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Using Invaluable Live! and Invaluable Services
Invaluable Live! Help/FAQ
- Viewing an Invaluable Live! Auction
- Registering for an Invaluable Live! Auction
- Participating in an Invaluable Live! Auction
- System Requirements for Using the Invaluable Live Console
Invaluable Services Help/FAQ
- Free Invaluable Services
- Invaluable Subscriptions
- Searching the Invaluable Database
- Navigating Through Search Results
- Printing Search Results
- Contacting Invaluable and Auction Houses
Invaluable iPhone App
- What is the Invaluable iPhone app?
- How do I log in?
- Where can I find a list of forthcoming auctions?
- Can I register to bid?
- How do I bid?
- Can I bid live?
- Do I need a special phone or operating system?
- Can I search the Invaluable database?
- What is the Lots button?
- How can I share my search results?
- How much does it cost?
- Where can I send my ideas to improve your iPhone app?
- Do you have apps for Blackberry or Android?
Invaluable Live! Help/FAQ
Viewing an Invaluable Live! Auction:- Go to http://www.invaluable.com.
- In the red navigation bar across the top of the page, click on Auctions.
- Now you're looking at a list of live auctions. Scroll down to find the auction you want to watch, then click the gold WATCH NOW button. It is located on the right.
- Now the bidder console opens and you can see the auction in progress.
Please note:
- If nothing happens, or you receive an error message, you may need to update your Java. Go to www.java.com to update your Java.
- Some businesses and educational institutions block Java applets or the ports required for the bidder console. If you do not receive an error message but cannot see the bidder console, please contact your network service provider.
- Go to http://www.invaluable.com.
- In the navigation bar across the top of the page, click on Auctions.
- Now you're looking at a list of live auctions. Scroll down to find the auction you want to watch, then click Get Approved to Bid. It's right next to the Auction Details button.
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You are now on the Sign-In/Register page:
- If you're already a registered Invaluable member but you haven't signed in, enter your username and password to go to the Request Approval to Bid page. Provide the information requested by the auction house and be sure to check off the four confirmation boxes at the bottom of the registration page. Then click Submit Request for Approval. The auction house will review your request to bid and notify you if you have been approved.
- If you're not a registered member of Invaluable, you'll need to register before you can participate in any Invaluable Live! auction. To register, click Register free for Invaluable Live! and follow the instructions.
- For more detailed instructions on how to register and participate in an auction, as well as a peek at the bidder console, take a moment to view Learn How To Bid!, a short overview of how Invaluable Live! works that includes a detailed description of the bidder console. To reach the tutorial click Auctions in the main navigation bar. Then click Learn How to Bid! in the upper right hand corner of the page. It's right under the Search Upcoming Auctions field.
Please note:
- If nothing happens, or you receive an error message, you may need to update your Java. Go to www.java.com to update your Java.
- Some businesses and educational institutions block the ports required for the bidder console. If you do not receive an error message but cannot see the bidder console, please contact your network service provider.
- Go to http://www.invaluable.com.
- In the navigation bar across the top of the page, click on Login.
- In the drop-down Dashboard, sign in with your username and password.
- Once you have signed in, click Continue to Invaluable Live! at the bottom of the drop-down window.
- Now you're in Invaluable Live! My Messages. Click the My Auctions tab (it's next to the My Messages tab).
- Find the auction that you want to bid in and click the Bid now with Invaluable Live! link on the right.
- Now the bidder console opens and you can see and participate in the auction.
Please note:
- If nothing happens, or you receive an error message, you may need to update your Java. Go to www.java.com to update your Java.
- Some businesses and educational institutions block Java applets or the ports required for the bidder console. If you do not receive an error message but cannot see the bidder console, please contact your network service provider.
PC:
OS: Windows XP Service Pack 2 or higher, Windows Vista, Windows 7
RAM: 512MB
Browsers: Internet Explorer 7 or 8; Firefox 3 or higher
Java: 1.6 or later
Mac:
OS: OSX 10.5 and 10.6
Processor: PPC or Intel
RAM: 512MB or higher
Browsers: Safari 4 (with OSX 10.5 only) and Firefox 3 (with OSX 10.6 only)
Java: 1.6 or later
The Invaluable Live! Console does NOT support:
OS: Windows 2000 or earlier, Mac OSX 10.4 or earlier
Browsers: Netscape, Opera, Chrome
Internet Connection: We do not support dialup or wireless Internet
If you need technical assistance, please send a message to customer.services@invaluable.com or click Live Chat (in the Support/Help menu at the bottom of all Invaluable pages).
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Invaluable Services Help/FAQ
Free Invaluable ServicesA) Why do I need to register with Invaluable; what will it cost?
Registering with Invaluable is FREE and enables you to bid on Invaluable Live! auctions. You will not be charged to create your account or access any of the free Invaluable services described below. Before registration you can use the website to learn about Invaluable, and access certain free services.
After registering with Invaluable for free, you will be able to: 1) search or browse catalogues of forthcoming auctions and view search results complete with photos and estimated prices; 2) research prominent auction houses including house history, forthcoming auctions, and previous auction highlights; 3) search the entire past auctions database but view only partial results (without full descriptive information, photos, or estimated and realised prices ); and 4) research artists by name or style (includes biographies, examples of their artwork in the Invaluable database, pricing metrics, related artists, and links to other valuable free online content).
In order to see past auction records complete with photos and actual prices paid, you will need to subscribe to one of the many Invaluable paid subscription plans that start as little as $20 per month. Please click on any of the individual subscription plan links in the Subscribe menu in the footer of each page to learn more about Invaluable subscription plans and benefits.
B) How do I register to create my account with Invaluable?
You will need to register with Invaluable only once when you establish your account regardless of whether you are registering for free Invaluable services, or subscribing to one of the many paid subscription plans available for as little as $20 per month. You can register anytime, and it is simple and quick.
To create your new Invaluable user account please click Join in the main navigation bar. Then complete the registration form. Be assured that all information you provide to Invaluable is transmitted using safe, private Secure Socket Layer (SSL) technology.
After your account has been created you can manage your user information, or change your subscription options by going to your My Invaluable page. To get to this page, login then click on MY INVALUABLE in the dashboard. Please keep your username and password stored in a secure and confidential place since they are necessary to log in and access the Invaluable databases or manage your account.
If you ever forget your username or password, click Login in the main navigation bar, and then click the Forgot Password button. Your username and password will be emailed to you.
Invaluable Subscriptions
A) Why should I subscribe to Invaluable?
Invaluable is the largest and most complete online database of antiques and art market information. The completeness of Invaluable makes it the best tool for pricing, identifying, researching, and finding antiques and art. Invaluable is the only service licensed by traditional auction houses to aggregate and publish their unabridged catalogues including photographs, expert research, and the actual selling price of each item. And Invaluable's search capabilities provide instant and intuitive access to millions of items sold at more than 30,000 auctions worldwide
In order to view past auction records with complete descriptions, available photos, and estimated and actual prices paid, you will need to subscribe to one of the many Invaluable paid subscription plans that start as low as $20 per month. Subscriptions are available in three different levels (Basic, Premium, and Professional) with flexible payment and access options. For more information, or to subscribe to Invaluable please click the SUBSCRIBE button at the bottom left of every page.
B) How do I subscribe to Invaluable?
Subscriptions to Invaluable are available anytime anywhere by providing a major credit card to the transaction processing system on the Invaluable Secure Socket Layer (SSL) server. Subscribing is fast and easy.
i) If you want to subscribe but have never created a user account by registering or subscribing before, please click the SUBSCRIBE button at the bottom left of every page. You will then go to the Invaluable Subscriptions page.
Or, if you previously created a user account by registering with Invaluable but don't have an active subscription, sign in by clicking Login in the main navigation bar and entering your username and password. Once logged in, scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on a link in the Subscribe menu.
ii) Choose the subscription type you'd like by clicking the corresponding link. Then choose your subscription level and duration. If you received a promotional offer or are using a coupon, submit the code in the space provided. Next review the Subscription and Terms of Use Agreements by clicking on the corresponding links. Both agreements are legally binding, so please review them carefully. If you accept the terms of both agreements, click the I Accept button at the bottom of the page and proceed to the secure Subscription Payment page.
You will not be obligated to pay Invaluable, nor will your credit card be billed until after you complete the form with all of your account and credit card information and submit it by clicking the Process Transaction button at the bottom of the subscription Payment page. This is a secure process that uses a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) processing system to ensure credit card safety. Fill in all required fields on the Subscription Payment page. Follow the instructions on the form for submitting your account and credit card information. If any required information is not submitted, the page will return with instructions about which information is missing. After completing the form click the Process Transaction button at the bottom of the page, print a copy of the invoice for your records, and start using your subscription.
C) How do I extend, renew, or upgrade my subscription?
i) If your subscription has not expired and you wish to extend it before it expires, or if you have an active subscription that you'd like to upgrade to a higher-level subscription, sign in by clicking Login in the main navigation bar and entering your username and password. Once logged in, click MY INVALUABLE in the dashboard to access your My Invaluable page. Click Upgrade or Renew Subscription.
ii) Choose the subscription type you'd like by clicking the corresponding link. Then choose your subscription level and duration. If you received a promotional offer or are using a coupon, submit the code in the space provided. Next review the Subscription and Terms of Use Agreements by clicking on the corresponding links. Both agreements are legally binding, so please review them carefully. If you accept the terms of both agreements, click the I Accept button at the bottom of the page and proceed to the secure Subscription Payment page.
iii) If you are upgrading from a subscription that has value remaining to a higher-level subscription (from Basic to Premium, or from Premium to Professional) you will have the option of applying that value towards the purchase of the higher level subscription. Any time on the lower value subscription that results from a promotion or coupon may not be applied to a higher value subscription and is always used last (at the end of the original subscription period). For example, if you purchase a 12-month Basic service subscription using a coupon that provides one month for free, then there will be no remaining value to apply towards an upgrade to a Premium level subscription after 11 months. Choose the subscription level you want, read the Invaluable Subscription Agreement and Terms of Use Agreement, then click the I Accept button at the bottom of the page and proceed to the secure Subscription Payment page.
(iv) You will not be obligated to pay Invaluable, nor will your credit card be billed until after you complete the form with all of your account and credit card information and submit it by clicking the Process Transaction button at the bottom of the Subscription Payment page. This is a secure process that uses a Secure Socket Layer (SSL) processing system to ensure credit card safety. Fill in all required fields on the Subscription Payment page. Follow the instructions on the form for submitting your account and credit card information. Since you have previously provided a credit card, you may pay using one of the following options: i) use the original card again if it has not expired; ii) edit the original card information if it has a new expiration date; iii) use a different card on file with Invaluable; or iv) provide a new valid credit card.
If any required information is not submitted, the page will return with a message indicating where information is missing. After completing the form click the Process Transaction button at the bottom of the page, print a copy of the invoice for your records, and start using your subscription.
D) I would like to subscribe to Invaluable, but my organization won't reimburse me for my credit card subscription payment to Invaluable. How do I pay with my organization's check?
Invaluable subscriptions generally are not available through any form of payment other than online credit card, but if you represent a non-profit organization that can only subscribe by purchase order and has a written policy prohibiting credit card reimbursement, please call Invaluable Customer Support at 01983 556220.
E) How do I change my renewal options?
Invaluable offers manual or automatic subscription renewal. Manual renewal requires you to go through the subscription process every time you renew, while automatic renewal automatically renews your account and charges your credit card at the end of each subscription term. To review or change your renewal type, sign in by clicking Login in the main navigation bar and entering your username and password. Once logged in, click MY INVALUABLE in the dashboard to access your My Invaluable page. In the Subscription Info table you will find your current renewal setting. Click the Make auto or Make manual link in the Renewal Method column to change your renewal type.
F) How do I review my transaction history?
To review your transaction history, sign in by clicking Login in the main navigation bar and entering your username and password. Once logged in, click MY INVALUABLE in the dashboard to access your My Invaluable page. At the bottom of the page you will see your Subscription History. To see the details of a particular transaction, click the transaction number on the left side of the page.
Searching the Invaluable Database
A) How do I search the Invaluable auction results database?
There are several ways to search the Invaluable database. All of the searches available through Auction Features and Fine Art Features allow users to view PORTIONS of the Invaluable database for free (although registration is required in most cases). Please hover over these features for a description of each. They include: i) search fine art works by artist name and art style; ii) search forthcoming auctions by catalogue or keyword; iii) search auction house by name; iv) and search past auction results by keyword with results showing only auction house, title, and partial description. In order to see complete auction results, it is necessary to subscribe to Invaluable using one of the many flexible and affordable plans.
B) How do I perform a keyword search?
To search by keyword, enter your search terms in the Search Here field at the top right of the page.
Keyword search allows you to be specific about which keywords and phrases you would like to be included in and/or excluded from your results. Keyword searches are the most precise way to search the Invaluable database since they utilize the most precise relevancy ranking technology available. Searches generally take less than 10 seconds with a high-speed Internet connection. The more results that fit your search criteria, the longer time the page will take to load. Results are limited to 500 items, and are returned with fifty on each page.
General conditions that apply to Invaluable keyword searches include: 1) Boolean terms are not necessary (i.e. do not use AND, OR, or NOT ); 2) searches are not case sensitive; 3) do not use quotes or punctuation; and 4) separate words with spaces only.
To access additional search options, use the options in the Helpful Links section at the bottom of every page. There are four functions in keyword searches. At least one word must be entered in one of the function boxes to complete a search. The more functions used, the more precise the search results become. Search functions may be used independently or in combination.
i) All the words in any order:
The most basic search, it will only return records that contain ALL of the words entered in the search box. For example, a search containing Alfred Thompson Bricher will only return records that contain all three words at least once. An auction record that contains Alfred Bricher in one sentence and Thompson two sentences later will also return since any record containing the three words anywhere in the record in any order would meet this search criteria. A record with just the words Alfred Bricher, but not Thompson would not be returned.
ii) Any of the words:
This search function will return records where at least one of the words appears, but not necessarily all. This search feature is most effective when used in conjunction with others. The "All the words in any order" search example above for Alfred Thompson Bricher will return all records with at least one mention of the three words any where in the auction records. Using the "Any of the words" search in addition you could add that the records must contain the words oil and/or watercolor. Only records that contain Alfred, Thompson and Bricher with at least one mention of oil, watercolor, or both oil and watercolor will be returned. In this example, charcoal drawings by Alfred Thompson Bricher without mention of oil and watercolor would be excluded.
iii) The exact phrase:
This search function returns only results that contain the exact phrase entered (i.e. all the same words in the same order). For example, searching for Alfred Bricher using "The exact phrase" function will only return auction records that contain the words Alfred Bricher in exact order, but will not return records that contain Alfred Thompson Bricher.
iv) Exclude the words:
This search function should be used in conjunction with one of the others to exclude records. This function is extremely useful for narrowing large search results or limiting irrelevant matches. For example an "All the words in any order" search for Alfred Bricher will return all auction records with at least one mention of both words anywhere. By using the "Exclude the words" function and the words landscape and watercolor the search results would be narrowed to focus on portrait and still life oil paintings.
Once your keywords have been entered, choose the time period you would like to search by clicking on All, Forthcoming, or Past in the "search scope" drop-down menu. Click the "Search" button on the bottom right of the screen to complete the search.
If you would like Invaluable to remember your most recent search, click the Remember Search Criteria box before performing the search.
C) How are search results returned?
After you submit your Speed or Advanced Search, results are returned in the Item Search Results that include basic information about each auction record including lot number, lot title, brief description, auction house, estimate, realised price, and available thumbnail images. The Item Search Results do not include the full detail of the auction record provided to Invaluable by auction house. To learn more about full descriptions contained in Lot Details, please see F) below.
If more than 50 results are returned, you may navigate to the next pages using the Next 50 button on the top or bottom of the screen. Additionally you may navigate to a specific page by using the Jump To Page feature at the bottom of the search results page.
In order to maintain a high level of performance, Invaluable limits both basic and advanced search results to 500 total lots. For more precise results, searches that return more than 500 matches be refined using the advanced search functions, see C) above.
Navigating Through Search Results
A) Can I sort my search results?
Yes. Search results may be sorted by lot number, auction date, and price in ascending or descending order.
The default sort for all searches is by date. Data may be re-sorted at the top of the search results page by clicking on the desired sort in the drop-down menu at the top of the screen.
B) I have my results, now how do I see more information on a specific lot?
To access the full record view simply click on the thumbnail image in the summary screen or on the gray Lot Details button. The lot detail screen displays the entire auction record including any additional photos and expanded text descriptions including condition, provenance, dimensions and more. See more information about printing this information below.
C) How do I return to my search results from the Lot Detail view?
To return to the original search results from the Lot Detail view, click on Return to Lot Summary. Additionally, if you would like to navigate from one item detail to the next without returning to the Item Search Results, click on Next Lot in the Lot Detail screen. Please do not use the Back button on your browser.
D) How do I see a larger image?
Click on the thumbnail (small) image in the lot detail screen to reveal a larger version. You may leave the image open as long as you wish and even open other images to compare against. See more information about printing this information below.
E) I clicked on the thumbnail but no image popped up.
If you have a pop-up blocker installed on your computer, it may prevent the image window from opening. Most popular pop-up blockers include a feature that allows you to disable the blocking software for certain websites. Please refer to your pop-up blocker's documentation.
Printing Search Results
A) How do I print the Lot Detail page?
Just like any other page in your Internet Explorer browser, you may print Invaluable Lot Detail pages as follows:
i) Position your mouse at the beginning of the information you wish to print from the Lot Detail page (e.g. at the top of the page: the auction house or item title), left-click and continue to hold your mouse while highlighting the remainder of the page (highlighted area will appear blue on most screens) that you wish to print (e.g. the bottom of the lot description).
ii) Once you have highlighted the information you wish to print, you may stop holding the left click of your mouse (your selection will remain highlighted).
iii) Right click your mouse and select Print on the small menu.
iv) In the Print Range section of the Print Menu, you will see button options corresponding to All, Pages: _ to _ and Selection. Choose Selection and then select the OK button at the bottom of the page to print.
B) How do I print Image Detail pages (large photos)?
If you would like to print the Image Detail of an object (the larger photo), you may do so as follows:
i) Position your mouse over the border between the photo edge and the image frame (NOT directly over the photo itself).
ii) Right click and a menu should appear that includes a Print option (above Refresh).
iii) Left click on Print.
iv) In the Print Range section of the Print Menu, you will see button options corresponding to All, Pages: _ to _ and Selection. Choose All and then select the OK button at the bottom of the page to print.
Contacting Invaluable and Auction Houses
A) How do I contact Invaluable?
If you experience any difficulties using Invaluable, please contact technical support during normal business hours (9:00 AM to 5:00 PM GMT, M-F) by email at customer.services@invaluable.com. For general inquiries, please call Invaluable Customer Support at 01983 556220.
B) May I contact an auction house about an item in an forthcoming auction?
Yes, some auction houses are very interested in receiving your inquiries about items in their Forthcoming Auctions. To contact an auction house regarding an item click on the Request More Information button on the bottom right hand corner of the Item Detail page. An email window will appear that allows you to submit a question. All emails are sent directly to the auction house.
If you would like to contact the auction house by phone, simply click on the auction house name. A pop-up window will appear with the auction house contact information including any available phone numbers. Please tell the auction house that your are referring to an forthcoming auction catalogue on Invaluable, and make sure to have the date and lot number(s) available when calling to allow the auction house to answer your questions in a timely manner.
NOTE: Some auction house do not allow direct emails from Invaluable, in these cases you will need to contact the house via the provided phone number.
C) How do I place a bid for an item in an forthcoming auction?
Unless indicated in the Lot Details, you must contact the auction house directly or attend the auction in person to place a bid.
Invaluable iPhone App
What is the Invaluable iPhone app?With the Invaluable iPhone app you can find the lots you want and bid on them anytime, anywhere. You can view forthcoming lots and share them with friends, register to bid, place absentee bids and browse auction price results.
How do I log in?
Press the Login button to log in. After you log in, the button name will change to Logout. Press it once more when you're ready to log out.
Where can I find a list of forthcoming auctions?
Press the Auctions button to view a list of forthcoming Invaluable Live! auctions. Press the All Live Auctions button at the top to view the complete list. Press the Featured button for a shorter list.
Press any auction title to view the catalogue. Use the Back button to return to the list.
Can I register to bid?
Yes, you can use your iPhone to register to bid for Invaluable Live! auctions. Just log in and find the lot you want to bid on. Press BID NOW to open the Request for Approval to bid. Complete all fields, review and agree to the terms and conditions, then press the Complete Registration button.
If the auction house approves you immediately, you can place absentee bids right away. If you don't see the option to leave a bid, log into Invaluable.com to check your approval status.
How do I bid?
Once you've been approved to bid, just press BID NOW and enter your bid. You'll see a pop-up message if you've been outbid. Press the INCREASE BID button to submit a higher bid.
Can I bid live?
Using the Invaluable iPhone app you can place absentee bids at any time up to 2 hours before the sale. To bid live during the auction, log in to Invaluable.com on sale day.
Do I need a special phone or operating system?
You can use an iPhone or iPod Touch with operating system version 3.0 or later. Check your device settings to find out which operating system you have.
Can I search the Invaluable database?
Press the Search button (bottom right) to display the search page. You'll find the search field at the top of the page. Enter your search terms and press the Search button again to run your search of forthcoming Invaluable Live lots.
To search past Invaluable Live! lots for the last 12 months, press the Past button above the search field. Use Invaluable.com to run searches of the complete Invaluable database.
What is the Lots button?
Press the Lots button to see the top estimated lots for forthcoming Invaluable Live! auctions.
How can I share my search results?
Press the Share button to send links by email or post them to Facebook.
How much does it cost?
The Invaluable iPhone app is free!
Where can I send my ideas to improve your iPhone app?
We'd love to hear from you! Please send your comments and suggestions to feedback@Invaluable.com.
Do you have apps for Blackberry or Android?
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