Questions and answers

We plan to open to customers in the US in March 2027. Waitlist members get the opening collection 48 hours before the public, and we’ll confirm the exact date by email.

No. It’s free, there’s nothing to buy, and every email has a one-click unsubscribe link.

Before launch, only when there’s something worth telling you: the opening date and your early-access invitation. After launch, usually once or twice a month, when pieces come in that we think you’ll want to see.

Not yet. At launch we’ll ship to all 50 states. If you’re outside the US, email us and we’ll let you know when that changes.

Yes. Every piece is inspected in our New York studio before it’s listed, whoever is selling it. There are no exceptions for long-standing sellers or for pieces our own buyers found. See how we authenticate.

We’ll refund what you paid in full, including shipping and sales tax, with no time limit. The full guarantee will be set out in our Buyer Terms, which we’ll publish before launch.

We’re planning a 7-day return window from delivery for most items, as long as the Lot & Gavel tag is still attached. Pieces marked final sale can’t be returned. The details will be in our Buyer Terms.

Our team suggests a price based on recent sales of comparable pieces in similar condition, and the seller approves it. At launch every item has a fixed price. We don’t run auctions.

Major credit and debit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Sales tax is calculated at checkout where it applies.

From our New York studio, fully insured, with a signature required on delivery. Every order includes its printed ledger card.

Individuals and small dealers in the US, aged 18 or over, whose application we’ve approved. We care more about the pieces than the volume: one exceptional bag is as welcome as a full inventory. Apply here.

A 20% commission on the final sale price, and nothing else. Founding sellers approved before launch pay 12% for their first 12 months of selling. See fees and payouts.

By ACH, 10 days after the buyer receives the item, once their 7-day return window has closed. If a buyer returns the item, there’s no commission and no payout, and the piece goes back on sale or back to you.

Yes. Every item is authenticated, graded and photographed in our studio, which is how we keep one standard across the site. We send you a prepaid, insured label, or you can drop off in New York by appointment.

We return it to you, fully insured. If we have reason to believe an item is stolen, we’re required to report it. Accounts that repeatedly send items that don’t pass are closed.

Yes. Before your first payout we’ll ask for an IRS Form W-9. We issue Form 1099-K when IRS reporting thresholds are met, and we collect sales tax from buyers where the law requires it.

A short, factual record for each piece: maker and model, era, materials, condition grade, where it was sourced, owners on record, service history and the date it was authenticated. It’s printed on a card that ships with the item and kept on file with us. See an example.

The number of previous owners we can document from receipts, service records or seller declarations. If we can’t document it, the entry says “Unknown”. We’d rather leave a line blank than guess.

Not at launch. For now we’re focused on the pieces we sell. If we offer authentication as a separate service later, waitlist members will hear about it first.

No. Lot & Gavel is an independent reseller and isn’t affiliated with or endorsed by any of the brands we sell. Our specialists answer to buyers, not to brands.