our opinions rather than statements of fact. These details do not imply any warranty or assumption of liability regarding an item's condition. The absence of specific condition details does not imply the item is flawless or free from wear, flaws, or age-related characteristics. Bidders are encouraged to attend item previews or contact us directly with questions for additional clarification before bidding.

Bidder Eligibility

To participate in Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales, all bidders must be at least 18 years of age and legally eligible to participate in an auction under applicable state and federal law.

By placing a bid, the bidder signifies that they have examined the items to their satisfaction, or that they have chosen not to personally examine them.

Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales reserve the right to reject any bid at our discretion.
Payment Terms and User Responsibility

Payment Information: By bidding, you acknowledge that you are responsible for ensuring that the payment information provided is accurate and valid. Any discrepancies or issues caused by incorrect payment details may result in additional fees, including a $15 Declined Card Fee, and potential suspension from future auctions. You must update your payment information promptly to avoid further complications.

Binding Contract: Placing a bid constitutes a binding contract between the bidder and the auctioneer. All bids placed are final. As part of our company policy, we do not allow bid retractions, as it compromises the integrity of the auction.

Failure to Pay: Failure to pay your invoice will result in a ban from participating in future auctions. If you initiate a chargeback for any reason, you will also be banned from bidding in future auctions.

Declined Card Fee: If your credit card on file with HiBid is declined for any reason, a $15 Declined Card Fee will be added to your invoice. Please ensure your payment and contact information is correct, valid, and able to cover your entire invoice purchase price and/or shipping costs. It is our company policy not to accept payments over the phone. Should the card on file decline, you will receive an email with instructions to contact us and request a Square invoice. Failure to pay this invoice will result in a ban from bidding in future auctions.

Buyer's Premium: A buyer's premium of 18% will be added to the final bid amount. Local pickup customers may pay in cash at the time of pickup to receive a 3% discount.

Accepted Payment Methods: We do not accept checks as a form of payment. Accepted payment methods include Cash, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. All gold purchases must be paid via wire transfer or through local cash pickup.

Sales Tax and Exemptions

North Carolina sales tax will be applied to all transactions. If you are tax-exempt, please email a copy of your tax-exempt certificate to villagesquareauctions@gmail.com during registration. A valid copy must be on file with us in order to apply the exemption to your account. This information must be provided at least 48 hours before the closing of the user's first auction for the sales tax to be omitted from the invoice.

Pick-Up and Shipping Policies

Pick-Up Requirements: All items must be picked up during the scheduled pick-up days. No extensions will be granted. If you are unable to attend the scheduled pick-up times, shipping is available at your expense. You are responsible for arranging and covering the costs of shipping if you choose this option. The local pick-up times and locations are outlined in the auction details and the first five lots of the auction catalog. It is the responsibility of the bidder to familiarize themselves with this information.

Failure to Pick-Up: In the event that items are not picked up by the conclusion of the scheduled pick-up period and the bidder has not made prior arrangements with us, the items will be forfeited, regardless of the payment status. Failure to contact us before the scheduled pick-up period ends will result in the forfeiture of the items and a permanent ban from bidding in future auctions.

Emergency Situations: We understand that emergencies may arise, but due to warehouse space limitations or access restrictions at off-site locations, we may not be able to offer alternative pick-up dates or times. It is the bidder's responsibility to make arrangements to pick up their items during the scheduled pick-up times.

Sending an Alternative Person: If you are unable to pick up your items personally, you may send an alternative person to collect them on your behalf. You must send us an email with written consent authorizing the release of your items to the designated individual. Without this written consent, we will not release the items to any third party.

Alternative Pick-Up: If an alternative pick-up time is required, a $25 fee will be applied to schedule the pick-up outside of the designated hours. This fee is applicable regardless of the reason for the requested change.

Shipping Policy: Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales offers in-house shipping. Shipping and handling fees will be calculated based on the actual packaged weight of your items and automatically added to your invoice. These charges will be processed via the payment method on file with HiBid. The buyer is fully responsible for all shipping costs, including any packaging, handling, and shipping fees. We may use recycled materials for packaging to minimize costs. Please note that shipping estimates cannot be provided prior to invoicing, and the buyer is responsible for ensuring that payment is made in full for shipping and handling charges.

Local Pick-Ups: Please bring your own boxes, packing materials (such as paper or bubble wrap) for wrapping your items, and sufficient help to load your winnings. While we are happy to assist with loading when staff is available, we cannot guarantee assistance. To ensure a smooth and timely pick-up process, we strongly encourage bidders to bring their own help for loading. Please make sure to double check that you have all of your items before signing the pick up sheet,.

Liability Disclaimer for Local Pick-Up Customers: Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales, as well as the seller, are not responsible for any accidents, injuries, or damage to personal property that may occur during the pick-up process at our warehouse or at a seller's location. This includes any harm to yourself, others accompanying you, or your physical property while picking up your items.

Shipping of Delicate or High-Value Items: We reserve the right to send scarce, delicate, rare, or high-value ceramics and glass to third-party shippers for handling and shipping. The customer is responsible for all shipping and handling charges associated with these items.

Insurance for Items Over $100: It is our company policy that inventory valued over $100 will include insurance to protect against loss or damage during shipping. This insurance is included in the shipping charges for such items.

Customer-Provided Shipping Labels: If the customer provides their own shipping label, they assume full responsibility for the shipment. By doing so, the customer acknowledges that Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales is not liable for any loss, damage, or issues that may occur during the shipping process.

Freight Shipping and Pickup for Large Items

Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales is happy to work with freight carriers for large items such as furniture and oversized pieces. However, it is the client's responsibility to arrange for pickup directly with the freight carrier during our scheduled pickup times. Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales does not arrange or set up the freight shipping service. If a client requests a pickup outside of our normal hours, an additional $25.00 alternative pickup fee will apply. We understand that large items may require special shipping arrangements, and we will do our best to coordinate with the freight carrier to ensure a smooth process. However, to ensure our team's time and resources are appropriately compensated, any requests for pickup outside of our scheduled times will be subject to this fee. We encourage clients to plan accordingly and make arrangements within the scheduled pickup times to avoid any additional charges. Should you have any questions about pickup or freight shipping, please contact us in advance.

Shipping and Pickup Policies for Large or Fragile Orders

This section applies to bidders who win large quantities of items or fragile, bulky, or valuable items, such as pottery, one-of-a-kind pieces, and other items requiring additional handling and care. For these specific situations, we may find it more feasible and economical to arrange for in-person pickup. Due to the time-intensive nature of packing and handling large orders, our shipping department charges a flat $25.00 per hour handling fee for packaging these items. Items such as china, glassware, fine art, sculptures, antiques, pottery, one-of-a-kind pieces, and other delicate or oversized items require extra attention during the packing process, contributing to the handling fee. Please note that buyers are responsible for the cost of any special packing materials required to safely secure fragile items, as well as the cost of insurance to protect their items during transit. For safety and logistical reasons, large or fragile orders may need to be broken down into multiple shipments. If this occurs, additional shipping costs may apply, and we will work with you to discuss the best shipping options. We strongly encourage bidders with large or fragile orders, particularly those in North Carolina, to plan for in-person pickup as the most efficient and cost-effective option. Shipping should only be used as a last resort. If pickup is absolutely not feasible, please contact us to discuss shipping options, and we'll work with you to find the best possible solution. Please note that large orders will be shipped after smaller ones to ensure a smooth and timely process for all customers.

Firearm Sales and Regulations

All firearms will be transferred through a local Federal Firearms Licensed (FFL) Dealer, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The FFL dealer charges a $25 fee for each firearm transfer. If shipping is required, the FFL dealer can arrange this service. Buyers are solely responsible for all shipping and handling costs, in addition to the transfer fee.

Technology Disruptions and Internet-Only Auctions

System Failures and Auction Modifications: For internet-only auctions, we reserve the right to cancel and/or reopen the auction or specific lots in the case of system failures or glitches. Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales has no control over the HIBID platform and is not responsible for any technological disruptions, outages, errors, or failures, including but not limited to:

o Loss of connectivity, breakdowns, or disruptions in the HIBID online platform.

o Issues with the buyer's internet connection, computer, or system failures.

o Any other unforeseen technological issues that may arise.

In the event of a technology failure, the auctioneer may, but is not obligated to, continue, suspend, delay, extend, reschedule, or close the auction, even after bidding has commenced. We encourage bidders to contact HIBID directly for any platform-specific issues or technical support.

Disclaimer Regarding Online Auction Platforms: The auctioneer makes no guarantees or warranties regarding:

o The uninterrupted, error-free, or virus-free operation of any online auction platform or website.

o The accuracy, completeness, reliability, security, or timeliness of any online auction platform or related technology.

o The results that may be obtained by using any such platforms or technology.

Promotional Communications and Reminders

Text Reminders: On occasion, you may receive text reminders regarding upcoming pick-up dates and times. If you no longer wish to receive text reminders, reply with "STOP" at any time. Standard message and data rates may apply.

Email Reminders and Promotions: You may also receive email reminders and promotional content about future auctions. You can opt out of receiving promotional emails at any time by clicking the "unsubscribe" link included in each email. Standard email rates may apply.

Privacy and Data Usage: We respect your privacy and will not sell, rent, or share your personal information with third parties. All communications will be strictly related to the services and promotions offered by Village
Square Auctions & Estate Sales.

Force Majeure

Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales shall not be held liable for any delay or failure to perform its obligations under these Terms and Conditions if such delay or failure is caused by circumstances beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to:

Natural disasters (e.g., earthquakes, hurricanes, floods)

Acts of government or civil authorities (e.g., regulations, restrictions, curfews)

Pandemics, epidemics, or public health emergencies

Strikes, labor disputes, or shortages

Technological failures, system outages, or disruptions to the HIBID platform

Fire, theft, vandalism, or any unforeseen event or emergency

Indemnification Clause

By participating in this auction, bidders and buyers agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales, its officers, employees, agents, and affiliates from any and all claims, losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses (including reasonable attorney fees) arising out of or related to:

Breach of Terms

Personal Injury or Property Damage

Failure to Comply with Laws

Shipping or Handling Issues

Intellectual Property Infringement

Right to Amend Terms

Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales reserves the right to modify, amend, or update these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. Any changes to these Terms and Conditions will be posted on our website or communicated to users through other means, such as email or auction platform notifications, at our discretion.

Customer Responsibility for Items After Payment

Once an item has been paid for in full, it is the buyer's responsibility to ensure the item is collected during the designated pick-up period. If the buyer fails to pick up their items within the allotted time and has not made prior arrangements for an alternative pick-up, the items will be considered forfeited.

Customer Responsibility for Information Accuracy

It is the bidder's responsibility to ensure that all personal information, including payment and shipping details, is accurate and up to date. Incorrect information may result in delays or additional fees, and failure to provide accurate details may affect your ability to participate in future auctions.

Fraud and Banning

Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales takes fraud and dishonest behavior seriously. Any fraudulent activity, including but not limited to misrepresentation of identity, bid manipulation, payment fraud, or any attempt to defraud the auction process, will result in immediate disqualification from the auction.

Ban from Future Auctions:
If fraud is detected or if any participant violates these Terms and Conditions in a manner that disrupts the integrity of the auction, they will be permanently banned from future participation. This includes, but is not limited to, non-payment of won items, chargebacks, or any fraudulent actions.

Disqualification from Specific Auction:
A bidder may also be disqualified from participating in a specific auction if fraudulent behavior is suspected or detected before, during, or after the auction.

Legal Action:
In cases of serious fraud or violation of applicable laws, Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales reserves the right to pursue legal action to recover damages and prevent further fraud.


Forfeiture of Items

Failure to Pick-Up: If a winning bidder does not pick up their items within the specified pick-up window, and has not made prior arrangements with Village Square Auctions & Estate Sales, those items will be considered forfeited. The bidder forfeits all rights to the items, and the items may be resold in a future auction or disposed of at the discretion of the auctioneer.

Failure to Pay: If payment is not received in full by the required deadline, the items associated with that payment will be considered forfeited. The bidder will be permanently banned from participating in future auctions, and the items may be resold or disposed of.

Unclaimed Items: Any unclaimed items that have been paid for, but not picked up by the end of the scheduled pick-up time, will be considered forfeited. The bidder forfeits any right to the items, and they will be resold or disposed of. If you fail to pick up your items within the allotted time, they will no longer be available for collection.

Forfeiture of Items Due to Violation of Terms: If a bidder violates any of the Terms and Conditions outlined in this agreement, including but not limited to fraud, failure to pay, or misuse of the auction platform, the items associated with the offending bidder may be forfeited, and the bidder may be permanently banned from participating in future auctions.

By Placing a Bid, You Agree to These Terms

By participating in the auction, placing a bid, and completing the purchase of an item, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to abide by these Terms and Conditions.

NCAL9385
NCFL10723
VAAL4249

Estate of Mary Elizabeth Claywell, Living. Ms Claywell is former teacher from the Guilford County School Sysytem and multiple schools in Kentucky. Ms Claywell is downsizing her lifetime collection of items, including many generational pieces and pieces from her travels around the world. Mid Century Modern Pieces, Antique Linens, Vintage Halloween, Vinyl Records and More.