Posted on April 21st, 2023.

Are you looking to sell valuable items at auction? If so, you’re likely familiar with the concept of auction consignments. Whether you’re a private seller or a professional auction house, consigning items to be auctioned off can be an effective way to earn money and move items quickly. In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the basics of auction consignments, including how the process works, the benefits, and the risks.

What Is An Auction Consignment?

Auction consignment is the process of entrusting a third-party, usually an auction house or online auction platform, to sell items on your behalf. In most cases, the auction house or platform will take a percentage of the item’s sale price as payment (called a “seller’s commission”). The rest of the proceeds are sent to you as the consignor.

For example, let’s say you have a valuable painting that you’d like to sell at auction. You could hire an auction house to handle the sale on your behalf. You would then submit the painting to the auction house, and they would take care of the rest—listing the item, marketing it, and handling the sale. After the sale, the auction house would take their commission (typically 10-20% of the sale price), and the rest of the money would be sent to you.

The auction consignment process is a great way to sell valuable items, such as antiques, art, and collectibles. It involves the seller (or consignor) of the items, the auction house, and the potential buyers. Here is an in-depth look at the auction consignment process.

The first step is to contact the auction house to discuss the items that are being considered for consignment. The auction house can provide the seller with a list of items they are interested in and will also provide an estimate of the items’ value. This helps the seller to determine if consigning the items is worth it.

Once the seller has decided to consign the items, the auction house will send a representative to conduct an inspection. This is to make sure that the items are genuine, in good condition, and properly cataloged. The auction house will also take photographs of the items to be used in the sale catalog.

After the inspection is completed, the auction house will determine the sale date and estimate the items’ sale price. The seller and the auction house will agree on a commission rate, as well as a minimum price for the items.

When the sale date approaches, the auction house will send out invitations to potential buyers, and the items will be listed in the sale catalog. The auction house may also advertise the sale in newspapers and other media outlets.

On the day of the auction, potential buyers will inspect the items and place bids. The auction house will then announce the winning bidder. Once the auction is complete, the auction house will pay the seller their share of the proceeds, minus the commission, and the buyer will take possession of the items.

The auction consignment process is a great way to sell valuable items, and it is an efficient and reliable way to ensure that the seller receives a fair price for their items. It is important to remember, however, that it can take some time for the auction to be completed and for the proceeds to be received.

Benefits of Auction Consignments

There are many benefits to auction consignments that make it an attractive option for sellers. Let’s explore a few of the key advantages:

1. Wide Reach: Auction houses and online auction platforms have a large customer base that gives your item greater visibility and the potential to reach a wide range of buyers. This can significantly increase the chances of finding the right buyer and getting the best price for your item.

2. Professional Expertise: Professional auction houses have teams of experts who understand the market and know how to market and sell items for maximum value. This eliminates the need for sellers to have to learn the ins and outs of the auction process. Additionally, these experts are able to provide free evaluations of items and provide estimates of what the item may bring at auction. This allows potential sellers to get an idea of what their item may be worth before they decide to go through the auction process. Furthermore, the experts can also help sellers understand the terms and conditions of the sale, so they can make an informed decision on how to proceed.

A good auction house will also provide a secure environment to ensure that the items are properly protected, and that the transaction is completed in a timely and efficient manner. Furthermore, many auction houses offer a satisfaction guarantee, so the seller can feel confident that they are making the best decision for their items.

3. Sell Quickly: Auction houses and online platforms have streamlined processes that make it easy to list and sell items quickly. This makes it ideal for those who need to liquidate items quickly.

Risks of Auction Consignments

As with any type of selling, there are some risks associated with auction consignments. Here are a few of the key risks to be aware of:

1. Unsold Items: It’s important to understand that there is no guarantee that items will sell. It’s possible that items may not meet the reserve price or that there may be insufficient interest in the item, meaning that it won’t sell. This can result in losses for the seller.

2. Fraudulent Buyers: Auction houses and online platforms can be vulnerable to fraudulent buyers. While auction houses and platforms will typically have policies and procedures in place to protect sellers, there is still a risk that buyers may not pay or that they may attempt to defraud the seller in some way.

3. Fees and Commissions: Auction houses and online platforms typically charge fees and commissions for their services. This can significantly reduce the amount of money that sellers receive for their items.

Auction consignments can be a great way to quickly and effectively sell valuable items. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if it’s the right option for you. Be sure to research the auction house or platform that you’re considering, understand their fees and commissions, and be aware of the risks involved. With the right approach, auction consignments can be a great way to move items quickly and maximize the return on your valuable items.