Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about bidding, paying, picking up, and receiving your furniture auction wins.
Bidding
How do I bid on furniture?
All of our auctions are hosted on HiBid, one of the most trusted online auction platforms in the country. Here’s how to get started:
- Create a HiBid account — Visit HiBid.com and register with your name, email address, and a valid payment method.
- Browse our listings — Search for “River City Furniture Auction” on HiBid or follow the direct links on our website to view current and upcoming auctions.
- Place your bid — Once you find an item you love, enter your maximum bid amount. HiBid will automatically bid on your behalf up to that amount, so you don’t have to watch the auction every second.
- Watch for notifications — HiBid will email you if you’ve been outbid, giving you a chance to place a higher bid before the auction closes.
Bidding is open 24/7 while an auction is live, so you can participate from the comfort of your home at any time. If you’re new to online auctions, don’t worry — the process is simple, and our team is happy to walk you through it.
Payment
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover. Payment is processed securely through HiBid’s payment system when you win an auction.
Your card on file with HiBid will be charged automatically after the auction closes and your winning bids are confirmed. You’ll receive an invoice by email with a full breakdown of your purchases, including the item price and any applicable buyer’s premium.
If you have questions about a charge or need to update your payment information, you can manage your account directly through HiBid or contact our team for assistance.
What is the buyer's premium?
A buyer’s premium is a standard fee in the auction industry that is added to the winning bid price. At River City Furniture Auction, the buyer’s premium is a percentage of your winning bid, and it is clearly disclosed on each auction listing before you place a bid.
Here’s how it works:
If you win an item with a bid of $100 and the buyer’s premium is 15%, your total cost for that item would be $115 (the $100 hammer price plus a $15 buyer’s premium).
The buyer’s premium helps cover the costs of sourcing, inspecting, cataloging, photographing, and listing each piece of furniture, as well as maintaining our auction platform and facilities.
The exact buyer’s premium percentage is displayed on every auction listing on HiBid, so you’ll always know the full cost before you bid. We encourage all bidders to factor in the premium when setting their maximum bid amount.
Pickup
When can I pick up my items?
Pickup is available at our Sacramento, CA and Indianapolis, IN locations. After an auction closes, winning bidders will receive an email with specific pickup dates and times, typically within 3–5 business days of the auction ending.
Our standard pickup windows are:
- Sacramento — Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Indianapolis — Thursday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Please bring a valid photo ID and your winning bidder confirmation when you arrive. We recommend bringing help or appropriate vehicles for larger items like sofas, dining tables, and bed frames.
Items not picked up within the designated window may be subject to storage fees or forfeiture, so please plan accordingly. If you need to arrange an alternative pickup time, contact us as soon as possible and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
Shipping
Do you offer shipping?
Yes! Our Dallas, TX and Houston, TX locations are shipping-only — all items won from auctions at these locations are shipped directly to you. There is no local pickup option at these two sites.
Shipping costs vary depending on the size and weight of the item and your delivery address. Shipping fees will be calculated and included in your final invoice after the auction closes.
For our Sacramento, CA and Indianapolis, IN locations, items are available for local pickup only. We do not currently offer shipping from these two locations.
If you have specific questions about shipping costs or delivery timelines for Dallas or Houston auctions, feel free to reach out to our team before placing your bid.
How does shipping work for Dallas and Houston auctions?
Our Dallas, TX and Houston, TX locations operate exclusively as shipping-only auction sites. Here’s what to expect when you win items from these locations:
- Auction closes — Once the auction ends and your winning bids are confirmed, you’ll receive an invoice by email.
- Payment is processed — Your card on file is charged for the item total, buyer’s premium, and shipping fees.
- Items are packed and shipped — Our team carefully packages each piece of furniture for safe transit. Larger items are palletized and shipped via freight carrier, while smaller items may go through standard parcel shipping.
- Tracking information sent — You’ll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking details so you can follow your delivery.
- Delivery — Most items arrive within 7–14 business days, depending on your location and the size of the shipment. Freight deliveries will require someone to be home to receive the item.
Shipping costs are calculated based on the item’s size, weight, and your delivery zip code. These fees are clearly displayed on your invoice. If you’re bidding on multiple items in the same auction, we’ll do our best to consolidate shipments and reduce your overall shipping costs.
General
What types of furniture do you auction?
We auction a wide variety of furniture for every room in your home or office. Our inventory changes weekly, but you’ll regularly find:
- Living Room — Sofas, sectionals, loveseats, recliners, coffee tables, end tables, entertainment centers, and TV stands
- Dining Room — Dining tables, chair sets, buffets, sideboards, and china cabinets
- Bedroom — Bed frames, headboards, mattresses, dressers, nightstands, and armoires
- Office — Desks, office chairs, bookcases, filing cabinets, and shelving units
- Outdoor — Patio furniture sets, outdoor dining tables, and lounge chairs
- Accent Pieces — Ottomans, accent chairs, console tables, mirrors, and storage benches
Our furniture comes from a range of sources, including overstock from major retailers, store closures, and return merchandise. Many items are brand new or in like-new condition, and you’ll often find name-brand pieces at a fraction of retail price. Check our current auctions on HiBid to see what’s available this week.
Can I preview items before bidding?
Yes, in-person previews are available at our Sacramento, CA and Indianapolis, IN pickup locations. Preview hours are typically held the day before an auction closes or during scheduled pickup days. Specific preview times are listed on each auction’s HiBid page.
During a preview, you can examine furniture up close, check dimensions, test drawers and mechanisms, and get a feel for the overall condition. It’s a great way to bid with confidence, especially on larger pieces.
For our Dallas, TX and Houston, TX shipping-only locations, in-person previews are not available. However, we provide detailed photographs of every item from multiple angles, along with written descriptions that include dimensions, condition notes, and any visible flaws. We do our best to represent each piece accurately so you know exactly what you’re bidding on.
If you have specific questions about an item that aren’t covered in the listing, don’t hesitate to reach out to us before placing your bid.
What if my item arrives damaged or isn't what I expected?
All items sold through River City Furniture Auction are sold as-is, where-is, and all sales are final. We do not offer returns, refunds, or exchanges.
We understand this policy requires trust, which is why we work hard to represent every item accurately:
- Detailed photos are taken from multiple angles so you can assess condition before bidding.
- Written descriptions include dimensions, materials, and notes about any visible damage, scratches, or wear.
- Condition grades are provided when applicable to give you a quick sense of the item’s overall state.
We strongly encourage all bidders to review photos and descriptions carefully before placing a bid. If you’re local to Sacramento or Indianapolis, take advantage of our in-person preview hours to inspect items firsthand.
For shipped items from our Dallas and Houston locations, if an item is damaged during transit, please contact us within 48 hours of delivery with photos of the damage. We will work with the shipping carrier to file a claim on your behalf.
Where are you located?
River City Furniture Auction operates in four cities across the United States:
- Sacramento, CA — Our flagship location offering local pickup. Browse, bid, and pick up your furniture in person.
- Indianapolis, IN — Our Midwest location, also offering local pickup for winning bidders in the greater Indianapolis area.
- Dallas, TX — A shipping-only location. All items won from Dallas auctions are shipped directly to your door.
- Houston, TX — A shipping-only location serving bidders across Texas and beyond with convenient home delivery.
Whether you’re nearby and want to pick up a great deal in person or you’re across the country and prefer the convenience of shipping, we’ve got you covered. Each location runs its own auction schedule, so check our HiBid page regularly to see what’s available near you.
Still Have Questions?
Our team is happy to help. Reach out and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
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