Auction Houses

[Duer 157099]

Since ebay is really a buyers market, I need to explore options for moving some of my items that I just don't think would realize their value on ebay. I've been watching that British show "Cash in the Attic" and boy it seems like auction houses are the way to go.

My perception is that the best US auctions are on the East Coast. Can anyone suggest how I go about choosing one, and what the whole procedure is like? Is it worth it?

Any personal experiences with selling at auction?

I would want to put some lots together of like items, is that a better idea than selling things separately?

[yy4me]

1. Going the auction route can be a good way to go but you must

have really good stuff or the commissions and (in some cases) the advertising fees will drop your margin to a point where it will be of no use. Right now, it is hard for anyone in the biz to sell anything or to liquidate anything. There are also good, better, best in terms of auctioneers here as well as anywhere else.

For top of the line goods, Ron Bourgeault in NH is about the best--mostly furniture, Skinner used to be good, no idea now. There are levels in the New England area with which I am no longer familiar.
Check out the Newtown Bee(Antiques and the Arts Weekly out of Newtown CT) to see what is going on.
There is also Maine Antiques Digest to check but I can no longer afford it. I subscribed when it was new @ about $3.00, now I guess it is about $ 45.00 a year. Too rich for me now that I am out of the biz. Good luck...It sure is hard now to put it all together to make a reasonable living with this great old "stuff".

[grasswire]

2. Could you find an auction house in Northern California?

Two reasons:

1. Mid century is more likely to sell better in the west, I think.

2. Shipping costs will kill ya for an eastern auction, don't ya think?

What about Petaluma? There seems to be a lot of antique stuff going on in that area.

[Duer 157099]

3. Maybe, I just don't know - I may just have preconceived notions

when I think auction, I automatically think east coast (or england). I mean, these people out here are the ones giving all this stuff to the thrift stores!

Also, I don't typically have big or heavy stuff, wouldn't be too concerned about the shipping. What I'm concerned with is getting in front of the right audience.

When I look at auction catalogs and the selling price, and then compare that with ebay prices, I really fear selling anything valuable on ebay.

As for Petaluma, you're right, it does have an antiques business, but guess what? I haven't even visited *any* stores there yet. Talk about an untapped resource. Woe to all of us when I do... :D Hell, I just learned about some more thrift stores in Santa Rosa that I've not yet been to.

But I have to make some realistic arrangements for moving things that I pick up. And with ebay fees and s/h, most things I don't even want to bother listing there, it's not worth it.

I'm thinking that just making my own website with all my finds on it might be the way to go. Like just a repository of stuff and contact info, I see lots of people doing that. :shrug: I don't know

[grasswire]

4. yeah....or....

....what about a booth in an antique mall? I've done that before and it can work if you find the right location with the right kind of foot traffic. There is the downside of shoplifting that's maddening. But it might be another possibility.

[sufrommich]

5. I've been keeping track of my shipments and what states buy the

most (I sell strictly mid century stuff).I've sold the most to New York,but Ohio is a close second followed by California.I think a lot has to do with how much mid century architecture an area has.

[sufrommich]

6. I meant to direct this to dotcom.Oops.

[zabet]

7. Quick and easy...

www.auctionzip.com

type in your zip code..and go from there..you do not have to be a member to use the auction search. :hi:


Different auction houses operate differently, some charge buyers' premiums, some charge sellers, some charge on both ends. Check their terms first. I have sold certain pieces at an Aucton House nearby, expecially NC Primitive furniture - it always brings a premium there and some pieces I ended up selling there, never even got a bid when listed on ebay.

[Vinca]

8. I think I'm cursed when it comes to auction houses.

My stuff rarely does well. I might take it to one when I've totally given up selling it any other way, but it's a last ditch effort before throwing in the towel. The last time I took something to an auction house it didn't sell and the auction house lost the item.