Valuations
If you are looking to sell an item at auction you will first need to get your items valued. There are a number of methods to get a valuation; these include an online valuation, visiting the auction house in person or a home visit.
The first method is the quickest and easiest method of getting a valuation. Most auctioneers have a free online valuation form on their website where you input details such as your name and email followed by several images and a description of the items you wish to be valued. This information will then be passed on to the relevant specialist who will reply in due course. It is important to include as much information about the items as possible including dimensions and provenance if relevant to give the specialist a good idea of what they are dealing with. You should ensure the images you upload are of decent quality too so the specialist can see the object(s) in detail. After a few days, the specialist will reply informing you if the items are of interest or not. If they are they may also include some more information about the item and attach a preliminary estimate of the value. From that point onwards you will need to decide if you want to sell or not. If you wish to sell the items at auction you will need to organise collection/drop off.
The next method is the most common. Auctioneers will usually designate one or two days a week for valuations where you can walk into the premises and get your items valued by the appropriate specialist. If you are unable to attend one of these days you can organise an appointment with a specialist. To do this either ring the auctioneer, send them an email or submit a form on their website. Before you set off you will need to make sure your item(s) are suitable for transportation to avoid damage on your journey. You will also need to carry the items into the building from the car so make sure it is suitable for the type of object(s) you are bringing. There’s no such thing as too much bubble wrap. You will need to go to reception and explain what items you have brought so they can find the best specialist for the job. When the valuer is available you will be taken to the valuation room or their office to discuss the items. This is a fairly informal affair where they will ask you some basic questions about the item such as provenance, how long you’ve had it etc. At the end of the conversation, the specialist will give you their opinion about the value of the item and if they wish to sell it at auction. If the item isn’t valuable there is little point of you selling the lot(s) at auction as after all charges are deducted you will not end up with much in your pocket. If the item is valuable then they will inform you of the sale they would consign the items too and ask if you would like to go ahead. If this is the case you will need to complete some paperwork. For more information on this please read my article on consigning. If you want to think it over before consigning, you can take your items home with you. Also, if more research is needed the auctioneer may ask for you to leave the item(s) with them for a few days. Once the research has been completed they will contact you and inform you of their findings and the value of the object(s). At this stage, you will decide if you wish to consign to auction or collect your item(s).
The final method is a home visit, which only relevant if you have a large collection of items. This is worth doing if your items are difficult to transport or you have a large quantity on objects you wish to sell/get valued. You will need to call or email the auctioneer to organise this. They will check the specialist’s calendar and book an appointment slot for them to come and visit. They may ask for some preliminary photographs and a brief description of the items before booking the appointment to make sure it is not a waste of time for both you and the specialist. These visits are usually free but should only really be organised if you have a genuine interest in selling the item(s). Some auctioneers charge a flat fee for a home visit but will waive the charge if you decide to sell at auction. This type of home valuation is referred to as a sales valuation. If you wish to get a valuation for probate or insurance purposes, this will need to be dealt with separately. Both of these valuation types have a charge attached as there is paperwork to be completed and a full inventory may need to be done requiring multiple specialists to be involved. Information about these services (if available) will be on the auctioneer’s website.
Finally, some auctioneers may organise a valuation event at a local museum, stately home, town hall etc. These will be advertised on the auctioneer’s website or through more traditional advertising methods such as posters, magazines, newsletters and social media. For more information about an auctioneer’s valuation days and terms, visit the ‘how to sell’ section on their website. The calendar on the website may also include more information about valuation days/events.
