ABOUT 05. Bid By Mail

Ways to Bid

About

Bidding by mail is when a client physically mails a bid using the United States Postal Service or another carrier.

At Harmers, we happily accept bids by mail.  Please mail bids to:   at Harmers International, Inc., 1325 Echo Hil Path, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598

Success Factors

  • Easy to send when viewing the catalogue.
  • No technology is needed.
  • Remember to add postage.
  • Confirm the receipt of your bids

Gottchas

  • The USPS can be unreliable.
  • Finding stamps for postage may be inconvenient.
  • Can not respond to bid changes.

Once upon a time, mailing bids was the most reliable way to transmit a bid, but times have changed. The mails have been very unreliable even in the days leading up to COVID.  We still receive about 20-30 bids by mail each auction. Some people find completing the form more convenient than logging on to a computer.  Reading handwriting can also be a challenge, so please write as legibly as possible to help avoid errors.  Mail bidders tend to be old school clients, and they do win a small percentage of lots, particularly when the bid is serious and not lower than the estimate.

Traditional Bidding Methods are always welcome.

What to Expect

Mailing bids can be sent by either using our form (which is prefered) or a letter.  Wite your name, address, phone, and email along with the best way to contact you if we have questions. Address the envelope to us at Harmers International, Inc., 1325 Echo Hil Path, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598.

Once we receive your bid, we will enter it into the book.  We generally do not confirm mail bids but suggest that you call to confirm receipt.

Strenths and Weaknesses

RELIABILITY 65%
CONVENIENCE 70%
COST-EFFICIENT TO ATTEND 95%
TECHNOLOGY DEPENDENCE 5%
EASE OF CHANGING BID 10%
NETWORKING 5%