Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're bidding for the first time or considering selling with us — here are answers to the questions we hear most. Don't see yours? Call us directly at 479-968-2028.
Section 01
New to bidding with Spear? Here's everything you need to know to register, bid confidently, and pick up your items. Our online auctions run through HiBid — one registration gets you access to all of our sales.
All online auctions are hosted on HiBid at spearauctioneers.hibid.com. Registration is free and takes about two minutes. You'll need a valid email address, a phone number, and a credit card on file for verification — your card is not charged at registration.
Once registered on HiBid, your account works for all Spear auctions going forward. You won't need to register again for future sales. For live on-site real estate auctions, registration is completed in person the day of the auction.
HiBid is the online auction platform we use to host all of our online sales. It's one of the most widely used auction platforms in the country, with bidders registered in all 50 states. You can bid from your phone, tablet, or desktop — from anywhere.
Each auction has a catalog of individual lots with photos, descriptions, and condition notes. You place bids on individual lots. HiBid uses an auto-bid system — you can set a maximum bid and the platform will bid on your behalf up to that amount, only going higher if someone else bids against you.
When an auction closes, winning bidders receive an invoice and pickup instructions via email.
We accept the following payment methods:
Payment is due at the time of pickup. All invoices must be settled before items are removed from the property.
Every auction lists a specific pickup date, time, and location — this information is included in the auction catalog and in your winning bidder invoice. Pickup day and time is not flexible — please plan accordingly before you bid. Items left after the pickup window may be forfeited.
All Spear auctions are conducted at the seller's location. Pickup is always at that property unless stated otherwise in the listing. Please bring appropriate help and equipment to load your purchases — Spear staff do not load items for buyers.
Shipping: Shipping availability varies by auction and is clearly stated in each listing. When shipping is offered, it is the buyer's responsibility to arrange and pay for shipping. Some auctions offer shipping on select lots — check the individual auction catalog for details.
A soft close means that if a bid is placed on any lot within a set window before that lot's scheduled close time — typically the last few minutes — the closing time for that lot is automatically extended. This prevents last-second "sniping" and gives other bidders a fair chance to respond.
Soft closes are standard on all Spear online auctions. Lots close in sequence, so active bidding on one lot may extend that lot's close time while others close around it. Pay attention to individual lot close times in the HiBid catalog.
Online auctions run entirely through HiBid over several days. Bidding is open 24/7 from the time the auction goes live until closing. You can bid from anywhere — phone, tablet, or computer. Most estate, personal property, and equipment auctions at Spear are online.
Live auctions are conducted on-site at the property on a specific date and time. A licensed auctioneer calls the bids in real time and all bidding takes place in person. Spear's real estate auctions are typically live on-site events conducted by Richard Spear.
Both formats follow the same buyer's premium, payment, and terms structure. Live auction terms are always posted in advance and announced on auction day.
Ready to start bidding? Registration on HiBid is free and takes two minutes. One account gives you access to all current and future Spear auctions.
Register on HiBid Free →Section 02
Thinking about an auction? Here's how the process works from your first call to your settlement check — and what you can expect from us every step of the way.
The first step is a free consultation — call us at 479-968-2028, text Julie at 479-857-7144, or fill out the form on our Sell With Spear page. We'll schedule a time to come to your property at no obligation.
At the consultation, we assess what you have, discuss your timeline, and explain the auction process and fees. If it's a good fit for both sides, we sign a contract and get to work. From consultation to auction day, most sales are scheduled within two to four weeks depending on the volume of property.
Spear Auctioneers is compensated through the buyer's premium — the 10% added to winning bids that buyers pay. In most cases, there is no upfront cost to the seller for a standard estate or personal property auction.
Specific fees, commission structures, and any additional costs (such as advertising or special services) are discussed transparently at the consultation and outlined in the auction contract before you commit to anything. We do not charge hidden fees.
No. That is one of the most important things that sets Spear apart. We come to you. Every auction is conducted at your property, with your items exactly where they sit. You do not need to move, haul, stage, or prepare anything before auction day.
We photograph, catalog, and market every item at your location during our pre-auction work period. Buyers come to your property on pickup day and remove what they purchased. When pickup day is over, your property is cleared.
There is no hard minimum, but an auction needs to make economic sense for both the seller and the auctioneer. Very small collections or minimal property may not justify a full auction. We'll give you an honest assessment at the consultation.
For most estate situations — even modest ones — auction is often the most efficient and fair way to liquidate. If auction isn't the right fit for your situation, we'll tell you that too and suggest alternatives. We'd rather be honest upfront than take on a sale that won't serve you well.
This is where Spear's investment in digital technology pays off for you. We market every auction through multiple channels:
The result is a local auction with national buyer reach — and that reach directly impacts what your items sell for.
Settlement typically occurs within a few business days after pickup day, once all buyer payments have been collected and reconciled. You receive a complete printed accounting of every lot sold — the lot number, description, hammer price, and buyer — along with your settlement check.
The specific settlement timeline is outlined in your auction contract. If you have questions about timing for your specific sale, ask us at the consultation.
Most lots in a well-run auction sell. However, occasionally items attract no bids or bids below a seller's expectations. We discuss reserve options and minimum bid policies during the consultation so there are no surprises.
Items that do not sell remain the seller's property. Disposition of unsold lots — whether that's donation, disposal, or other arrangements — is discussed and agreed upon in the auction contract. We don't leave you with a surprise pile of items after pickup day without a plan.
Ready to talk about your situation? Consultations are free and come to you. No obligation — just a conversation about what you have and whether auction is the right fit.
Schedule a Free Consultation →Section 03
Real estate auctions are a distinct service from personal property sales. Richard Spear has conducted live real estate auctions in Pope County and the River Valley for over 40 years. Here's how the process works.
A real estate auction is a public, competitive sale where qualified bidders compete for the property in real time. The highest bidder wins — subject to any stated terms and conditions — and the sale proceeds to closing on an accelerated timeline.
Unlike a traditional listing that can sit on the market for months, an auction creates a defined sale date and a competitive environment that often drives strong results. The seller knows exactly when the property will sell. Buyers know the process is fair and transparent — everyone bids the same terms.
Spear conducts live, on-site real estate auctions — meaning the auction takes place at the property itself, not at an auction house. Registered bidders come to the location, and Richard Spear calls the bids in person.
Auction tends to work well in specific situations:
If a traditional listing is a better fit for your situation, Spear maintains a professional referral relationship through the Meimerstorf Group, affiliated with Moore & Co. Realtors. One call with us gets you connected to the right resource.
Terms vary by auction and are always stated in full in the auction announcement. Typical terms for a Spear real estate auction include:
Yes — preview dates and private showing opportunities are offered for most real estate auctions. The preview date and time are posted in the auction announcement. If you'd like a private showing before the auction, call Richard Spear directly at 479-968-2028.
We strongly encourage all serious bidders to inspect the property thoroughly before auction day. Properties sell as-is and there is no opportunity for inspection contingencies after the hammer falls. Come prepared.
Interested in selling your property by auction or attending a real estate auction? Call Richard Spear directly to discuss your situation or arrange a private showing.
Call 479-968-2028 →Section 04
A few things people ask about us and how we work.
Yes. All three of our auctioneers hold active Arkansas Auctioneer licenses issued by the Arkansas Auctioneers Licensing Board. Julie (Spear) Meimerstorf, Richard Spear, and Hayden Spear are all individually licensed.
Julie and Richard are also licensed Arkansas Realtors. Julie practices real estate through Moore & Co. Realtors as part of the Meimerstorf Group. Hayden holds his real estate license under Arkansas Real Estate Collective in Russellville. License numbers are posted on our About page.
Our primary service area is Pope County and the surrounding River Valley region of Arkansas — including Russellville, Atkins, Dardanelle, Clarksville, and surrounding communities. We have also conducted sales in adjacent counties and neighboring states.
While our auctions take place at properties throughout the region, our HiBid online platform means our bidders come from across the country. Local auction, national reach.
If you're unsure whether we serve your location, call us at 479-968-2028 and we'll let you know.
We handle a wide range of property types:
If you're not sure whether your property is a good fit for auction, call us. We'll give you an honest assessment.
Our office is located at 605 East Parkway, Russellville, AR 72801.
Phone: 479-968-2028
Mobile / Text Julie: 479-857-7144
Email: spearauctioneers605@gmail.com
For auction-day questions, text Julie directly. For consultation scheduling or general inquiries, call the office during business hours.
Didn't find your answer? We're easy to reach — call, text, or email and we'll get back to you within one business day.
Call 479-968-2028We're Here to Help
Don't overthink it — just call. Our team is small, experienced, and happy to talk through your situation with no pressure and no obligation.