| All auction houses will offer a free verbal valuation of | | | | A good idea is to send photos of the object (or |
| antique items when it comes to selling at auction. | | | | objects) to several sales rooms for an indication of |
| When evaluating an item, the condition, color, | | | | value. If there are a substantial number of items or a |
| desirability and age can all contribute to the value. | | | | collection, most will visit the premises housing the |
| There are no absolutes! Each antique is different in | | | | items. |
| some way from every other, and therefore values | | | | Before choosing a sales room to handle the sale it's |
| vary. Being able to accurately describe antique items | | | | important to obtain a summary of the charges. This |
| using the best terminology could uncover their real | | | | could include commission rates, insurance costs, |
| value. | | | | handling charges and catalogue illustration charges. |
| Reference books that explain universally used trade | | | | The sales room is obliged to present an accurate and |
| terms, and price guides to antiques and collectibles | | | | fair description of each item listed in the sales |
| can be important during the pre sales evaluation | | | | catalogue along with an estimate of value. The |
| process. | | | | auction should also be announced to the public in |
| Once a decision is made to proceed with an auction | | | | relevant local and trade papers. |
| sale it's up to the auctioneer to get the best possible | | | | When items are sold the speed with which payment |
| price. The auctioneer receives a commission based on | | | | is made to the seller depends upon how quickly the |
| the final sale price, so the higher the sale price the | | | | sales room receives payment from the buyer, |
| more commission earned by the auctioneer. | | | | however expect to wait between two and four |
| The best auction house to appoint to sell is often | | | | weeks. |
| dictated by the object and its value. The larger | | | | Selling antiques at auction can prove to be an |
| auction rooms are generally not interested in | | | | exhilarating and rewarding experience. It's important |
| household goods, and as a rule do not entertain the | | | | to realize the fact that a successful sale can never |
| idea of selling anything with a value less than $1,000. | | | | be guaranteed. |