Terms & Conditions for Our Online Auction

Online Auction Guidelines

S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. places an estimate and an opening minimum bid amount on each lot. Estimates are intended as a guide only and not as a statement of value. Once a bid is placed, only a member of S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. may cancel the bid. Bidders are solely responsible for errors in bidding. Bidders are strongly encouraged to ask us questions prior to bidding in our online auction. The property in our online auction is offered for sale by S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. for itself and in some instances as an agent for other consignors. Please note that an auction sale is not an approval sale. Bidding is only open to those who have registered for the electronic auction and agree to our Terms & Conditions and have been authorized to bid by us. Invoices are due and payable immediately. Estimates and bids are in U.S. dollars (US$), and bids must be in even dollar amounts.

 

Payment

 We will only accept payment by bank to bank transfer (BACS) to our Bank and by personal or Cashier’s check. Buyers are advised that purchases will not be released until good funds are received and credited into our Bank account. We do not accept payment by credit cards or travelers checks on Online Auction purchases. Payment must be made upon of the close of the online auction. California Residents will be charged the appropriate State Sales Tax when and where applicable. S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. may at its Sole discretion void any bid or rescind the sale it so deems for any reason whatsoever and without prior Notice.

 

Shipping & Delivery

Unless otherwise requested, S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. uses USPS or FedEx to ship pieces. We make every effort to ship items promptly upon receipt of payment in full. Typical delivery times depend on size and destination. Domestic and International customers are responsible for all duties and taxes.

Note to Buyers: All packing, shipping, and insurance charges are the solely the responsibility of the purchaser.

 

Notice Regarding Compliance to International Treaty Law

We deal in ancient and historical objects, which may be subject to import restrictions due to international Treaty, or local laws in the Jurisdiction where the Bidder resides. It is the Bidder’s responsibility to ascertain if the object (s) purchased may be lawfully shipped. The bidder/ Buyer is solely responsible for paying any duty or taxes, which may be assessed by Lawful authority. Potential Buyers are urged to contact us before bidding with questions. California Residents must pay applicable Sales Tax on shipments made within California or in the jurisdiction where the shipment is delivered. S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. will not be held responsible in the event of seizure actions made by Lawful authorities in the Buyer’s delivery address.

 

 Resolution of Disputes Regarding Authenticity 

S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. makes every effort to properly date and identify the objects we sell. Our dating and representation of authenticity is our expert opinion and is not a statement of fact nor may it be relied upon by third parties. Any claim of misrepresentation must be made within (3) days of order receipt.All sales are final. No cash refunds will be made. Items may only be returned for exchange or store credit in case of online misrepresentation or lack of authenticity with our prior approval. We have more than 40 years of experience in handling Oriental works of art. In the event of a dispute, we require written proof of test results and three (3) written expert reports by experts mutually acceptable to S. Bernstein & Co. and the Buyer. Under no circumstances may Items be returned without prior approval of S. Bernstein & Co., Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. Items must be returned in the original condition at the Buyer’s expense. If an item arrives damaged due to shipping, S. Bernstein & Co. must be contacted in writing within 2 days with a full description of the damages.

 

Account Information

Upon logging in to a current account or creating a new account with S. Bernstein & Co. Jade & Oriental Art, Inc. users may enter, edit, or delete any personal information at any time. Through the member area users will be allowed to enter contact, address, billing, shipping, profile, or auction information as needed or necessary.

 

Privacy & Security

We take your privacy concerns very seriously. We promise to keep all personal information private and secure & we will not collect any information except when you specifically provide it. We will never share, rent, or sell your personal information to any third party without your consent. We will store your information in a secure database. You may review, update, or correct your information at any time. You may opt out of any contact by us at any time. You may opt out of any email or other notification services we provide at any time.

 

Law & Jurisdiction

The rights and obligations of the parties with respect to these terms and conditions of sale, the conduct of the on line auction and any matters connected with any of the foregoing shall be governed and interpreted under the laws of the State of California.

Any controversy or claim arising out of or relating to this contract, or the breach thereof, shall be settled by arbitration in accordance with the Small Case Arbitration and Forum of the Rules of the American Arbitration Association in San Francisco, in that forum and venue, with attorney’s fees and costs to the prevailing party. Any Court having jurisdiction thereof may enter the award rendered by the Arbitrator(s) as its judgment.