NOTE:  For various reasons we are sometimes asked to conduct private auctions, particularly in cases where a Will reads that family members are to receive a large number of items from an estate and not stipulating who should receive which items.  In such an instance where the family members cannot decide or they cannot ascertain the actual sentimental values of such items as relating to each family member; then the simplified method is to auction the items off only amongst family members and whatever they bid for the items is deducted from their share of the estate at the time of closing -- Sorry, these auctions are not open to the general public.  For such auctions, the fee is a reasonable flat rate.
ALSO NOTE:  Occasionally  in our regular Estate Auctions, family members will be permitted to bid if they were not permitted to take items from the Estate beforehand or they chose not to take items without paying for them and could not determine a satisfactory value.  In such instances, it will be announced at the beginning of such auctions that some family members will be bidding, but only on certain items that they particularly desired to purchase for themselves and not in an effort to "run up" the auction.