Art & Design Auction: Fine Furniture, Sculpture & Decorative Arts

Block Auction House (2025 Edition)

By registering to bid with Block Auction House, a division of Aaron’s Estate Sales LLC (“Block”), you agree to the following terms and conditions of sale:

1. Block acts solely as an agent for the seller. The contract for sale is made between the seller and the buyer. All property is sold “as is, where is,” with no guarantees or warranties, expressed or implied. Block makes no representation regarding condition, authenticity, authorship, provenance, value, or merchantability. Any statements made verbally, in writing, or online, including catalogs and invoices, do not constitute a warranty or assumption of liability.
2. All bidders must register prior to bidding and may be required to provide identification and/or financial references. By placing a bid, you agree to personally pay the hammer price, buyer’s premium, applicable taxes, and any additional charges, including shipping and storage fees.
3. A buyer’s premium of twenty-five percent (25%) will be added to the hammer price of all lots sold. Final invoices will reflect the hammer price, buyer’s premium, any applicable taxes, and shipping or handling fees. Payment is due in full within five (5) business days of receiving your invoice. A second invoice for shipping will be sent separately.
4. Bids may be placed in person, by absentee, by phone, or via online platforms. Block does not guarantee the execution of absentee or phone bids and is not liable for any technical errors, delays, or missed bids. In the case of identical absentee bids, the first one received will take precedence. Telephone bidders are encouraged to leave backup bids in case of technical failure.
5. Some lots may be subject to a reserve, which is a confidential minimum price agreed upon between the consignor and Block. Block may execute bids on behalf of the consignor to reach the reserve. The auctioneer has full discretion to open bidding, set increments, refuse bids, and resolve any disputes.
6. Shipping is billed separately and arranged after payment of the primary invoice. Local pickup is available by appointment at 2440 Goodrich Rd, Ferndale, MI 48220. Pickup or shipping arrangements must be scheduled within fifteen (15) business days of invoice issuance. Block offers in-house shipping on most items. Shipping invoices will be issued within five (5) business days of the auction close. In-house shipping includes required full insurance, labor, packing supplies, and label fees. Prepaid labels and third-party shipping labels are not accepted. Buyers with large, fragile, or high-value items will receive a UPS quote. Buyers may reject this quote and schedule their own third-party pickup. Block can provide a list of recommended third-party shippers.
   Please note: Shipping can be expensive. We strongly encourage you to review the shipping terms before bidding, as shipping costs are non-refundable and the buyer is fully responsible for all shipping and handling charges.

7. Shipping fees are based on labor, insurance, label costs, and any special handling. Small object labor fees are $10 for one lot or $5 per lot for two or more. Large object labor fees are $15 for one lot or $10 per lot for two or more. Insurance is charged at $1 per $100 in value and is mandatory. Label costs vary by destination and carrier. Additional fees may apply for fragile, complex, or specialized packing requirements.
8. Block is not liable for loss, damage, or delay once an item has left the facility. For in-house shipments, Block will file insurance claims on behalf of the buyer. Claims must be submitted within thirty (30) days of delivery and must include photos of the item and packaging. For third-party shipments, buyers are responsible for handling any claims directly with the carrier.
9. Buyers must schedule pickup or shipping within fifteen (15) business days of the final invoice date. After this period, a storage fee of ten dollars ($10.00) per lot per day will apply. If no arrangements have been made within thirty (30) calendar days of the auction close, the property will be deemed abandoned. Ownership of all abandoned property transfers to Block Auction House. Block may reauction, resell, or dispose of the item(s) without further notice. No refunds, resale proceeds, or credits will be issued. Block assumes no liability for items deemed abandoned.
10. All sales are final. Refunds or returns will only be considered in cases of misrepresentation or auction house error. Buyers may be required to return the item at Block’s expense before receiving a refund. Refunds will not be granted for buyer’s remorse, shipping costs, misreading a description, or failure to inspect. All decisions regarding refunds are at the sole discretion of Block and are final.
11. In the event of default, non-payment, or breach of terms, Block may cancel the sale, reauction the item, and/or pursue any and all legal remedies available. The buyer will be held liable for any deficiency, legal fees, and related costs.
12. Block’s liability to any purchaser shall not exceed the actual purchase price paid by that purchaser for the item in question.
13. Sales conducted in Michigan are subject to applicable state sales tax unless the buyer provides a valid resale or exemption certificate prior to purchase.
14. Purchasing a lot does not grant any copyright or reproduction rights. All images, catalog content, and marketing materials remain the intellectual property of Block Auction House and may not be reused or reproduced without written permission.
15. These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the State of Michigan. Any legal action must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction within the State of Michigan. By registering to bid, you consent to the exclusive jurisdiction of Michigan courts.