Well, we'd like to say we sell only Rembrandts, Van Goghs, Tiffany Lamps and Original Remington Bronzes, but that's far from the truth. The truth of the matter is we sell a huge variety of antiques and collectibles, from low-end to high-end, with items ranging in auction price from $20 to $20,000. These items include, but are not limited to, Antique Furniture, Oriental Rugs, Signed and Interesting 50's Furniture, Ornate Lighting Fixtures and Mirrors, Figurines, Lamps, Pottery Porcelain, Art Glass, Depression Glass, Carnival Glass, Stemware, Perfumes, Oriental Items, Antique Jewelry, Gold Jewelry (Both Antique & Contemporary), Vintage Costume Jewelry, Bakelite, Collectible Pens, Pocketwatches, Good-Quality or Antq. Wristwatches, Bronzes, Oil Paintings, Prints, Sculpture, Ephemera, Stamps, First Edition & Other Collectible Books, Advertising Items, Old Toys & Dolls, Antique or High-Quality Cameras, Crocks, Floor Lamps, Garden Statuary & Architectural Items, Stained & Leaded Glass Windows, Tapestries, Fancywork, an Occasional Automobile, etc., etc.
Many of the items we auction come from estates, collections, people who are moving, people who need a little bit more space and a little less stuff, people who need to liquidate, and people who just love to find treasures and sell them for more than they paid for them. We like to sell items that are desirable, that will get people jazzed and excited - not junk. Unfortunately, there is a fine line sometimes between a desirable collectible and junk. If you're not sure if you have gems or junk, let us know and we'll help you determine what you've got and what it's worth.
2. What Are Your Commission Rates?
Sample Consignment:
Total Sold = $400
Commissions = $103.50
Your Check After Commissions = $296.50
As you can see from this example, the Fiesta Divided Tray went fairly well. Since it brought over $135, the commission rate on that item is 15%, or $43.50. The Royal Doulton Mug sold pretty well also, bringing $80, but since it did not bring over $135, the commission rate is $20 for that piece. The lot of 3 Beanie Babies did poorly, only bringing $20. The Commission Rate on that lot is still $20, netting the consigner $0. The lot with only one Beanie Baby brought only $10. The Commission rate for this item is still $20, since it brought less than $135. In this case, the consignor had a net loss of $10 on that item.
One Lesson to be Learned Here is not to bring in Beanie Babies, or any other item of low worth. Even though Beanie Babies were all the rage a few years ago, trends in antiques and collectibles do change. If you need a little guidance as to whether your item is of any value, please phone us or stop by with your item. We will advise you on your piece to the best of our ability.
Another Lesson to be Learned from this is that if all you have are Beanie Babies (or other low-value items), it's best to sell as many of these together as possible. Say, for example, you had 20 Beanie Babies in a box at home. It might have been a better strategy to sell all 20 Beanie Babies as one lot, since they were bringing, on average, $7.50 each. That way, your commission might have been only $22.50 for the whole lot of 20 (Assuming the lot brought $7.50 per beanie baby).
Generally, if you don't think your item or grouping will bring $135 easily, it's best to keep adding similiar items to the lot to enhance it a little. When it comes to making lots for auction, the more the merrier. That is to say the more (nice items grouped together), the merrier (the consignor will be when they get their check).
The rates quoted above are our standard commission rates. Our commission rates may differ for various situations and clients.
We are Open For Consignments Monday thru Saturday, 9:30 A.M. to 5:45 P.M. We urge you not to bring items in around auction times, as we have many matters to attend to as the auction gets near. However, if you live 2 hours away and are coming in to buy things at the auction, and would like to drop some things off, we'll find a way to get your consignment put away for the next auction.
The Best Time to Bring Consignments in is the day or two after the last auction. This allows plenty of time for us to advertise the quality items the best way that we can, by listing them on the internet, picturing them on the internet, including descriptions of your items in newspaper and trade newspapers, etc. Not only that, but the people who are picking up items from the last auction will see your stuff, and they may decide to come to the next auction and bid on it!
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