Native American/African/Pre-Columbian Auction

Condition of Items
All items offered are sold 'as is-where is' with all faults, whether known or unknown. Heartland Artifact Auctions, Inc. ('Auctioneer') makes no warranties or guarantees whatsoever as to the quality, quantity, or condition of any article or lot.

Descriptions are prepared as a guide only and shall not be relied upon for accuracy or completeness. By submitting a bid, the Buyer/Bidder affirms that they have inspected all items, or have waived their right to do so, prior to bidding. Buyers are deemed to have relied entirely on their own inspections and evaluations.

Heartland Artifact Auctions is not responsible for costs incurred by Buyer for any inspections, evaluations, or other means of authentication. Costs associated with inspections, evaluations, or other means of authentication are at the sole responsibility of the Buyer.

Payment Terms
Invoices & Due Date: All invoices are sent following the auction and are due upon receipt.

Accepted Payment Methods: Cash, personal check, cashier's check, PayPal, and credit/debit cards.

Checks Over $20,000: Must be accompanied by an approved bank letter.

Currency: All invoicing and bidding are in U.S. Dollars (USD); payments must also be in USD.

Credit Card Policy & Timing:

A valid credit card is required to register and participate in our auctions.
After the auction, you may choose to pay by check, money order, PayPal, or a credit/debit card.
If we have not heard from you within 7 days of the auction's conclusion (e.g., if your check is delayed), we will attempt to contact you. If payment is still not received after 10 days, we will charge the card on file.
If the card on file is declined, we will contact you once to correct the issue. If unresolved after 14 days, your bidding privileges will be terminated for all future auctions.
We do not store card information in-house; it is securely stored via our payment processor (Stripe).
Buyer's Premium & Sales Tax
Buyer's Premium:

Floor Bidders: 10%
Auctions at heartlandartifacts.com: 15%
Third-Party Auction Platforms: 17%
Sales Tax:

Charged to Illinois residents in accordance with state regulations unless a valid tax-exempt form is provided prior to payment.
Calculated after the buyer's premium is applied.
Highest Bidder & Disputes
All items are sold to the highest bidder, conforming to the bid process. In the event of a dispute between two or more parties regarding the winning bid, the Auctioneer's decision will be final. The Auctioneer may re-auction the disputed item at their discretion. The Auctioneer reserves the right to withdraw, combine, or separate any lot before or during the sale and to refuse bids without explanation. All sales are concluded at the fall of the hammer (or as indicated by the Auctioneer).

Announcements & Corrections
Any announcements made by the Auctioneer on the day of the auction take precedence over any prior statements or published materials but do not alter these Terms of Sale. The Auctioneer reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions in any announcements or documents without liability.

Shipping & Handling
In-House Shipping:

We typically ship via USPS and UPS.
Tracking numbers are emailed once the labels are generated after invoices are paid. Allow 24-48 hours for tracking updates and up to 14 days for shipping.
Insurance: If you want insurance, please inform us before paying. We will revise your invoice accordingly.
Shipping Cost Adjustments:

Shipping costs on the invoice may be estimates. If actual costs differ, we will notify you of any required adjustments.
Large, Fragile, or Heavy Items:

We reserve the right to outsource shipping to UPS. UPS will contact you directly for payment of those shipping charges, and this will be noted on your invoice.
If you prefer to pick up your items in person, inform us in advance. We are generally available Monday-Thursday by appointment.
Alternative Carriers & Pick-up:

If you prefer a different shipping provider, you must arrange for pick-up at our convenience.
Risk & Responsibility: Buyer assumes all risk of loss once the item is paid for (see section regarding 'Risk of Loss' for more details).

Default & Remedies
If a Buyer fails to adhere to these Terms (including payment), the Auctioneer may, in addition to other remedies permitted by law:

Cancel the sale, retaining any payments made (including deposits) as liquidated damages, and/or
Resell the merchandise at a public auction. Any deficiency between the Buyer's original purchase price and the resale price, as well as removal or resale costs, Auctioneer's commissions, and legal fees, will be the Buyer's responsibility.
Abandonment of Items
If an item remains unpaid 21 days after the auction, the merchandise may be deemed abandoned, and any interest the Buyer has acquired will revert to the Auctioneer without further notice. Any deposits made will be forfeited. No purchaser may assign or sell their rights to an article prior to full payment.

Risk of Loss
Risk of loss shifts to the Buyer once items have been paid for and mailed to the Buyer. If the Auctioneer cannot deliver an item due to theft, fire, or other cause prior to mailing, the Auctioneer will reimburse the Buyer for monies paid in connection with that item, at which point the Auctioneer's liability ends.

Auctioneer is not responsible for the items once they have been received by the postal service responsible for delivery. Should theft, damage, or other cause affect the delivery of the item or the condition of items upon arrival, it is the responsibility of the Buyer to contact the mail carrier to file any disputes or claims. Auction house will provide upon request documentation for making a claim when available.

Limitation of Liability
The Auctioneer's liability to the Buyer is limited to the purchase price actually paid. Claims do not extend to personal injury, lost profits, incidental or consequential damages, or any other losses.

Bidder Registration & Paddle/Number
The bidder's number is nontransferable. All bids made using that number are the responsibility of the registered Bidder. A successful bid constitutes a legally binding contract of sale. The Auctioneer reserves the right to refuse any applicant the privilege of bidding or attending the auction and may revoke such privilege at any time.

Governing Law
The laws of the State of Illinois govern all sales and related transactions. If any provision of these Terms of Sale is invalid or unenforceable, the remainder remains in full force. These Terms, along with any announced modifications, represent the entire agreement between the parties.

Acceptance of Terms
By bidding or paying an invoice, you acknowledge and accept these Terms of Sale.

Right to Modify Terms
Heartland Artifact Auctions, Inc. reserves the right to update, revise, or otherwise alter these Terms of Sale at any time, for any reason, and without prior notice. Any modifications will apply to all transactions occurring after the date of the change.

Credit Card & PayPal Surcharge
A 4% surcharge applies to all final invoiced totals (including sales tax) paid by credit card or PayPal.

Return Policy
30-Day Return Period: Heartland Artifact Auctions, Inc. accepts returns for a full refund of the purchase price and buyer's premium for 30 days following the conclusion of the sale from which the items were purchased as long as those items are in the 'as sold' condition. Items may not be returned after the 30-day window unless otherwise discussed with the Auctioneer directly.

Return Process:

If you wish to return, you must contact us within this 30-day window.
Buyer is responsible for return shipping.
Authentication Exception:

If you intend to have an item authenticated, you must email us immediately upon receiving the item with you intent.
If the authenticator 'kills' or discredits the item, you must email us the kill letter (PDF) and a tracking number for your return shipment. Upon receipt of the returned item, you will be refunded the purchase price and buyer's premium.
Buyer is responsible for return shipping.
Items with Certificates of Authenticity:

WE DO NOT ACCEPT returns for items that already possess a certificate of authenticity from the following authenticators: Roy Motley, Jerry Dickey, Jim Bennett, Ryan Keele, Josh Davis, or Ben Stermer-NO EXCEPTIONS.
Items that already possess a certificate of authenticity do not qualify for the extended authentication-based return policy.
If you have sent your item to an authenticator, they must make their assessment before the 30-day window has concluded. Any assessments made after the 30-day window will not be deemed qualified for our authentication exception policy.
Marketing Communications
By bidding, you may receive marketing emails or SMS from Heartland Artifact Auctions, Inc. You may opt-out at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions or contacting us directly.

Auctioneers and staff may bid on items within the auction.

Customer Service: 217-617-7994 | info@heartlandartifacts.com