September 2026 Pop Culture Auction

Terms Of Sale

 

PLEASE NOTE UPDATED TERMS AND CONDITIONS 08/28/2026

 

1. The bidder accepts the conditions of sale stated as follows by offering bids via mail, telephone, fax, email or internet. Bids are NOT accepted via email or social media on closing days.

 

2. Items are sold to the highest bidder. HAKE’S BUYER’S PREMIUM IS 20%. A 3% fee will be added to all credit card payments. Accepted payment methods are Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, check, money order and we will also accept payment by wire transfer. PayPal is not an accepted method of payment.

 

3. Each item has a specific “opening” or “reserve” bid. If you are the first person to bid that amount, the item will be sold to you at that price unless another bidder raises your bid. Once an item has an opening bid, additional increases as follows:

 

$0 - $199 =$5

$200 - $499 =$10

$500 - $999 =$25

$1000 - $1999 =$50

$2000 - $4999 =$100.

$5000 - $9999 =$250.

$10,000 - $19,999 =$500.

$20,000 - $49,000 =$1000.

$50,000 - $99,999 =$2500.

$100,000 - $199,999 =$5000.

$200,000 - $499,999 =$10,000.

$500,000 - $999,999 =$12,500.

$1,000,000 and up =$25,000.

 

Bids are posted on the internet as received or you may call prior to closing days between 9:30 A.M. - 5:30 P.M. Eastern time, Monday - Friday to learn current high bids and place bids.

 

4. Tie bids are decided by the earliest bid received.

 

5. Bidders must pay packing, postage and insurance costs. All packages are insured for the full amount without exception. When packaging and postage costs rise, Hake's will adjust shipping costs accordingly. Increases in shipping costs, based on published rates from USPS or UPS and/or personal disagreement with shipping costs and methods are not an acceptable reason to default on payment. Beginning April 2025, all orders will ship UPS with the exception of small items such as pinbacks, ribbons, badges, etc. and those with PO Box addresses. Unless otherwise stated by the bidder, all packages sent via UPS and/or USPS will require a signature if the value is over $200. If you prefer the carrier to leave a package without signature requirement, please contact us. For international shipments, Hake’s will declare the FULL value of each package on customs forms, without exception, along with factual descriptions of enclosed material and the appropriate corresponding correct HST codes. Bidders are responsible for all taxes, import, customs and duty fees. It is the bidder's responsibility to make sure their mailing and shipping address are updated prior to the close of the auction.

 

We ship in the order paid—first in, first out. Thus, we begin charging orders as instructed by customers immediately following the close of the auction and continue to fill orders as they are paid. Please make sure your shipping address is updated prior to the close of the auction. Doing so after the close of the auction may result in a package not being delivered to the correct address. It is the bidder's responsibility to make sure their mailing and shipping address are updated. Without exception, all special requests for “Rush Delivery” will incur a charge of $30.00 plus any additional shipping fees associated with the expedited shipment. Overall, our goal is to ship all orders within 15 business days of payment. Allow four weeks from the day you send payment before calling to check on the status of your order.

 

6. Pennsylvania, Maryland, California, New Jersey, New York, Illinois and Virginia residents must pay state sales tax or provide a resale number. Out-of-state bidders picking up items at our office are subject to 6% PA state sales tax, unless a copy of your re-sale number is provided.

 

7. Bidders who have not previously purchased from Hake’s must accompany opening bids with a valid Master Card, VISA Card, Discover Card or American Express number and expiration date. Such a bidder authorizes Hake’s to charge auction purchases and shipping costs to that credit card. If Hake’s is denied authorization by the card issuer, the bidder agrees to remit payment in full within two weeks of notification that the credit card authorization was declined. A deposit may be required of new bidders at Hake's discretion. If payment is not received within two weeks of notification the bidder is

 

8. No retraction of bids is permitted for any reason. Once a bid has been placed, it may not be retracted.

 

9. Bidding sales are not approval sales. Winning bids must be honored by bidders. We cannot assume any responsibility for errors made in the amount bid or placing bids on incorrect lot numbers. Errors in descriptions or our inability to fill an order are the only causes for a refund. Requests for adjustments must be made within three days of receipt of the items and accompanied by a letter of explanation. Late remittance for purchases, however, is cause to negate this privilege. No returns will be permitted for any reason after settlement is made with our consignors.

 

10. If an item is damaged in transit or missing from your order, DO NOT DISCARD ANY PACKING MATERIALS. CALL US IMMEDIATELY AT 866-404-9800 M/F 9:30 AM - 5:30 PM. See Loss Or Damage section below.

 

11. All material is genuine and no reproductions are offered in the catalogue, unless noted in the item description.

 

12. Electrically operated items are sold for their collectible value only. Actual use of such items is at the purchaser’s risk. Mechanical items such as toys, watches, etc. are sold as is. Upon receipt of items, Hake's is not responsible for items that are not operable even if described as working in the auction listing.

 

13. Some auction items are sold based on Hake's own grading standards and determinations. Please note that grading is always subjective and opinions among experts often do differ. Hake's does not guarantee that any outside source or third-party grading service will issue the same opinion and will not issue any refunds under such circumstances.

 

14. Hake's also offers items for sale in multiple category areas that have received third party grading. These items are either provided to Hake’s already graded, or arrangements can be made to have Hake’s directly submit items to different third party grading services. Any lot that has been graded by a third party service solely reflects the assigned grade in accordance with that respective company's grading scale. Therefore, lots that are graded by a third party grading company are sold "as is". Hake's shall not be liable for any patent or latent defect or controversy that arises from an encapsulated lot in our auctions. Certain warranties may be available from a particular grading service and inquiries should solely be directed to that company. All bidders should be aware that third party holders occasionally incur damage (chipping, cracking, loose rails) during shipping, despite Hake's best efforts to ensure your lots arrive safely. If a case is damaged in transit, Hake's will attempt to facilitate having the lot re-cased on the winning bidder's behalf, but returns will not be accepted due to holder damage that does not affect the grade or condition of the item itself.

 

14a. All third party grading population/census information stated in an auction listing is done at the time of cataloging that specific lot. There can be a month or more between that time and the end of the auction. Therefore, if this information is paramount to your bidding, we strongly suggest you review that specific report to verify up-to-the-minute status. Also, please note that the information we give is for that exact variant/variety, there are at times many subtle differences (i.e. card backs, offers, COO, etc.) and this must be taken into account. It should also be noted that changing classifications and/or new discoveries by third party graders can, and sometimes do, affect population/census reports. Bidders are ultimately responsible for confirming the most up-to-date information available.

 

15. Hake's is not responsible for shipping damage to picture frames (including glass) of any kind. By request, we will remove the item from the frame and dispose of frame prior to shipping.

 

16. Hake’s reserves the right to cancel the auction or re-schedule the closing dates without recourse from any bidder or prospective bidder.

 

17. Should Hake’s be prevented by fire, theft or any reason from delivering any property to the buyer, any liability of Hake’s shall be limited to the amount actually paid for the property by that buyer.

 

17A. Force Majeure

 

Hake’s Auctions shall not be deemed in breach of these Terms, nor liable for delay or failure in performance, to the extent such delay or failure is caused by events beyond its reasonable control, including but not limited to acts of God, fire, flood, governmental orders, power failures, internet or system outages, or other similar events that materially interfere with auction operations.

 

18. Payment Terms

 

All sales are for cash. Full payment is due within 7 days after the closing date of the auction. We accept major credit cards, checks, money orders, and wire transfers. PayPal is not an accepted method of payment. Personal checks from first-time customers may require up to two weeks to clear. Payment by certified check or money order will avoid this delay. Returned checks are subject to a $25.00 service charge (per transaction).

 

Hake’s mailing address is: Hake’s Auctions, PO Box 12001, York, PA 17402.

 

A valid credit card is required to register and bid in our auctions. The credit card on file serves as a guarantee of payment for any balance due.

 

While bidders are expected to log in and manually pay their invoices promptly, any outstanding balance that remains unpaid 14 days after the close of the auction will be automatically charged to the credit card on file. This charge will be processed on the next business day following the 14-day period. A three percent (3%) credit card convenience fee will automatically be added to the charged amount to pay the invoice in full. Failure to submit or arrange payment within the required timeframe may result in forfeiture of the purchase, suspension or permanent revocation of bidding privileges, or additional fees as outlined in these auction terms.

 

If you require additional time to complete payment, you must contact us immediately following the close of the auction to arrange an approved payment schedule. Accounts with approved payment arrangements will not be subject to automatic charging under these terms.

 

If you intend to pay by check, money order, or wire transfer, you are expected to initiate payment promptly. If your payment is expected to arrive close to the 14-day deadline, you must notify us to avoid automatic billing to your credit card.

 

If a charge to the card on file is declined, Hake’s reserves the right to assess a penalty fee of $25 and pursue collection of the outstanding balance, including any applicable legal or administrative costs.

 

 

 

By participating in any Hake’s auction, all bidders acknowledge and agree to these payment terms.

 

19. All bids are contractual obligations, and all bidders are obligated to honor their bids. Invoices not paid when due will be subject to a late payment fee of 1.5% per month on outstanding balances. Bidders will also be liable for all court and attorney's fees should it become necessary for Hake's to refer their account to a collection agency or attorney.

 

20. Governing Law, Venue, & Arbitration

 

These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of Pennsylvania. Any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be resolved exclusively through binding arbitration conducted in York, Pennsylvania, under the rules of the American Arbitration Association (AAA). The arbitrator’s decision shall be final and binding upon the parties, and judgment upon the award may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction.

 

20A. Class Action Waiver

 

The bidder agrees that any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or relating to these Terms shall be brought solely in the bidder’s individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class, collective, or representative action. The bidder expressly waives any right to participate in or bring a class action, collective action, or representative proceeding against Hake’s Auctions.

 

21. Employees of Hake's and its affiliates are permitted to participate in any auction and are subject to the same consignment restrictions noted below.

 

22. Consignors may not bid on items they have consigned or do so by proxy or agents. Any consignor who is determined to have violated this term shall find themselves prohibited from bidding in any future Hake’s auction.

 

23. Unclaimed Property; Abandonment

 

All lots must be removed from Hake’s Auctions’ premises or have shipping arrangements confirmed within forty-five (45) days following the date of fully paid invoice. Buyers are solely responsible for arranging pickup or paying for shipment of all purchased lots.

 

Hake’s Auctions may, at its sole discretion, assess reasonable storage and handling fees for any lot not removed within forty-five (45) days of the date of fully paid invoice.

 

If a purchased lot remains unclaimed, and no shipping or pickup arrangements have been completed, within one hundred eighty (180) days following the date of fully paid invoice, such lot shall be deemed abandoned property. In such event, after reasonable notice to the Buyer at the contact information provided and failure of the Buyer to respond, ownership of the lot shall automatically transfer to Hake’s Auctions without refund. The Buyer expressly acknowledges and agrees that no refund shall be issued under any circumstances, including, without limitation, because the consignor has already been paid and the transaction cannot be unwound.

 

Upon such transfer of ownership, Hake’s Auctions shall have the absolute right, at its sole discretion, to resell, consign, retain, or otherwise dispose of the lot in any manner it deems appropriate, without any further obligation to the Buyer.

 

By placing a bid, each Buyer expressly agrees to these terms and waives any and all claims against Hake’s Auctions arising from or relating to the disposition of abandoned property under this provision.

 

 

 

CONDITION DEFINITIONS

 

We devote much time to providing detailed descriptions of the items so that you may bid in confidence. Here are most of the condition terms we use and their definitions. If you need more information or clarification about an item, please call before the auction closing day.

 

 

 

MINT Flawless condition.

 

 

 

NEAR MINT (NM) Just the slightest detectable wear.

 

 

 

EXCELLENT (EXC.) Minor visible wear.

 

 

 

VERY FINE (VF) Well cared for with only moderate visible wear and/or aging.

 

 

 

FINE An item in nice condition with some general wear but no serious defects.

 

 

 

VERY GOOD (VG) Noticeable wear and aging, with moderate defects present.

 

 

 

GOOD Obvious overall wear and/or defects.

 

 

 

FAIR Obvious damage and wear.

 

 

 

POOR Extensive damage and wear.

 

 

 

HAKE # Refers to Hake's 3 volume reference "The Encyclopedia of Political Buttons."

 

 

 

QUOTE MARKS ("...") In a description indicate words that actually appear on the item.

 

 

 

 

 

LOSS OR DAMAGE

 

Contact Hake's immediately by phone or email.

 

 

 

DAMAGE: Contact Hake's immediately upon receipt of delivery to shipping address on your auction invoice. Hake's is not responsible for damage to package/items if a freight forwarder is used by a bidder subsequent to package being delivered to address on auction invoice. Keep all packaging (shipping box, packaging materials) as well as the damaged item itself. Hake's will then contact the carrier (UPS.USPS) to start the claim process.

 

LOSS: If a package is lost we will contact the Postal Service or UPS and request a package tracer. The purpose of the tracer is to provide proof of delivery or if unable to prove delivery, request a claim for loss.

 

Reimbursement for loss or damage will not occur until the claim process has been concluded, which could take up to 6-10 weeks.

 

LAY-AWAY TERMS

 

Lay-away terms are available on invoices of $5,000.00 or more. In order to use the lay-away plan, one third of the total amount due must be received within 14 days after the close of the auction. Please contact us prior to the closing day of the auction should you choose to exercise this option. The remaining balance is due 30 days from the closing date. The deposit is not refundable for any reason, and no exchanges can be made. Items will be shipped when paid in full. An interest charge of 1.5% per month will be applied to lay-away balances that exceed the lay-away due date by 30 days or more. If there is a balance still due beyond 75 days of the original payment due date, the deposit is forfeited and the items returned to our inventory.

 

INVOICES

 

Invoices are emailed (if you have a valid email address on file) or mailed (if no email address on file) to all bidders no later than the Monday following the closing date. Information about winning bids cannot be provided by telephone until that same following Monday.

 

PRICES REALIZED

 

Prices realized for the current and past auctions are available on the Past Auctions page of our website.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

 

My bid was higher than the current high bid- why and I not the high bidder? You have exposed another bidder's confidential maximum bid and must top it by the full 10%* bidding increment to become the high bidder.

 

How will I know if I am outbid on an item? Hake's sends an email anytime you are outbid on an item.

 

Why didn't I receive an outbid notice by email? Please make sure to check your Junk email folder. If it does not appear there, please contact us.

 

I won an item(s)- what happens next? After the final closing day of an auction, winning bid notices will be sent via email. Once shipping costs have been calculated, all bidders with valid email addresses will receive an email with their invoice, including shipping, attached to the email. If you have no email address on file with us, a hard copy of the invoice will be mailed to you.

 

You can pay for your invoice via credit card, by clicking on the link provided in the invoice email. (See updated Payment section for other information)

 

Once your item(s) are packed and ready to be shipped, an email will be sent to you confirming this and a tracking number will be included.

 

How do I stay current with Hake's? Sign up through the Get Email Alerts link at the top of every page of our website and we'll make sure you receive updates via email. Find us on social media as @HakesAuctions on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

 

How do I consign to a Hake's Auction? Send photos of your material to Kelly McClain at mkelly@hakes.com, Scott Mussell at mscott@hakes.com or for Original Comic Art Sean Rutan at comicart@hakes.com. See additional information on the How to Consign section of the website.