Frequently Asked Questions

1: Where is Clean Sweep Auctions located?

Clean Sweep Auctions is based in Port Washington, New York. As a premier sports memorabilia auction house, we serve collectors across North America and around the world from our Long Island headquarters.

2: How does the Clean Sweep Auctions 8:00 pm EST cutoff rule work?

To participate in the final "Extended Bidding" session, you must place a bid on your desired lot before 8:00 pm EST on the auction's closing night. If you have not bid on a specific item by this time, you will be locked out of that lot unless you have achieved VIP Bidding status.

3: What is VIP Bidding and how do I qualify?

VIP Bidding allows you to bid on any lot during the extended session, even if you didn't bid on it before the 8:00 pm cutoff. To qualify, you must place active bids on 10 or more different lots before the 8:00 pm EST deadline.

4: When does a Clean Sweep auction officially end?

We utilize a lot-by-lot closing system that begins at 12:30 am EST. Each lot remains open until 15 minutes have passed without a new bid. This ensures every collector has a fair chance to place a final offer without "sniping" software interference.

5: Does Clean Sweep Auctions charge a Buyer’s Premium?

Yes, the standard Buyer’s Premium is 22%. Please note that late-night bidding (after 2:00 am EST) are subject to additional surcharges of 5% after 2 AM, and 10% after 2:30 AM. We recommend placing your maximum bids early to avoid these incremental costs.

6: Does Clean Sweep Auctions ship to Canada and internationally?

Yes, we provide international shipping primarily to Canada and Europe. Because shipping rates and insurance for high-value vintage cards vary by region, international bidders should contact us at (516) 625-0457 for a shipping quote prior to bidding.

7: What states are subject to sales tax on auction wins?

In compliance with economic nexus laws, we collect sales tax for shipments to Florida, Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you are a dealer with a valid resale certificate, please submit it to our office before the auction ends to be exempt.

8: What payment methods are accepted for sports card auctions?

To keep fees low for our consignors and bidders, we do not accept credit cards or PayPal. Payments must be made via check, money order, or bank wire. This policy helps us maintain our status as a competitive marketplace for high-end collectibles.

9: How do I know the sports memorabilia is authentic?

Authenticity is our top priority. Most autographed items are authenticated by JSA (James Spence Authentication) or come with a Clean Sweep Letter of Authenticity. We also feature third-party graded cards from PSA, SGC, and Beckett (BGS) to ensure the highest standards of hobby integrity.

10: How can I consign my vintage sports card collection?

We are always looking for high-quality consignments, including pre-war baseball cards, estate collections, and rare memorabilia. Through our partnership with Lelands (Collectors First), we offer a "Multi-Auction Strategy" to maximize your return. Contact us for a free collection appraisal.

11: Can I sell my collection for cash instead of consigning?

Yes. For collectors seeking immediate liquidity, Clean Sweep Auctions offers outright cash purchases. We are aggressive buyers for vintage sets, high-grade singles, and significant historical memorabilia.

12: Are auction bids at Clean Sweep Auctions retractable?

No. All bids are binding contracts. Once a bid is placed, it cannot be retracted or canceled. We encourage all bidders to review lot descriptions and high-resolution images carefully before committing to a purchase.

13: What types of cards and collectibles does Clean Sweep Auctions specialize in?

We are a premier destination for vintage sports cards, with a heavy emphasis on pre-war and post-war baseball cards from 1880 to 1980. Our inventory frequently features:

• Baseball: 19th-century Old Judge (N172), T206 "The Monster," Goudey, Play Ball, and complete Topps and Bowman sets.
• Multi-Sport: High-end basketball, football, hockey, and boxing cards, including iconic rookie cards like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Tom Brady.
• Graded Cards: We specialize in third-party authenticated cards from PSA, SGC, and Beckett (BGS/BVG).
• Non-Sport & Memorabilia: Beyond cards, we auction historical autographs, game-used equipment, and non-sport sets (e.g., Star Wars, Mars Attacks).
• Regional Interest: Based in the Tri-State area, we often feature rare New York regional issues and estate collections from the Northeast.

14: What is the difference between a modern trading card and a vintage card?

Generally, cards issued before 1980 (some extend this to 1985) are “vintage”. Their value tends to come from rarity – due to lower production runs and population shrinkage over time versus Modern cards. Meanwhile, cards issued after 1980 are considered “modern”. Modern cards have more value when they feature star players and are made in limited runs. Related to that, the “Junk Wax” era (from 1985 to 1995) is characterized by massive overproduction. Unless cards feature key players and/or are highly graded gems, they will have less value versus other periods, whether produced earlier or later.

15: How does grading affect the value of a trading card?

Card grading provides an independent assessment of the condition of the card and provides assurance to prospective buyers that the description of the card is accurate. Graded cards hold higher value than similar "raw" cards because of the credibility the grade provides. In addition, grading companies will encapsulate the card for protection.

16: How does autograph authentication affect the value of a trading card and sports memorabilia?

It is important to have autographs authenticated because they are the most forged items in collectibles. In the absence of authentication, only expert and knowledgeable collectors will take a chance on buying the item. Authentication provides credibility of the legitimacy of the autograph, and as such, authenticated items hold a much higher value. Authenticators will provide a certificate of authenticity (COA), will often encapsulate the item if it is possible, and add serial numbers for online verification.

17: What is the best way to sell my sports cards and sports or pop culture memorabilia?

There is no one answer that fits all cases. Generally, the highest value, rarest, and most historically important items are best sold through auction houses. These firms have a client base of collectors who want items that are high value, are graded and authenticated, and have the backing of the auction house to ensure a safe and hassle-free transaction. For mid-tier sports cards and memorabilia, online sellers provide the best value, but auction houses provide more assurances. To sell online yourself, you must be prepared to market them properly, ship them safely, and deal with the questions or concerns that may come before, during, or after the sale. Many collectors who want to sell mid-tier items use auction houses – whether by consigning or selling their items to them – to avoid the costs and responsibilities that come with selling online. Sports card and memorabilia shows are another way to sell your items. You can get offers from multiple dealers and auction houses that have tables or booths at these shows.

18: How do I choose an auction house to sell my sports cards and memorabilia?

Choosing the right auction house is not about who is the largest or has the flashiest auction. If consigning to an auction house, the single most important variables to consider are: 1) Have they sold this item before? If yes, their experience and past successes mean they likely already have buyers for your item. 2) Will my item get the attention it needs to maximize the price? This is where the large auction houses may be at a disadvantage. Your item could be competing with similar items in the same auction, diluting the value of your cards or memorabilia. 3) Do they prioritize you and provide honest expectations? The auction house is your partner in the sale, and their responsiveness to your needs is an important consideration that should not be overlooked. The more responsive an auction house is, the more likely it is they will treat you like a trusted partner, ensuring you get the best deal possible. 4) How will they market your items? Ask this question directly and find out how your item will appear in the auction, in any catalogs, in online marketing, and during pre-auction publicity. Ensuring your item gets the attention it deserves is critical to the final sale price. 5) What will they charge for their services? Most auction houses have similar commission structures, but it can pay to shop around to find the lowest commission rates. But be aware – the lowest rate doesn’t mean you will get the highest net return on your investment. You must consider the added value that each auction house will provide. It is more important to get a fair commission rate with a higher ROI than to pay less, but get a lower overall outcome.