Auction FAQs
BIDDING PROCESS
How do I place a bid?
Step 1: Create an account or log into an existing one.
Step 2: Navigate to your preferred item and place a bid.
Step 3: If you win the auction, you will receive a “Complete Your Purchase” email. Click the link within the email or navigate to your account page. From there, complete your purchase within 24 hours.
Do I need to create an account to bid?
Yes. Participants are required to use an account when bidding. This ensures greater security and better bid tracking. To get started, create an account or login to an existing one.
How will I know if I have won an item?
If you win an auction, you will be notified by email.
Will I be notified if I am outbid?
If your offer is outbid, you will receive an email from info@madisonavenuecouture.com which will include information on the new highest bid.
Can I call to place a bid?
No. All bids must be placed through our website. This ensures greater efficiency and transparency in the bidding process. Our system provides real-time updates and digital records to ensure that all bids are properly accounted for.
How do I edit my bid?
It is not possible to reduce an existing bid. To place a higher bid, navigate to your desired product and place another bid following the instructions in “How to place a bid?”.
What is a maximum bid?
A maximum (max) bid is the highest you’re willing to pay for an auction item.
How does auto bidding work?
When you place a max bid, our platform will automatically bid for you up to your limit. If someone else bids, our platform will incrementally increase your bid until it reaches your maximum bid or passes another bidder's max bid.
Benefits of auto bidding include:
- You don’t have to constantly monitor the auction or manually bid every time someone outbids you.
- Increases your chances of winning.
What are bidding increments?
Bidding increments are the minimum amount that your bid needs to increase over the previous bid. For example, if the highest bid on an auction is $10,000 and the bid increment is $1,000, the next bidder will need to bid at least $11,000 ($10,000+$1,000=$11,000).
Benefits: Prevents bid sniping, which is when someone places a very high bid at the last minute to win an auction. This allows the price to increase gradually.
What is the starting price?
The starting price is the initial price the item was listed for.
What is a reserve price?
The reserve price is the minimum price that the seller is willing to accept.
Terms, Conditions & Disclaimers
We reserve the right to withdraw any auction items at any time during the auction process. All auction sales are subject to our standard return policy.
PAYMENT
How do I pay for an item I have won?
If you’re the winner of the auction, you’ll receive an email that you’ve won. From there, you’ll have 24 hours to complete your purchase. Click the "Complete Your Purchase" link in the email or go to your account page. This will take you to a checkout page.
What methods of payment do you accept?
We accept:
- All forms of credit cards
- Affirm financing - learn more
- US bank check
- US personal check (Personal checks can be subject to a 7-10 day delay prior to shipping.)
- Bank wire transfer - please contact us at 1(888) 623-2832 or email us at info@madisonavenuecouture.com for bank wire details.
- For more information, check out our payment page.
- Do you charge sales tax?
- Madison Avenue Couture charges sales tax depending on what state you’re buying from. For more information, check out our sales tax page.
DELIVERY
When will my item ship?
For purchases of $10,000 or more, items are shipped overnight once payment is received. For items under $10,000, items are shipped via FedEx Express 2-3 day delivery. All shipments are fully insured. For more information, check out our shipping policy page.
What are your shipping rates & methods?
Domestic Shipping: Shipping is FREE within the United States. All items are shipped via FedEx unless a specific request for an alternative carrier is made.
International Shipping:
We ship via DHL Express and FedEx Express overseas, typical Monday through Friday. We charge a flat $175 shipping. All shipments are fully insured for loss in transit except for seizure by custom authorities.
Do you charge for international duties?
The buyer is responsible for local duties and custom charges. However, we can pay duty charges in advance of shipping and pass the cost onto you. If you have any questions with regard to custom charges, please contact us.
Can I pick up my item in person?
We are located in Midtown Manhattan. Our showroom is open to clients, sellers, and consignees. Customers can view handbags in person and discuss options with our product experts. Sellers and consignees can deliver bags for review.
Access is by appointment only, at our discretion and typically during normal business hours, from 11am EST to 5pm EST (we do not accept walk-ins). To schedule a private showroom appointment email us: info@madisonavenuecouture.com or call 1 (888) 623-2832.
RETURN POLICY
What is your return policy on auction items?
Learn about our return policy on new and pre-loved auction items.
AUTHENTICATION CERTIFICATION
What is your authentication process?
We maintain the highest standards of authentication for all products. All of our products are rigorously inspected and authenticated by our in-house product experts and verified by independent 3rd party authenticators. We are recognized as one of the most trusted leaders in the luxury handbag secondary market. As a result, authenticity of product is of the highest priority. Our expertise and commitment to authentic-only goods provide you with the comfort of knowing your new Hermès, Chanel, Goyard or Louis Vuitton items are guaranteed to be authentic.
We hold all our products to the highest standard of authentication in the industry. We partner with established third-party authenticators to evaluate if there is even the slightest question of authenticity of an item. These independent experts have been carefully vetted and are highly respected in their authentication skills.
What is your 100% Authenticity Guarantee?
Every purchase from Madison Avenue Couture is backed by a full money-back guarantee. If any item is deemed unauthentic by our trusted third-party authenticators, we will refund 100% of the original price.
Read Our Policy Here:
https://madisonavenuecouture.com/pages/guaranteed-authenticity
We are known as one of the most trusted leaders in the luxury handbag secondary market. Product authenticity is our top priority. Our expertise and dedication to offering only authentic goods ensure that your new Hermès, Chanel, Goyard, or Louis Vuitton items are guaranteed authentic.
SUBMITTING ITEMS FOR AUCTION
Can I submit my own item for sale in a future auction?
Yes. If you’re interested in submitting an item for auction, please read the instructions on our consignment page and fill out the form at the bottom. Include as many details as possible.
CONTACT
If you have any additional questions, please email us at info@madisonavenuecouture.com or call 1 (888) 623-2832.