Auction services: define the assignment and services
The service assesses suitability, prepares descriptions and organises the agreed sale.
Define the assignment
Art, collections and business inventory need different expertise and buyers. This assignment concerns movable goods; company liquidation or official forced sales are separate procedures.
Specify the result
Record the item list, condition and services in the consignment agreement. An estimate offers guidance, a starting price opens bidding and an agreed reserve sets a sale threshold. These are not automatically identical and do not guarantee demand.
| Service | Agreement to make |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Inventory, review and lot descriptions |
| Auction | Date, presentation and agreed reserves |
| Settlement | Proceeds, charges and unsold items |
Prepare the inquiry
Describe type, known count, condition and available provenance. A single list initially suffices for a mixed collection. Before sale settle who may authorise it and which items are excluded. The provider later identifies required evidence and views.
Describe the scope and available information without copying confidential originals into the first inquiry. Unknown technical details can remain open. Later agree a suitable transfer channel and a person responsible for questions.
Clarify responsibilities and limits
Not every item is suitable. Missing provenance, third-party rights or particular trading restrictions need separate clarification. A highest-price promise is not a reliable comparison. Before consignment agree what happens on no sale, withdrawal or buyer non-payment.
Compare costs and billing
The hammer price is not net proceeds. Compare seller commission, lot fees, insurance, transport and possible unsold-item costs. Buyer premiums are a different charge. Ask for an indicative calculation of deductions for your consignment.
Compare the same service over the same period. Ask for setup, ongoing work, additional effort, expenses and VAT to be shown separately where applicable. Clarify approval of additional work. Without specific information a national price range would be misleading.
How the assignment proceeds
First assess the collection and discuss a suitable sale route. Consignment, catalogue approval and auction follow. Explicitly agree inspection, dismantling and collection for large goods. Finally check settlement and remaining items.
First discuss the objective, scope and responsibilities. The quotation then records services, assumptions and exclusions. Check an agreed first stage before substantial further work starts. At completion record the result, unresolved matters and handover; changes need an agreed approval process.
Compare quotations carefully
Check what will actually be delivered and what contribution you must make, as well as price. A low basic fee can be offset by extras or missing services. Give every provider the same requirements.
| Check | What the quotation should explain |
|---|---|
| Scope | Included work and expressly excluded tasks |
| Cooperation | Contact person, questions and approvals |
| Billing | Charging basis, extras and terms for additional work |
| Net proceeds | All deductions and payment terms |
Checklist before starting
Agree these points before consignment.
- Inventory. Define suitable items and exclusions
- Handling. Define transport, inspection and returns
- Fees. Check no-sale terms and net settlement
Frequently asked questions
Will every item be accepted?
No. Suitability, condition and demand are checked. A direct sale or another route may be more suitable.
Is clearance after the auction included?
Not automatically. Dismantling, removal, unsold items and cleared premises require an agreed scope.
Do I need complete records first?
No. Explain what is available and what remains to be clarified. Records needed for the actual work are agreed later.
Should I include confidential content in the inquiry?
No. A brief description of the need is enough. Credentials, complete customer files and information about third parties belong in a later agreed protected exchange.
Is the commissioned service free?
The free quotation inquiry does not replace a fee proposal. Agree costs and assignment terms with the selected provider.
How is the timetable agreed?
Give any known date and explain its significance. The provider must check capacity, necessary information and dependencies; an inquiry does not yet confirm a delivery date.
