Auction Joy for Everyone
Southern Heirs Auction wants to ensure that attending and buying at our Auction is always a positive enjoyable experience. A big misconception is that only certain people can buy at an Auction. The Auction is always open to anyone and everyone! We try to make sure that a night at our Auction is Fun, Easy, and hopefully all of your purchases are a good investment!
Our best advice is to plan your purchases, set your limits, and make sure you know what you're bidding on!
Do not get pre-occupied when items are being sold LISTEN CAREFULLY when each item is being described and sold.
Please feel free to ask questions before the Auction. Someone will always be available and happy to answer questions during preview times.
For Any More Questions
Feel free to email us or call us (225) 791-2440.
What's available for auction?
Every sale, we usually feature over 500 items, from period pieces to Contemporary, Hand made reproductions, Collectibles, vintage glassware, artwork, oriental rugs, and designer pieces.
How can I find out more about the pieces for sale?
We encourage you to preview the pieces we will be selling each sale. Preview times at our facility are usually 2:30pm Day of sale until sale time. One of our staff members is always available during preview times to answer your questions. The selling price is greatly affected by the bidders in the audience on any given Sale, but we can usually give you a fairly close range.
If you cannot make it for preview, many of our furniture items will be pictured and posted on our website prior to sale time.
You can preview the current week's auction online by visiting and clicking the "Applicable tab for that sale" located in the left hand side of the home page.
You can also call on the phone (225) 791-2440 or email bidtop34@bellsouth.net If you cannot make it in person to preview, Someone will answer your questions on the phone or through e-mail. They will assist you with sizes, condition, estimates, and e-mailing additional photos if you need it. .
What if I can't attend the Auction?
If you're interested in bidding on a piece, but can't attend the auction, there are two other ways for you to purchase in the auction.
Silent Bids - You can attend our preview, register as if you were attending that night's auction, and leave your bids with us. One of our associates will "stand in" and bid competitively for you - up to your highest bid on the item(s) you have chosen. If the item sells for less than your maximum bid amount, you'll be responsible for the actual selling price - not for the full amount of your maximum bid. You are also more than welcome to leave a silent bid over the phone by previewing items that are on the website.
Phone Bids - You can, for certain items, bid by phone. Please make sure that any phone bids are confirmed prior to the start of the auction. When the item comes up for auction, we will call you, relay the bids to you, and allow you to participate by telephone. The phone will be then handed to the checkout clerk who will request payment by credit card. In some situations other arrangements can be made for payment for the item(s).
How does your auction work?
Our auctions begin at the scheduled time sharp. In order to bid, you must register at the desk and receive a bidding number.
You can register and participate at anytime throughout the auction, however we cannot guarantee when an item will be sold.
We will describe each piece being sold, the auctioneer will start by asking "who'll give me $100…75… 50", until someone in the audience starts the bidding. The bidding continues until only one bidder remains. That bidder is the owner of the item!
Our auctions that start at 6:30 pm normally end around 10:00 pm, but can be as late as 1:00 am.
What if I want an item to be sold earlier in the sale?
If there is a particular item you'd like to bid on, please ask one of the head floor hands. If possible we will try to get the item or items up on the sale block as early as possible.
Please keep in mind that we cannot sell everything in the first part of the sale. If you must leave and want to bid on an item(s), please ask someone to assist you. As a last resort, if you are unable to stay and the item has not come up yet, ask an associate at the counter or on the floor to assist you with a silent bid.
Can I reserve a seat?
We encourage you to reserve a seat for the auction by requesting by phone (225) 791-2440 or email. We will place a "RESERVED" sign in a chair with your name and how many seats you requested.
We encourage that you call ahead or email during the week and reserve seats.
Reserved seating is in effect until the sale starts unless you call in and let us know you are running late.
If you have already reserved a seat and cannot attend, please call us to remove the reservation and allow others to use the seat(s) without delay.
Please understand that we reserve seats as a courtesy for our customers and we cannot guarantee that your seats will be there when you get here. We very seldom have this problem, but as you know there are rude people that do not respect others.
How do I get the auctioneer's attention?
The best way to signal a bid to the auctioneer is simply to raise your bidding card so that the auctioneer can see your bidder number. The auctioneer will make eye contact with you and either point at you or nod his head to let you know that he's acknowledging your bid. If you are interested in bidding on a piece, but cannot get the auctioneer's attention, you may attract the auctioneer's attention by calling out.
The saying "He who hesitates has lost" is especially true at an auction, don't wait until the last second to bid if you're interested.
How can I avoid making a mistake?
Our best advice is to PREVIEW CAREFULLY, ask questions, and listen attentively to the description of the item(s) being auctioned. Our floor hands will hold up each piece of merchandise for your benefit so that you can better see the item currently being auctioned. We strongly encourage you to pay close attention to the item being auctioned. Be certain you are bidding on the item you intend to buy.
How do you sell bedroom & dining room sets?
Each sale we often offer many complete bedroom and dining room sets. You may be interested in only certain items in a set (such as a china cabinet, or a single night stand) instead of the complete set. When the set's offered for auction, we will sell each item individually first as a hold. Then the bids are totaled.
Example: 10 piece dining room suite
China: $250
Sideboard: $225
Server: $200
Table: $200
Chairs: $45 x 6 ea = $270
Total: $1,145.00
The auctioneer will then ask for a higher bid with about 10% increase of the total, such as in this case he would ask for $1275.00 to keep it as a set. If someone is interested in bidding on the set at the accumulated total, then all previous bids will be cancelled, and bidding will continue on the set.
Should the auctioneer ask for a higher bid, and no one bids this amount, then each individual piece is sold to its respective buyer.
China: $250
Sideboard: $225
Server: $200
Table: $200
Chairs: $45 x 6 ea = $270
Total: $1,145.00
The auctioneer will then ask for a higher bid with about 10% increase of the total, such as in this case he would ask for $1275.00 to keep it as a set. If someone is interested in bidding on the set at the accumulated total, then all previous bids will be cancelled, and bidding will continue on the set.
Should the auctioneer ask for a higher bid, and no one bids this amount, then each individual piece is sold to its respective buyer.
What's a buyer's premium?
A buyer's premium is a fee charged to each sale to cover some of the operating cost to run the auction. While most all auctions now charge a 15% Buyer's premium, Southern Heirs at this time only charges a 10% buyer's premium if payment is made by check or cash.
Example:
Lamp $75.00
Small Table $50.00
Total Purchase $125.00
10% Buyers premium $12.50
Total: $137.50
If you are not a Dealer an 8.5% Sales Tax will be also added to the total price. See below for Sales Tax details.
What about sales tax?
All merchandise sold is subject to Louisiana State Sales Tax and Livingston Parish sales Tax for a total of 8.5%. You must have an up to date Louisiana Tax Exemption form on file with us to be exempt from sales tax. Be sure to let us know when you register for the auction, so that we don't include sales tax to your bill.
How do I pay for my purchase(s)?
All items must be paid for the day of sale once you have completed your bidding. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept personal checks and cash.
What about delivery?
We have a person (Kyle) that does deliveries for a reasonable fee, starting around $85 for local deliveries. Even though Southern Heirs Auction highly recommends his services, this person does deliveries on his on without the responsibility of Southern Heirs Auction. Deliveries are done in an enclosed trailer, and all of your furniture is wrapped and well taken care of. He brings ample help so that you do not have to touch it…He puts it right in place in your Home or shop.
Will you store my purchase(s)?
Southern Heirs Auction will work with you to keep your merchandise for a reasonable amount of time, but is not responsible for lost or damaged merchandise. We will have a designated pick-up time to facilitate you in picking up your items. We do have storage buildings that can be rented at a very reasonable rate.
Who is the staff?
Tony and Melanie Achord own and operate Southern Heirs Auction. Miguel Feuntes is the floor manager of Southern Heirs Auction. We will do what we can to make your experience a positive one.
Who is your auctioneer?
Tony (#1060) and Norris Achord (#932) are the Auctioneers. They bring with them a wealth of experience with over of 50 years combined. Norris said that he taught Tony almost everything he knows…Again almost everything!
Definitions:
Like any business, the auction and antiques business uses words, which are familiar to those in the business, but may be unfamiliar to newcomers or first time auction-goers. We encourage you to listen carefully as the auctioneer introduces a piece and offers information, which may affect your bidding:
"all for one money"
Sometimes we will sell objects (like a set of silver, or a lot of glassware) as a group. In auction terms, we call this "all for one money."
"times the money"
When we will sell similar objects (like matching vases, Lamps, or sets of chairs), we may sell them "times the money." The bidding is for each item. In other words, a set of 10 chairs selling at $75 each will have a total of $750.00 plus buyer's premium and applicable sales tax. Again, listen to how the item is being sold. You will not be excused from purchase just because you were not paying attention.
"period piece" or "reproduction"
The item up for auction may be a desk from the 1800's (19th C), or it may be a desk made many years later, in the style of 19th C furniture. If the desk was made in the 19th C (in this example), it is a true "period piece" - built in the period of time when that style was popular. If the desk was made much later, then it's a reproduction.
"Killer"
Term used to describe what the Auctioneer thinks is a good piece! Wags this is for you!
How do I put items in the auction?
We liquidate complete estates or individual items from people who may be downsizing, relocating, Liquidating, or simply upgrading. Please talk to Tony or Melanie for more information on accepting items for auction, and the commission fee(s) appropriate for your items.
I have an estate that I would like to liquidate without moving it to your auction?
We do many onsite sales, and would be happy to meet with you to look at and discuss what would be better for you. Your location, type of merchandise, and amount of merchandise will play a role in what we advise you to do.
What's available for auction?
Every sale, we usually feature over 500 items, from period pieces to Contemporary, Hand made reproductions, Collectibles, vintage glassware, artwork, oriental rugs, and designer pieces.
How can I find out more about the pieces for sale?
We encourage you to preview the pieces we will be selling each sale. Preview times at our facility are usually 2:30pm Day of sale until sale time. One of our staff members is always available during preview times to answer your questions. The selling price is greatly affected by the bidders in the audience on any given Sale, but we can usually give you a fairly close range.
If you cannot make it for preview, many of our furniture items will be pictured and posted on our website prior to sale time.
You can preview the current week's auction online by visiting and clicking the "Applicable tab for that sale" located in the left hand side of the home page.
You can also call on the phone (225) 791-2440 or email bidtop34@bellsouth.net If you cannot make it in person to preview, Someone will answer your questions on the phone or through e-mail. They will assist you with sizes, condition, estimates, and e-mailing additional photos if you need it. .
What if I can't attend the Auction?
If you're interested in bidding on a piece, but can't attend the auction, there are two other ways for you to purchase in the auction.
Silent Bids - You can attend our preview, register as if you were attending that night's auction, and leave your bids with us. One of our associates will "stand in" and bid competitively for you - up to your highest bid on the item(s) you have chosen. If the item sells for less than your maximum bid amount, you'll be responsible for the actual selling price - not for the full amount of your maximum bid. You are also more than welcome to leave a silent bid over the phone by previewing items that are on the website.
Phone Bids - You can, for certain items, bid by phone. Please make sure that any phone bids are confirmed prior to the start of the auction. When the item comes up for auction, we will call you, relay the bids to you, and allow you to participate by telephone. The phone will be then handed to the checkout clerk who will request payment by credit card. In some situations other arrangements can be made for payment for the item(s).
How does your auction work?
Our auctions begin at the scheduled time sharp. In order to bid, you must register at the desk and receive a bidding number.
You can register and participate at anytime throughout the auction, however we cannot guarantee when an item will be sold.
We will describe each piece being sold, the auctioneer will start by asking "who'll give me $100…75… 50", until someone in the audience starts the bidding. The bidding continues until only one bidder remains. That bidder is the owner of the item!
Our auctions that start at 6:30 pm normally end around 10:00 pm, but can be as late as 1:00 am.
What if I want an item to be sold earlier in the sale?
If there is a particular item you'd like to bid on, please ask one of the head floor hands. If possible we will try to get the item or items up on the sale block as early as possible.
Please keep in mind that we cannot sell everything in the first part of the sale. If you must leave and want to bid on an item(s), please ask someone to assist you. As a last resort, if you are unable to stay and the item has not come up yet, ask an associate at the counter or on the floor to assist you with a silent bid.
Can I reserve a seat?
We encourage you to reserve a seat for the auction by requesting by phone (225) 791-2440 or email. We will place a "RESERVED" sign in a chair with your name and how many seats you requested.
We encourage that you call ahead or email during the week and reserve seats.
Reserved seating is in effect until the sale starts unless you call in and let us know you are running late.
If you have already reserved a seat and cannot attend, please call us to remove the reservation and allow others to use the seat(s) without delay.
Please understand that we reserve seats as a courtesy for our customers and we cannot guarantee that your seats will be there when you get here. We very seldom have this problem, but as you know there are rude people that do not respect others.
How do I get the auctioneer's attention?
The best way to signal a bid to the auctioneer is simply to raise your bidding card so that the auctioneer can see your bidder number. The auctioneer will make eye contact with you and either point at you or nod his head to let you know that he's acknowledging your bid. If you are interested in bidding on a piece, but cannot get the auctioneer's attention, you may attract the auctioneer's attention by calling out.
The saying "He who hesitates has lost" is especially true at an auction, don't wait until the last second to bid if you're interested.
How can I avoid making a mistake?
Our best advice is to PREVIEW CAREFULLY, ask questions, and listen attentively to the description of the item(s) being auctioned. Our floor hands will hold up each piece of merchandise for your benefit so that you can better see the item currently being auctioned. We strongly encourage you to pay close attention to the item being auctioned. Be certain you are bidding on the item you intend to buy.
How do you sell bedroom & dining room sets?
Each sale we often offer many complete bedroom and dining room sets. You may be interested in only certain items in a set (such as a china cabinet, or a single night stand) instead of the complete set. When the set's offered for auction, we will sell each item individually first as a hold. Then the bids are totaled.
Example: 10 piece dining room suite
China: $250
Sideboard: $225
Server: $200
Table: $200
Chairs: $45 x 6 ea = $270
Total: $1,145.00
The auctioneer will then ask for a higher bid with about 10% increase of the total, such as in this case he would ask for $1275.00 to keep it as a set. If someone is interested in bidding on the set at the accumulated total, then all previous bids will be cancelled, and bidding will continue on the set.
Should the auctioneer ask for a higher bid, and no one bids this amount, then each individual piece is sold to its respective buyer.
China: $250
Sideboard: $225
Server: $200
Table: $200
Chairs: $45 x 6 ea = $270
Total: $1,145.00
The auctioneer will then ask for a higher bid with about 10% increase of the total, such as in this case he would ask for $1275.00 to keep it as a set. If someone is interested in bidding on the set at the accumulated total, then all previous bids will be cancelled, and bidding will continue on the set.
Should the auctioneer ask for a higher bid, and no one bids this amount, then each individual piece is sold to its respective buyer.
What's a buyer's premium?
A buyer's premium is a fee charged to each sale to cover some of the operating cost to run the auction. While most all auctions now charge a 15% Buyer's premium, Southern Heirs at this time only charges a 10% buyer's premium if payment is made by check or cash.
Example:
Lamp $75.00
Small Table $50.00
Total Purchase $125.00
10% Buyers premium $12.50
Total: $137.50
If you are not a Dealer an 8.5% Sales Tax will be also added to the total price. See below for Sales Tax details.
What about sales tax?
All merchandise sold is subject to Louisiana State Sales Tax and Livingston Parish sales Tax for a total of 8.5%. You must have an up to date Louisiana Tax Exemption form on file with us to be exempt from sales tax. Be sure to let us know when you register for the auction, so that we don't include sales tax to your bill.
How do I pay for my purchase(s)?
All items must be paid for the day of sale once you have completed your bidding. We accept Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express. We also accept personal checks and cash.
What about delivery?
We have a person (Kyle) that does deliveries for a reasonable fee, starting around $85 for local deliveries. Even though Southern Heirs Auction highly recommends his services, this person does deliveries on his on without the responsibility of Southern Heirs Auction. Deliveries are done in an enclosed trailer, and all of your furniture is wrapped and well taken care of. He brings ample help so that you do not have to touch it…He puts it right in place in your Home or shop.
Will you store my purchase(s)?
Southern Heirs Auction will work with you to keep your merchandise for a reasonable amount of time, but is not responsible for lost or damaged merchandise. We will have a designated pick-up time to facilitate you in picking up your items. We do have storage buildings that can be rented at a very reasonable rate.
Who is the staff?
Tony and Melanie Achord own and operate Southern Heirs Auction. Miguel Feuntes is the floor manager of Southern Heirs Auction. We will do what we can to make your experience a positive one.
Who is your auctioneer?
Tony (#1060) and Norris Achord (#932) are the Auctioneers. They bring with them a wealth of experience with over of 50 years combined. Norris said that he taught Tony almost everything he knows…Again almost everything!
Definitions:
Like any business, the auction and antiques business uses words, which are familiar to those in the business, but may be unfamiliar to newcomers or first time auction-goers. We encourage you to listen carefully as the auctioneer introduces a piece and offers information, which may affect your bidding:
"all for one money"
Sometimes we will sell objects (like a set of silver, or a lot of glassware) as a group. In auction terms, we call this "all for one money."
"times the money"
When we will sell similar objects (like matching vases, Lamps, or sets of chairs), we may sell them "times the money." The bidding is for each item. In other words, a set of 10 chairs selling at $75 each will have a total of $750.00 plus buyer's premium and applicable sales tax. Again, listen to how the item is being sold. You will not be excused from purchase just because you were not paying attention.
"period piece" or "reproduction"
The item up for auction may be a desk from the 1800's (19th C), or it may be a desk made many years later, in the style of 19th C furniture. If the desk was made in the 19th C (in this example), it is a true "period piece" - built in the period of time when that style was popular. If the desk was made much later, then it's a reproduction.
"Killer"
Term used to describe what the Auctioneer thinks is a good piece! Wags this is for you!
How do I put items in the auction?
We liquidate complete estates or individual items from people who may be downsizing, relocating, Liquidating, or simply upgrading. Please talk to Tony or Melanie for more information on accepting items for auction, and the commission fee(s) appropriate for your items.
I have an estate that I would like to liquidate without moving it to your auction?
We do many onsite sales, and would be happy to meet with you to look at and discuss what would be better for you. Your location, type of merchandise, and amount of merchandise will play a role in what we advise you to do.