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Experience the Thrill of LIVE Online Auctions

BRG Happenings | PUBLISHED 02.28.25 | Admin

We’re excited to roll out a LIVE online auction format on our website, debuting with our Greenwich Winter Exceptional Auction on March 12th.

This new real-time bidding experience brings an added level of engagement and will be used for select high-value estate auctions in the future. If you are a connoisseur or collector of fine art, fine antiques, or high-end collectibles, this is a feature you will want to note and an exceptional event you do not want to miss.

What is a LIVE Online Auction?

A LIVE online auction blends the energy of a traditional auction with the convenience of online bidding.Unlike our standard online estate auctions, where multiple lots close at the same time (or within seconds of each other) and featuring extended bidding, this live auction format introduces competitive real-time bidding. An auctioneer actually leads the auction by managing the action online and can accept bids from multiple bidding platforms outside of Black Rock Galleries.It is an exciting way to participate in luxury auctions from the comfort of your home.

How It Works

Our LIVE online auctions follow a slightly different process than our usual auctions:

▪️	One Lot at a Time: Instead of multiple lots closing at once or in quick succession, each auction lot closes individually, allowing bidders to focus on one item at a time. It is a slower pace allowing bidders time to place bids across multiple platforms.
▪️	No Extended Bidding: Unlike our regular online estate auctions, the usual automate 5-minute "soft close" extension does not apply.
▪️	Slower-Paced Bidding: Bidders will have 5-10 seconds to place bids. The auctioneer determines when bidding interest ceases and will "hammer" the lot to the winning bidder before closing the lot and opening the next one.
▪️	Live Bid Status Updates: The system keeps you informed in real time with updates like HIGH BIDDER and OUTBID notification right on the website.
▪️	Multi-Platform Bidding: Our auctioneer accepts bids from Black Rock Galleries bidders on our site as well as other third-party online bidding platforms.
▪️	Auctioneer Discretion for Tie Bids: If two equal bids come in at the same time, the auctioneer decides which platform’s bid is accepted first.
▪️	Highest Bid Wins: When the auctioneer calls “sold,” the highest accepted bid takes the lot.*

Why You’ll Love LIVE Online Auctions

If you enjoy the thrill of live bidding, this format brings several benefits:

▪️	More Focused Bidding: With one lot closing at a time, you can bid with more attention and strategy.
▪️	More Engaging: The pace keeps the excitement going, much like a traditional fine art auction or premium auction event.
▪️	Instant Notifications: Know immediately whether you’re the highest bidder or need to place another bid.**
▪️	Expanded Competition: With multiple bidding platforms, more bidders join in, often driving higher final hammer prices on sought-after items.

Max Bidding & Automated Bidding

You can still place maximum bids before or during the auction. Our system will bid automatically on your behalf when competing bids are placed and/or accepted by the auctioneer from other platforms, just like in our standard estate auctions. This ensures you stay in the game even if you step away. We will never automatically go to your maximum bid unless competing bids are in play.

What to Expect in the Greenwich Winter Exceptional Auction

The Greenwich Winter Exceptional Auction on March 12th will be the first to feature this LIVE online auction format on our site. This is a new feature created in-house to our proprietary software system.Expect an outstanding selection of high-value estate items, including fine art, jewelry, antiques, and other luxury pieces. With real-time bidding and an auctioneer managing the pace, this will be an exciting event for collectors and enthusiasts of rare item auctions.

Join the Excitement of LIVE Bidding

We can’t wait for you to experience this dynamic, fast-paced auction format. Mark your calendar, explore the catalog, and get ready to bid in this thrilling high-end collectible auction!

*Review all Terms and Conditions for LIVE Online Auctions in addition to our standard Terms and Conditions. If reserves are not met, the auctioneer may pass the lot. The auctioneer has full discretion to determine the winning bidder.
**BRG is not responsible for issues arising from user's internet connectivity, browser lag, computer issues, or other technical problems.