Consigning at an auction house involves partnering with the auctioneer to sell an item on your behalf. The process typically starts with an appraisal, where the auction house evaluates the item's value and potential market interest. If both parties agree to move forward, a consignment agreement is signed, outlining terms such as fees, reserve price (the minimum price the seller will accept), and commission rates. The item is then cataloged, marketed, and displayed for potential buyers.
Once the auction takes place and the item sells, the auction house deducts its commission and any associated fees from the final sale price before paying the consignor. If the item doesn't sell, it may be returned or re-entered in a future auction, depending on the terms of the agreement.
Consigning at an auction house is not always guaranteed. If the auction house is not interested in your item—perhaps due to its market value or relevance—they may decline to perform an appraisal. In such cases, getting an appraisal can be difficult. This is where services like mearto.com step in.
We offer online appraisal services for a wide range of items, providing a professional evaluation even if an auction house passes on your piece. With mearto.com, you can always obtain an appraisal and gain insight into your item's value without the need for a traditional auction house.