Frequently asked questions

What is Alchemy Auctions?

Alchemy Auctions brings art lovers and original artwork together through auctions hosted by galleries, festivals, creative communities, and our own team. It's a place to discover art you love and support the artists who create it!

Can I browse without creating an account?

Absolutely! You're welcome to explore auctions and browse artwork without an account. You'll only need to sign up if you'd like to follow a piece or place a bid.

How do I sign in?

No passwords to remember here! Just enter your email address, and we'll send you a six-digit sign-in code. The code is good for 10 minutes. If you don't see it in your inbox, check your spam folder.

Do I need a separate account for each auction?

Nope! Your Alchemy Auctions account works across every auction on the platform. You can explore and participate in different auctions without signing up again.

What information do I need to provide?

To get started, we'll just need your name and email address. You can also add a US mobile number if you'd like to receive text notifications. If you decide to bid, you'll need to add a payment card. If the auction offers shipping, we'll ask for your shipping address either when you join the auction or when you complete payment for a piece you've won, depending on how the auction is organized.

How do I join an auction?

Once you've added a payment card to your account, you can join any auction by reviewing and accepting its bidding terms. You'll receive a bidder number for that auction, and you're ready to start bidding!

Will my card be charged when I place a bid?

Nope! Adding a card or placing a bid won't charge you anything. We keep a card on file to help make sure winning bids are honored.

If you win, you'll receive instructions for completing your purchase through the auction's payment process. Your card may only be charged if you win and don't complete payment as required by that auction's terms.

How do I place a bid?

Find a piece you love, enter your bid, and confirm it! The first bid can be as low as the starting bid, and each bid after that must be at least $10 more than the current bid. We'll always show you the minimum amount you can bid next.

Can I cancel a bid?

Bids are commitments to purchase, so they can't be canceled once placed. If you've made a mistake, please reach out to us so we can help.

What is automatic bidding?

Automatic bidding lets you enjoy the auction without constantly checking your phone!

For pieces marked "Online only," tap Set Max Bid and enter the maximum amount you're comfortable spending. We'll automatically bid on your behalf, placing only what's needed to keep you in the lead, up to your limit. When someone bids against you, we raise your bid to $10 more than theirs, or to your limit if that's less.

If the piece has a reserve price and your maximum reaches it, your bid may increase to meet that reserve. Don't worry, your maximum amount is never shown to other bidders.

What does "Online only" mean?

These pieces are available exclusively through online bidding. Each one has its own closing time, which you'll find on its page. You can place bids right up until bidding closes.

What about pieces that aren't marked "Online only"?

These pieces are closed by the auction organizers rather than automatically at a scheduled time.

Some auctions also have an in-person finale where bidding continues live! When online bidding ends for those pieces, you'll still be able to view them on the platform, but any further bidding will happen in person. We'll let you know on the piece's page when that happens.

What does "Want it now?" mean?

See something you absolutely love? Some artists offer the option to purchase their artwork immediately at a set asking price.

If you see "Want it now?" on a piece, you can speak with a gallery attendant about purchasing it without waiting for the auction to end.

What is a reserve price?

A reserve is the minimum amount an artist is willing to accept for their artwork.

The exact amount is kept private, but we'll let you know whether the reserve has been met. If bidding doesn't reach it, the piece may not sell.

What happens if two people bid the same amount?

The first bid received takes the lead. So if someone matches your bid, whoever placed theirs first stays ahead!

Does bidding at the last second extend the auction?

No. For "Online only" pieces, bidding closes at the time shown on the piece's page. Last-second bids won't extend the closing time, so make sure to get yours in before the clock runs out!

Why hasn't the current bid changed?

The page doesn't automatically update when new bids come in. Just refresh it to see the latest bidding activity.

How do I follow a piece I'm interested in?

Found something that caught your eye? Tap the heart on its page to add it to your watched pieces!

You'll also automatically follow any piece you bid on, so it's easy to keep track of the artwork you're interested in.

What kind of notifications will I receive?

We'll keep you in the loop! You'll receive emails when someone outbids you, when you win a piece, and when artwork you're watching sells.

Auction organizers may also send important updates, like when an auction enters its final hours.

Can I receive text message notifications?

Of course! You can opt in to text notifications when signing up so you can stay up to date without constantly checking the platform.

If you ever want to stop receiving texts, just reply STOP to any message.

I'm not receiving your emails. What should I do?

Sometimes emails end up in unexpected places! Check your spam or Promotions folder to see if our messages landed there.

What happens if I win a piece?

Congratulations! We'll send you an email letting you know you've won, along with instructions for what happens next.

Each auction handles payment, pickup, and delivery a little differently, so be sure to follow the instructions provided.

Can I have my artwork shipped?

That depends on the auction! For auctions held at festivals, artwork is typically picked up in person, but shipping can often be arranged directly with the gallery. For auctions that offer shipping, you may be asked to provide your shipping address when you join the auction or when you complete payment for a piece you've won. Shipping costs and arrangements will depend on the auction. If the auction has a specified shipping method, we'll include it in your welcome email, along with whether shipping costs are included in your bid.

Can other bidders see my personal information?

Nope! Other bidders only see your bidder number for that auction. Your name and email address aren't shown to them.

How do I update my payment card, phone number, or address?

You can manage all of these details right from your profile.

Where can I see the pieces I've bid on?

Head over to your profile and look for "My Active Bids." You'll find the pieces you're currently bidding on there.

Can I delete my account?

Yes! Just get in touch with us, and we'll help you with the process. We'll remove your personal details. We keep a record of completed sales, without your name attached.

Do I need to download an app?

Not at all! Alchemy Auctions works right in your browser, whether you're using your phone or computer. There's nothing to install.

How can I get help?

We're happy to help! Just visit our Contact page to get in touch with us.