Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about buying, bidding, selling, and consigning with Global Card Auctions.
Getting Started
Yes. You must be at least 18 years old and legally able to enter into a binding contract. Depending on the transaction, GCA may also require identity, payment, address, ownership, or other verification.
Yes. Creating an account and browsing available items is free. Applicable transaction fees and other charges will be disclosed when you buy, sell, consign, or use certain optional services.
Unless otherwise stated on the applicable auction page, an online auction will ordinarily remain open for approximately 10 calendar days.
The actual opening and closing dates and times displayed for the auction control.
Auctions & Bidding
GCA auctions are governed by GCA’s Website Terms & Platform Agreement together with the transaction-specific terms displayed for the applicable auction.
The auction page may include the auction format, reserve status, buyer’s premium, bidding procedures, opening and closing times, payment requirements, shipping terms, and other information applicable to that auction.
Open the lot you want, follow the bidding instructions, and submit your bid through the auction platform.
Each bid is a binding offer to purchase.
Where available, you may enter the maximum amount you are willing to pay and the platform will bid incrementally on your behalf according to the applicable bidding procedures.
GCA establishes the bid increments for each auction. The applicable increments and next available bid will be displayed through the auction platform.
An auction may use staggered closing, extended bidding, or a “soft close.”
The exact closing procedure and any extension period will be displayed for the applicable auction.
Bids are binding. Any bid retraction or correction is subject to GCA’s Website Terms & Platform Agreement, the terms displayed for the applicable auction, platform capabilities, and applicable law.
Contact GCA promptly if you believe a bid was submitted because of an error or unauthorized access to your account.
No. Shill bidding, collusion, bid manipulation, artificial price support, and other improper interference with fair bidding are prohibited.
Yes. GCA, its owners, affiliates, employees, contractors, auctioneers, and other related persons may own, sell, or consign items through the platform, subject to applicable law, GCA’s Website Terms & Platform Agreement, and the terms displayed for the applicable auction or sale.
GCA-related persons may not bid on items where such bidding is prohibited. GCA will conduct all transactions in accordance with applicable law, including prohibitions against shill bidding, collusion, bid manipulation, and other improper bidding practices.
Yes. GCA may establish bidding limits or require identity verification, payment verification, a deposit, collected funds, or a particular approved payment method depending on the transaction.
Auction Payments & Fees
Unless a different amount is disclosed for a particular auction, GCA’s standard buyer’s premium is 20% of the Hammer Price and is paid by the winning Buyer.
For example, a $1,000 Hammer Price would ordinarily result in a $200 buyer’s premium, before applicable taxes, shipping, insurance, or other disclosed charges.
Available payment methods may include:
- Credit or debit card;
- PayPal or another approved digital wallet;
- ACH or another bank payment;
- Bank wire;
- Approved third-party financing; or
- Another payment method approved by GCA.
Available methods and payment limits may vary by transaction. GCA determines the payment methods available for Auction Sales.
Unless the auction page or invoice states a different deadline, payment is due within five business days after the invoice is issued.
Winning bids are binding.
Depending on the circumstances, GCA may cancel the sale, withhold delivery, resell the item, restrict or suspend bidding privileges, apply an authorized deposit or payment method, refer the amount for collection, or pursue other remedies permitted under GCA’s Website Terms & Platform Agreement, the terms displayed for the auction, and applicable law.
GCA will calculate, collect, report, or remit applicable transaction taxes when required.
Buyers remain responsible for taxes and governmental charges that are legally due but were not collected by GCA.
Provide any applicable resale certificate or other tax-exemption documentation requested by GCA or its tax or payment provider.
Whenever possible, provide the required documentation before completing payment.
There is no general buyer-remorse return right.
Auction sales are final except for permitted claims under GCA’s Website Terms & Platform Agreement, the transaction-specific terms displayed for the applicable auction, or rights that cannot legally be waived.
Shipping & Delivery
For Auction Property already in GCA’s custody, GCA will ordinarily ship within five business days after payment has cleared and applicable verification requirements have been satisfied, unless different timing is disclosed for the transaction.
Shipping, insurance, signature requirements, special handling, and related charges depend on the applicable transaction and shipping method.
Applicable charges and requirements may be disclosed through the listing, auction page, checkout, invoice, or shipping instructions.
Not necessarily. Applicable insurance or declared-value coverage depends on the transaction and shipping method.
Buyers and Sellers should review the shipping terms applicable to the particular transaction.
International transactions may be available depending on the destination, item, carrier, payment method, insurance availability, sanctions restrictions, and other legal or operational requirements.
Unless otherwise stated, international Buyers are responsible for applicable duties, tariffs, import VAT or GST, brokerage charges, customs clearance, permits, and other destination-country charges.
Local pickup or another alternative delivery arrangement may be available when specifically approved by GCA for a particular transaction.
Otherwise, Buyers should follow the shipping and delivery instructions provided for the transaction.
Global Card Auctions highly recommends the following for every shipment sent to us:
- Use a service providing door-to-door tracking.
- A delivery signature is highly recommended when the shipment value exceeds $500.
- Purchase insurance or declared-value protection for the full shipment value.
- Package the items yourself before visiting the carrier.
- Do not identify the contents or value on the outside of the package.
- Photograph the items, interior packaging, sealed package, and shipping label.
- Obtain an acceptance receipt showing that the carrier received the package.
- Send the tracking number to Global Card Auctions immediately.
The following are the recommended methods for shipping collectibles to Global Card Auctions.
| Shipment Value | Recommended Method | Available Protection |
|---|---|---|
| Up to $500 | USPS, UPS, or FedEx with tracking | Purchase protection for the full value |
| $500.01–$1,000 | USPS, UPS, or FedEx with tracking and Signature Required | Purchase protection for the full value |
| $1,000.01–$5,000 | USPS Registered Mail | USPS insurance up to the full value |
| $5,000.01–$25,000 | USPS Registered Mail | USPS insurance up to the full value |
| $25,000.01–$50,000 | Contact Global Card Auctions before shipping; USPS Registered Mail may be approved | USPS insurance up to $50,000 |
| Over $50,000 | Specialty insured shipping arranged or approved in advance | Coverage based on the specialty policy |
USPS
- Ordinary USPS insurance: up to $5,000.
- USPS Registered Mail insurance: up to $50,000.
- Registered Mail provides enhanced security, tracking, controlled handling, and a delivery signature.
UPS
- Declaring a value increases UPS’s maximum potential liability; it is not separate insurance.
- If a package is declared at $500, UPS may pay up to $500 for a covered loss, subject to proof of value and UPS’s terms.
- Do not place the contents or value on the outside of the package.
- Obtain a staffed-counter acceptance receipt.
- Do not leave valuable packages in a drop box or unattended drop-off location.
FedEx
- FedEx generally limits its liability for collectibles to $1,000.
- FedEx declared value is not insurance.
- Do not use FedEx for collectible shipments exceeding $1,000 unless separate third-party insurance expressly covers the shipment.
Parcel Pro and similar specialty providers may offer higher-value insurance for approved collectibles. These services require a separate account or approval and are not purchased through an ordinary UPS Store.
Contact Global Card Auctions before using a specialty service or shipping items worth more than $25,000.
Selling Through an Auction
Submit your item and the requested information to GCA for review.
If accepted, you will complete a written or electronic Auction Consignment Agreement identifying the Property and the applicable sale terms before the Property is offered at auction.
Unless a different arrangement is disclosed and accepted, GCA does not charge an Auction Consignor a percentage-based seller commission.
The Consignor generally receives 100% of the Hammer Price, less authorized fees, expenses, refunds, chargebacks, taxes, claims, reserves, or other permitted deductions.
An Auction Sale with a Hammer Price below $100 is subject to a $10 processing fee deducted from the Consignor’s proceeds.
Depending on the transaction and what has been authorized or is otherwise properly chargeable under the applicable agreement, expenses may include:
- Grading;
- Authentication;
- Photography;
- Shipping and insurance;
- Storage;
- Return costs;
- Refunds;
- Chargebacks;
- Taxes;
- Claims;
- Liens; or
- Reserves.
GCA reviews Property individually and may accept or reject a submission based on factors such as authenticity, condition, legality, value, marketability, or other legitimate considerations.
Property estimated below $2,500 will ordinarily be offered without a reserve or seller minimum price. For Property estimated at $2,500 or more, we can discuss a seller minimum price or reserve before bidding begins. Any reserve or minimum price must be approved by GCA and disclosed as required in the applicable auction terms.
GCA will remit net auction proceeds after the Buyer’s payment has been collected and cleared, the transaction has been reconciled, authorized deductions have been applied, and any legitimate payment, refund, chargeback, ownership, authenticity, fraud, tax, legal, or regulatory holds have been resolved.
Once GCA has published the Auction Listing, the Consignor may not privately sell, transfer, pledge, withdraw, or separately list the same Property without GCA’s written approval.
Depending on the circumstances and applicable agreement, GCA may:
- Relist the Property;
- Offer it in a later auction;
- Move it to another sales method under a separate approved agreement; or
- Return it to the owner.
Applicable return shipping, insurance, storage, grading, authentication, or handling expenses may remain the responsibility of the Consignor.
Yes. GCA may offer fixed-price Marketplace transactions, privately negotiated or brokered sales, direct purchases, or other Services.
The terms depend on the particular Property and type of transaction.
GCA may consider purchasing Property directly in appropriate circumstances, but a direct purchase is not guaranteed.
If GCA agrees to purchase Property directly, the applicable transaction record will identify GCA as the Buyer and state the applicable terms.
GCA may offer a consignment advance or early payment for selected Property.
An advance or early payment is available only when GCA separately offers it and the Consignor accepts a written or electronic agreement stating the applicable terms.
Submitting Property for consignment does not guarantee that an advance or early payment will be available.
The Consignor is responsible for providing accurate and complete information about the Property, including known defects, alterations, restoration, provenance, grading, certification, and authenticity concerns.
GCA may format, shorten, clarify, supplement, or edit the proposed description.
The Consignor remains responsible for reviewing and confirming the accuracy of the final auction description before bidding begins.
Yes. Contact GCA promptly if you believe a description needs to be corrected.
GCA may correct, supplement, or withdraw listing information when appropriate, particularly when there is a material issue concerning accuracy, authenticity, condition, ownership, or legality.
GCA Marketplace
The Marketplace allows Property to be offered for sale at a fixed asking price.
A Marketplace Listing may also permit private offers and counteroffers.
A Marketplace Sale is not an auction and does not involve public competitive bidding, a Hammer Price, or a highest-bidder determination.
The person listing the Property remains the Seller and seller of record unless the applicable transaction expressly states otherwise.
GCA provides the platform and may also provide payment administration, communication, custody, examination, authentication coordination, fulfillment, or other Services.
Unless a different fee is disclosed and accepted before the listing becomes active, GCA’s standard Marketplace fee is 10% of the Sales Price.
The Seller is also responsible for applicable payment-processing and financial-institution fees associated with the payment method selected or used, together with any other authorized expenses.
The Seller may indicate which GCA-approved payment methods the Seller is willing to accept.
Available methods remain subject to GCA approval, processor requirements, transaction value, fraud or chargeback risk, and other legitimate considerations.
GCA may restrict, disable, override, or require a particular payment method when reasonably appropriate.
Unless GCA requires earlier delivery, the Seller ordinarily retains possession of the Property until a Marketplace Sale occurs and GCA instructs the Seller to ship the Property to GCA or a designated provider.
Unless different timing is stated for the transaction, the Seller must tender the exact listed Property to a reputable shipping carrier within three business days after GCA provides notice of the completed Marketplace Sale and shipping instructions.
Once GCA activates a Marketplace Listing, the Seller may not privately sell, transfer, pledge, withdraw, or separately list the same unique Property without GCA’s written or electronic approval.
For Property delivered to and accepted by GCA for a Marketplace Listing, GCA’s current default minimum exclusive listing period is three months beginning when the listing first becomes publicly active, unless the Property sells, GCA rejects or removes it, or GCA agrees otherwise.
Unless different terms are displayed for the transaction, a Marketplace Buyer ordinarily has 48 hours after confirmed delivery to electronically accept the Property or submit a permitted claim.
If the Buyer does neither during that period, the Property may be treated as accepted for transaction-administration and payout purposes, subject to rights that cannot legally be waived.
After applicable payment, delivery, Marketplace Examination, Buyer Acceptance, return, dispute, chargeback, deduction, and other payout conditions have been satisfied, GCA’s current default is to authorize or remit the Seller’s net proceeds within three business days.
Actual receipt may be affected by bank or payment-provider processing, weekends, holidays, verification, reserves, claims, chargebacks, fraud reviews, or legal holds.
Grading, Authentication & Condition
Not necessarily.
GCA and the owner may determine whether third-party grading or authentication is appropriate for the particular Property.
Yes, when grading or authentication is selected or otherwise approved.
GCA may coordinate submission to an independent third-party grading or authentication company.
The third-party provider—not GCA—controls its acceptance of the Property, its evaluation or grade, processing time, shipping time, and return date.
Third-party grading or authentication may take several weeks or several months.
Property generally cannot be placed into the applicable auction or activated for a Marketplace Listing until it has been returned and is ready for sale.
Unless GCA expressly provides a written guarantee for a specific transaction, GCA does not guarantee authenticity, grade, condition, future value, liquidity, population count, or acceptance by another grading service or marketplace.
Grades, certifications, and authentication determinations issued by third parties are opinions of those third parties and may change or be withdrawn.
Any appraisal, valuation, estimate, market information, or pricing guidance provided by GCA is an opinion based on information reasonably available at the time.
Unless GCA expressly agrees otherwise in a separate written record, it is not a certified appraisal or a guarantee of authenticity, grade, sale price, market value, liquidity, or future performance.
Returns & Claims
Contact GCA promptly.
Depending on the transaction and applicable terms, permitted claims may include:
- Counterfeit Property;
- Delivery of the wrong item;
- A material factual misdescription;
- A material undisclosed condition issue;
- Transit damage;
- Shortage; or
- Non-delivery.
Preserve the Property, packaging, shipping labels, tracking information, photographs, and other relevant evidence.
Do not materially alter the Property in a way that could interfere with reviewing the claim.
Submit the claim using the method and within the deadline stated for the applicable transaction.
Generally, no.
GCA does not provide a general buyer-remorse return right unless the applicable transaction terms or rights that cannot legally be waived provide otherwise.
Account, Privacy & Support
GCA may use personal information to operate accounts, administer listings, auctions and purchases, process payments and payouts, verify identity and authority, prevent fraud, coordinate shipping, grading and authentication, comply with legal requirements, provide support, and operate and improve the Services.
Please review GCA’s Privacy Policy for complete information regarding GCA’s privacy practices.
GCA does not sell personal information for money.
Depending on the technologies actually used, certain advertising, analytics, or technology disclosures may nevertheless be considered a “sale,” “sharing,” or targeted advertising under some privacy laws.
Where applicable, GCA will provide legally required notices and privacy choices.
Full payment-card information is ordinarily collected and tokenized by Stripe or another approved payment processor rather than stored directly by GCA.
For general questions, account assistance, transaction support, legal notices, or privacy inquiries, contact:
support@globalcardauctions.com
Global Card Auctions, LLC
12472 Lake Underhill Rd. #408
Orlando, FL 32828
