LivePayments: What is it?

LivePayments by LiveAuctioneers -  the fastest way to collect funds.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why use LivePayments? 

• Collect invoices faster with online checkout that supports credit/debit cards and bank transfers.  Auction houses using LivePayments typically see a 75% payment rate within 24 hours of invoicing.
• Guarantee your credit/debit card payments against fraud. All domestic and international credit/debit card transactions are covered with 100% fraudulent chargeback protection.
• Guarantee your ACH payments against fraud. All ACH transactions are protected with 100% fraudulent ACH reversal protection.*
• Disburse funds quickly. You can choose to receive funds twice weekly, or opt-in to Next Day Transfers when you’re in a hurry.
• Appeal to a growing audience of young buyers, who seek faster and easier checkout. 
• Reduce disputes. Houses on LivePayments see 21% lower dispute rates, with an even further reduction of disputes by 40% when automatically collecting payments using Autopay.
• Offer payment flexibility to buyers. You get paid in full upfront while bidders enjoy the ability to buy now, pay later through Zip.
• Enjoy tax compliance with free, automated sales tax calculation, collection, and remittance services.
• Rely on our payment services and fraud prevention teams to mitigate fraud, fight disputes, and protect your payments.
• Save on overhead by automatically collecting unpaid invoices using Autopay.
• Gain access to other site-wide programs like LiveShipping. 
• Simple enrollment: Apply for LivePayments today by filling out and submitting an application form on your LiveAuctioneers seller dashboard. Receive approval in as quickly as 3 business days and activate LivePayments in your next auction.

What currencies are accepted? 

Hundreds of currencies can be processed from anywhere in the world.

What payment methods can bidders use? 

Almost every kind of credit and debit card is accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Discover, and Diners Club. LivePayments also supports Bank Transfers (ACH transactions) and Zip for even more payment flexibility.

What is the online payments fee? 

For credit/debit card payments, LivePayments charges a competitive flat rate regardless of card type (Amex, Visa, etc.) or origin (the U.K., Canada, etc.). Bank Transfers (ACH transactions) are subject to a lower online processing fee, and allow you to offer your bidders a lower-cost payment method. Reach out to your Account Manager to inquire about pricing and current promotional offers.

When are funds disbursed to auction house partners? 

Funds are disbursed according to your schedule, with the ability to request a disbursement multiple times a week and as soon as the following day. Please note that your first disbursement will take five business days to be released, but all subsequent disbursements will conform to your payout schedule.

What is the maximum dollar value that can be transacted? 

There is no limit to the dollar amount that can be transacted. 

How are refunds to bidders handled? 

If there is a cancellation, simply note it in your EOA and please email our fi33ce team (fi33ce@liveauctioneers.com) to alert them of the cancellation or refund. Funds will be redistributed to the bidder with only the minor cost of processing fees. If funds have already been distributed to the seller, LiveAuctioneers may request a transfer from the auction house partner. 

How do I get fraud protection?

LivePayments provides 100% chargeback coverage on fraudulent credit/debit card transactions and on fraudulent ACH reversals. For non-fraudulent payment chargebacks by bidders, such as those due to damaged or misrepresented items, disputes must be settled between the auction house partner and bidder, while LiveAuctioneers will provide support and assistance.  

To be eligible for coverage, lots must be shipped to the address in the ‘Payment Received’ email sent by LiveAuctioneers. Rerouted shipments are not eligible for chargeback coverage. Please be sure to tell your shipping partners, especially UPS and FedEx, to require a signature upon delivery and to not allow changes of address.  

Chargeback coverage is only provided on unauthorized credit/debit card usage (eg., stolen credit card). Chargebacks are not covered when, for example, when lots: 

• do not arrive
• are not as described or photographed, and/or
• are damaged during shipping

For the greatest likelihood of winning a chargeback, please keep the following records for each lot:

• Pick-up information: date, name, a signature of person or company who picked up the lot, condition report signed by shipping agent at the time of packing (for white glove and packing services)
• Shipping details: carrier, tracking number, delivery date, and received signature confirmation
• Terms of sale disclosing fees, tax/vat/customs responsibilities, and return policy. 

To account for damages incurred during transit, it is required to ship items with full-value insurance.

Items should be shipped 72 hours after payment is received by LiveAuctioneers. Orders are reviewed, and LiveAuctioneers may refund the payment if a bidder is deemed too risky. On the rare occasion that payment is refunded, the auctioneer is notified and can seek other methods for collecting payment if they wish. 

*To receive fraudulent ACH reversal coverage,

• Proof of shipment must be provided, in the form of a tracking number, corresponding to the guaranteed order showing the item was shipped to the shipping address on the order
• Shipment must be at least 5 business days after the ACH transaction is initiated or after the ACH transaction settles, whichever is last
• The shipment date cannot be later than the return notification date
• A copy of the signature of receipt must be provided for any orders where the shipping method on the order is BOPIS (Buy Online Pick Up In Store)

ACH Return code must be for No Authorization, Authorized Revoked or Corporate Not Authorized

Is the use of LivePayments required?

The use of LivePayments is required for any United States-based auction house. It provides an easier experience for bidders who provide payment information once for multiple purchases across all auction houses, leading to significantly more repeat purchases. 

Can auction house partners collect via other methods such as cash, check, or other means? 

To provide a seamless bidder checkout experience and ease of reporting, we encourage auction house partners to collect all payments via LivePayments. They are, however, free to collect cash, wire, checks, or other means. Payments are meant to be flexible. Chargeback coverage is only available for items paid for directly on LiveAuctioneers.com.

What information is needed to get started? 

1. Complete the application form provided by your Account Manager.
2. Once submitted, your application will be reviewed.
3. If approved, you’ll be notified via email and LivePayments can be enabled for your next auction.