FAQs

Q: I have a question about an Item or Listing, how do I get in contact with someone?

A: You can email info@steelcityauction.com with the item # and your question. We are also available Monday-Friday from 8:30 - 5:00PM at (412) 539-0080. If you need assistance during a live auction after regular business hours, please send an email to info@steelcityauction.com.

Q: I am a business owner or private donor and would like to inquire about Sponsorships and/or offering a listing, how do I get in contact with someone?

A: We always welcome new partnerships. For inquiries, please call (412) 539-0080 during regular business hours. You can also send an email to info@steelcityauction.com.

Q: How do I know if I won an Item? What happens after I won?

A: If you are opted in to text messages, you will be notified via text shortly after the auction closes if you won an item. Credit cards will be charged the following morning. Once paid, winners will receive an email in the next 1-2 business days after the auction closes with instructions on how to receive your item.

Q: When will I be charged for the items I have won?

A: You will be notified at the close of the auction if you have won an Item. Your credit card will be charged the morning after the auction ends for all items that you have won.

Q: How does sales tax work?

A: Customers are responsible for paying the sales tax directly to the vendor. The sales tax is charged on the Fair Market Value of the item, and not the Final Bid Price. You may pay your vendor directly when you make arrangements to pickup your item.

Q: The auction timer did not end at the advertised time. What happened?

A: Extended Bidding Period: This auction utilizes an automatic extended bidding period. The extended bidding period is initiated once the auction countdown is below 60 seconds. During the extended bidding period, all new bids will reset the auction countdown to 60 seconds. The auction will end when no new bids are entered for a full 60 seconds. This functions the same as a live auctioneer saying "going once, going twice?". This is a preventative measure for auction sniping and is common practice with many online auctions. (**This information is stated on the bottom of our main auction home page under the “Sponsors” section for every auction. View it now by clicking the “View Auction” button above and scrolling to the bottom.) You can hit the refresh button on your internet browser if you want to be sure of the current status of the timer.

Q: How can I make sure someone doesn’t outbid me at the very end?

Auto-bidding: Users will have the option to place a maximum bid for each item and allow the system to "auto bid" for you. With an auto bid, our system will place your bid at the minimum amount needed to lead. When you are outbid, our system will bid automatically for you until your maximum is reached. Users with a mobile number will automatically receive a text message when they have been outbid at their maximum bid amount.  This is a preventative measure for auction sniping.

*Auto-bids act the same way as traditional bids during the extended bidding period, meaning an auto bid during the last 60 seconds of the auction will reset the auction timer. The auto bids will continue to be placed until the maximum bid price is reached or until no new bids are placed for a full 60 seconds.

Q: What’s the Second Chance Auction?

The second chance auction is an opportunity for bidders to take a second chance at several items. Many items are restocked, some items are still remaining from the regular auction, and several items are brand new for the second chance. The second chance is also a second opportunity to make more money for our nonprofit partner!
Second chance auctions are not guaranteed to run, so don’t miss the regular auction!